Maintenance

UTV Belt Break-in Video

Polaris walks us through a critical method to break in your brand-new CVT transmission.

May 7, 2021

One of the most frustrating aspects of UTV ownership can be a worn or damaged drive belt. A dead belt can ruin an otherwise glorious day of riding. Sure, some UTVs are equipped with gear-based transmissions, but the vast majority of rigs rely on the mighty rubber belt to get the wheels turning. With that in mind, let’s make clear what Polaris says is the very first thing you need to do when buying a new side-by-side or installing a new CVT drive belt.

Polaris states it has two recommended options for drive belt break-in

Option 1: the more convenient way to break in your new drive belt

Place your side-by-side in low gear.
Drive 10 miles while regulating engine rpm below 50 percent throttle.
Note: Use variable, light-to-moderate throttle. Be extra careful to not use any fast throttle inputs. That’s precisely what you want to avoid during this critical break-in process.
After the 10 miles are up, you’re good to go have fun.

Option 2: also recommended, but takes a bit longer to break in your new belt

Place your side-by-side in high gear.
Drive 50 miles while regulating engine rpm below 50 percent throttle.
Note: Use variable, light-to-moderate throttle. Be extra careful to not use any fast throttle inputs.
After the 50 miles are up, you’re good to go rip.

Evan’s option. Evan’s a Trail Talk pro.Polaris

A third option exists for UTV drive belt break-in

Option 3: a combination of the previous two

Place your side-by-side in low gear.
Drive 10 miles while regulating engine rpm below 50 percent throttle.
Again, use variable, light-to-moderate throttle, avoiding any fast inputs.
Next, place your side-by-side in high gear.
Drive 10 miles while regulating engine rpm below 50 percent throttle.
Use variable, light-to-moderate throttle.
After the 20 total miles are complete, you’ll have a happy belt ready for many miles of abuse.

Why is CVT drive belt break-in a must for your new UTV?

So why exactly is this important? Polaris states this initial break-in period is critical to bed the belt’s surface into the CVT’s housing surface. This provides the most surface area and grip when you’re being hard on the throttle. Essentially, it ensures the belt and transmission can grab onto each other with maximum force. It’s the same idea behind bedding in new brake pads.