Loud clunking at 40mph

Wisconsinvmax

Member
Joined
Dec 7, 2014
Messages
30
Location
Wisconsin
hey guys finally get some snow to ride on and something went wrong on my way to work this morning. I was running full throttle in a field and it started clunking really bad thought maybe the belt was shredded but still looks good when it's idling you can't hear it but the second i hit around 50mph or so it starts again sound is coming from the clutch side any info or input would be appreciated don't really know a whole lot yet still learning and you guys all seem pretty knowledgeable thanks for your time
 

g also forgot to mention speedo quit working about 20 miles later if that helps any


Left/clutch side driveshaft bearing, speedo key and possibly driveshaft if the inner race has spun on the shaft. Ride it anymore at speed and you run the risk of taking out the chain case. Good time to replace the track if it's needed and also go through your skid.
 
well looks like I limp it the 30 miles home a quit for the season this is turning into one problem after another starting to wish I wouldn't have bought one... Is our an expensive fix. And it could use a new track but I can't afford all that for awhile might just stick a for sale sign on it just can't catch a break this year
 
well looks like I limp it the 30 miles home a quit for the season this is turning into one problem after another starting to wish I wouldn't have bought one... Is our an expensive fix. And it could use a new track but I can't afford all that for awhile might just stick a for sale sign on it just can't catch a break this year

Limping it home for 30 miles may cost you more in chaincase parts and probably a driveshaft. Right now, you may be able to change just the bearing but you won't know that until you remove the speedo drive housing and bearing to inspect the shaft end.

I'd suggest trailering it home if you can to prevent further damage.
 
wish I could trailer it the only person I had to trailer it sold his truck so the only way I can get it home is to ride and it sucks that it will cost me more but out of options at this point ugh
 
wish I could trailer it the only person I had to trailer it sold his truck so the only way I can get it home is to ride and it sucks that it will cost me more but out of options at this point ugh

While it may be a PITA to do this outside, it's possible to: 1- loosen the track tension 2- remove the secondary 3- remove the speedo housing (three nuts) 4- remove the bearing (provided it isn't rusted to the shaft, may require some heat) 5- install a new bearing (tightening the locking collar) and install the speedo housing 6- install the secondary 7- tighten and align the track.

Except for aligning/tightening the track, you may find it easier to do this with the sled on its side. Good luck.

30 miles is along way to go with a bad bearing and calling a flat bed may be cheaper in the long run.

Maybe someone here is close and would be willing to help a brother out. Post your location - can't hurt.
 
think I may have someone to pick it up. As for working on it gonna probably have to wait till I move to a house with a garage or till summer when it is warm love the redhead though so I can't give up on it lol.. I appreciate all the feed back sure I'll be looking for more advice when I start to rip into it. Thanks again this is the most helpful site I've ever used and will be using it for a long time to come
 
the thought has crossed my mind but think I'll hold onto it if I do get rid of it will be to trade for a new sled but she runs to damn good to give up on her. Just gonna quit this year and rip it down and go through it. That's the problems with buying used never know who beat it before you. But if I do decide to sell this will be the first place to know
 
I hear ya there. When I bought my XTC years back, I figured out someone, or maybe a shop I know of in SD, messed with the skid and installed the rear shock backwards. :o| This caused the spring perch at the end of the shock rod to take big bites out of the inner surface of the track any/every time suspension compression occurred. Just glad the track was garbage anyway. Oh, and my speedo bearing was full of rust and bell crank had appeared to have come off during not so much of a joy-ride by previous owner. That was an easy fix with a helicoil though.
 
The clutch side drive bearing should be serviced every year when you put it away in the spring. Use a good lithium base grease and the brg will last many years. After running your sled like that you may have to replace the brg housing which is riveted in place but cheap. Even if the brg has spun on the shaft a bit, clean it up and if the brg does not slop around on the shaft you are good to go. Mine has had a grove in it for years and I'm not all that easy on my equipment. JMO
 
Yeah waiting for the warmer weather to come and gonna tear into it. Just bought it in December figured I would have some maintenance to do to it just was hoping to make it through the season but here in my area not been very good for us snowmobilers think we had a whole 5 days to ride the trails. Gonna invest in a manual and go through everything so she in tip top shape for next year sure I'll be posting for help or advice at one point or another
 


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