I purchased a used 2001 kodiak 400 last spring. I've put over a 1000 miles on it with no problems. Most of my riding is light duty. A few times I take it and ride it hard. When I do, the belt squeals and I get slipping at higher rpms. I also had blueish smoke coming from the rear of the bike. I think its time to replace the belt. Is this a job I can do myself? what tools do I need? Is it better of being done at a dealer? How much will it cost? Thanks for your help!

 

If you have any experience working on quads and have some tools, it's not too difficult. I would get a manual if you are at all serious about doing it yourself. The main items are: taking off the right foot rest, taking off the transmission case and screwing in a bolt to get the clutch to relax enough to pull out the belt. Please get the manual as this is just a simple explanation. Also, check the breather tube on both ends of the transmission to make sure they are tight and fully seated in the housing. If either ends of the breather tube are loose they will let in water and dirt, which will make the belt slip. I have gone through water deep enough to float the quad and never had the belt slip. Unless it gets into the top of the breather tube. You can see the end of the breather tube under the rear tail light and in the front it is under the hood, it think. If you follow these tubes back you can see where they go into the transmission.

Good Luck,
Mark.

 

Thanks for the info- I think I'll take it to the repair shop this time. I don't want a torn down ATV with hunting season right around the corner. Also, I kind of suspect that there is a leak in one of the air intakes as it will squeal if I go through any extended water.