Ever hit the gas on your Can-Am Traxter and felt a slight hesitation, a weird shudder, or heard a squeal that just wasn’t there before? You know that feeling—the one that makes you question if your rig has the guts to climb that next hill or pull that heavy load. It’s a common worry, and more often than not, the culprit is hiding behind that big plastic cover on the side of your engine.
We’re talking about your rig’s powerhouse: the Can-Am Traxter belt, drive belt, clutch and variator system. This isn’t just a collection of parts; it’s the heart of your machine’s ability to put power to the ground.
I promise this guide will demystify your Traxter’s CVT system. We’ll strip away the jargon and give you the confidence to inspect, maintain, and even upgrade these critical components yourself. You’ll learn to spot trouble before it starts, perform a belt change like a pro, and understand how to get the absolute best performance out of your machine.
What is the CVT System? Unpacking the Belt, Clutch, and Variator
Before we grab any wrenches, let’s get a clear picture of what we’re working with. Your Traxter uses a Continuously Variable Transmission, or CVT. Think of it as a smart, automatic transmission that doesn’t use traditional gears. Instead, it uses a system of pulleys and a belt to provide a seamless range of gear ratios.
This system is what gives your Traxter its snappy acceleration and incredible pulling power. It’s made up of three main players that have to work in perfect harmony.
The Drive Belt: The Heart of the System
The drive belt is the critical link. It’s a high-tech, robust rubber belt that transfers power from the engine to the transmission. It’s not just any fan belt; it’s specifically designed to handle immense heat, pressure, and friction. When this belt wears out, your entire machine’s performance suffers.
The Primary Clutch (Variator): The Engine’s Side
Bolted directly to the engine’s crankshaft, the primary clutch is also known as the variator. As engine RPMs increase, weights inside this clutch fly outwards due to centrifugal force. This action squeezes the two halves of the clutch pulley together, forcing the drive belt to ride higher up in the pulley, effectively changing the gear ratio.
The Secondary Clutch (Driven): The Transmission’s Side
The secondary clutch is connected to the transmission. It’s spring-loaded and works in opposition to the primary. As the belt is forced higher on the primary, it pulls the belt deeper into the secondary clutch, overcoming its spring tension. This constant, dynamic interplay between the two clutches is what gives you smooth, instant power delivery.
Signs Your Can-Am Traxter Belt, Drive Belt, Clutch and Variator Needs Attention
Your Traxter is great at telling you when something is wrong—you just have to listen. Ignoring the early warning signs can turn a simple belt swap into a costly clutch rebuild. Here are the red flags to watch for, which are some of the most common problems with Can-Am Traxter belt, drive belt, clutch and variator systems.
- Squealing or Chirping: Especially on takeoff, this often indicates a glazed or worn belt that’s slipping on the clutch faces.
- Shuddering or Jerking: If your machine jerks when you start moving, it could be due to flat spots on the clutch rollers or a contaminated belt.
- Loss of Top Speed: A worn belt becomes narrower and can’t ride as high in the primary clutch, robbing you of top-end performance.
- Poor Acceleration: If your Traxter feels sluggish or “lazy,” the clutches may not be shifting properly, or the belt is slipping excessively.
- Burning Rubber Smell: This is a major warning sign. Stop immediately! It means your belt is overheating from extreme slippage and is on the verge of failing.
- RPMs High, Speed Low: If you hit the gas and the engine screams but you’re not going anywhere fast, your belt is definitely slipping and needs immediate inspection.
The Essential Can-Am Traxter Belt, Drive Belt, Clutch and Variator Care Guide
Ready to get your hands dirty? Regular maintenance is the key to longevity and performance. This isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about preventing problems on the trail. Following these Can-Am Traxter belt, drive belt, clutch and variator best practices will save you time, money, and headaches.
Tools You’ll Need for the Job
Having the right tools makes all the difference. You don’t need a full professional shop, but these items are essential for doing the job safely and correctly.
- Socket set and wrenches (metric)
- Torque wrench
- Can-Am specific belt changing tool (comes with the machine’s toolkit)
- Clutch cover removal tool (for some models)
- Air compressor with a blow gun
- Scotch-Brite pad (maroon or gray)
- Non-chlorinated brake cleaner
- Clean, lint-free rags
- Safety glasses and gloves
How to: Can-Am Traxter Belt Inspection and Replacement
Changing a drive belt is a fundamental skill for any Traxter owner. Follow these steps carefully.
- Safety First: Park your Traxter on a level surface, put it in Park, and ensure the engine is completely cool. Disconnect the battery if you want to be extra cautious.
- Access the CVT Cover: Remove any skid plates or body panels blocking access to the large, black plastic CVT cover on the side of the engine.
- Remove the CVT Cover: Carefully undo all the bolts holding the cover in place. Keep them organized! Gently pry the cover off, being mindful of the rubber gasket—you’ll need to reuse it.
- Inspect the Internals: With the cover off, take a look. Is there a lot of black dust? That’s normal belt wear. Is there mud, water, or oil? You have a bigger problem (likely a leaking seal) that needs to be addressed first.
- Engage the Belt Tool: Locate the threaded hole on the secondary (driven) clutch. Screw your belt changing tool into this hole. As you tighten it, it will spread the sheaves (halves) of the clutch apart, creating slack in the drive belt.
- Remove the Old Belt: With the slack in the system, you can now easily walk the belt off the primary and secondary clutches.
- Inspect the Old Belt: Look for deep cracks, glazing (shiny spots), frayed edges, or missing cogs. If it looks worn, you’re doing the right thing by replacing it.
- Clean the Clutch Sheaves: This is the most critical step! Use compressed air to blow out all the belt dust. Then, take your Scotch-Brite pad and lightly scuff the faces of both the primary and secondary clutch sheaves. Wipe them down thoroughly with a clean rag and brake cleaner to remove any residue. The goal is a clean, non-slippery surface. Never use lubricants here!
- Install the New Belt: Note the directional arrows on your new OEM or aftermarket belt. Make sure they point forward (in the direction of travel). Work the new belt over the primary and secondary clutches. It should be snug.
- Disengage the Tool: Unscrew the belt changing tool. The secondary clutch will snap back, tensioning the belt. Rotate the secondary clutch by hand a few times to help seat the belt properly in the sheaves.
- Reassemble: Reinstall the CVT cover, ensuring the gasket is properly seated. Tighten the bolts in a star pattern to the manufacturer’s specified torque. Reinstall any panels you removed.
Clutch and Variator Cleaning Best Practices
Even if you aren’t changing the belt, popping the CVT cover off every 50 hours of use for a quick clean is a fantastic habit. Belt dust builds up and can cause the moving parts of your clutches to stick, leading to poor performance. A quick blast with compressed air and a wipe-down of the sheaves is all it takes to keep things running smoothly.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Can-Am Traxter Belt, Drive Belt, Clutch and Variator
The stock setup on your Traxter is great for general use, but if you’ve added bigger tires, more weight, or just demand more performance, an upgrade can be a game-changer. Here are some of the benefits of Can-Am Traxter belt, drive belt, clutch and variator enhancements.
Why a Heavy-Duty Belt is a Game Changer
Aftermarket heavy-duty belts from brands like GBoost, Trinity, or EPI are often made with advanced rubber compounds (like aramid fiber) that offer superior heat resistance and strength. This means less chance of slippage under heavy load, more consistent performance, and a much longer lifespan than the stock belt, especially in demanding conditions.
The Power of a Clutch Kit
A clutch kit is the ultimate performance mod for your CVT. These kits typically include different weights for the primary clutch and a new spring for the secondary. By changing these parts, you can “tune” your CVT to your specific needs.
- Better Low-End Torque: A clutch kit can raise the engagement RPM, allowing the engine to get into its powerband before the machine starts moving. This is a massive help for turning bigger, heavier mud tires.
- Improved Back-Shifting: When you hit a hill, a good clutch kit helps the CVT “downshift” more quickly, keeping your engine in the sweet spot for maximum climbing power.
- Compensates for Power Adders: If you’ve added an exhaust or a tuner, a clutch kit ensures that the extra horsepower is actually being transferred efficiently to the wheels.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Can-Am Traxter Belt, Drive Belt, Clutch and Variator Practices
Being a responsible off-roader extends to our maintenance habits. A sustainable Can-Am Traxter belt, drive belt, clutch and variator approach focuses on longevity and proper disposal.
Regular cleaning and inspection prevent catastrophic failures. A shredded belt on the trail not only ruins your day but can also damage expensive clutch components, leading to more waste. By maintaining your system, you use fewer parts over the life of your machine.
When you do replace parts, dispose of them correctly. Old belts can’t be recycled easily, but check with your local auto parts store or waste management facility for proper disposal guidelines. Always use a drip pan when working with cleaners to prevent chemicals from contaminating the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Traxter’s Drivetrain
How often should I replace my Traxter drive belt?
There’s no single answer, as it depends heavily on your riding style. A good rule of thumb is to inspect it every 50-100 hours and plan on replacing it every 1,000-2,000 miles. If you do a lot of heavy towing, mudding, or high-speed riding, you should replace it more frequently.
Do I really need to break in a new drive belt?
Absolutely. This is a crucial step that many people skip. A proper break-in period allows the belt to seat correctly on the clutch faces and heat-cycles the rubber, which dramatically increases its lifespan. Keep your speed varied and below half-throttle for the first 20-30 miles, avoiding hard acceleration and heavy loads.
Can I use any brand of belt on my Can-Am Traxter?
While the BRP OEM belt is always a safe bet, high-quality aftermarket belts from reputable manufacturers can offer superior performance and durability. Avoid cheap, no-name belts at all costs—they are a recipe for getting stranded on the trail.
What’s that burning rubber smell after a hard ride?
That smell is your belt telling you it got extremely hot from slipping. This can happen from being in the wrong gear (High instead of Low for slow, technical terrain), pulling too heavy of a load, or having a worn-out belt. If you smell it, stop and let the system cool down for 15-20 minutes.
Mastering your Can-Am Traxter belt, drive belt, clutch and variator system is one of the most empowering things you can do as an owner. It puts you in control of your machine’s performance and reliability. Take your time, use the right tools, and don’t be afraid to get in there and see how it works. A well-maintained CVT is a happy CVT.
Now get out there, ride smart, and stay safe!
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