2012 downtown 300 belt replacement

[kubota35]

Hi all, just a few questions about changing the drive belt on my downtown 300.  I have a shop manual (pdf), which helps to instruct.  one question is about the washers on the front pulley.  I believe the beveled side of each one should be on the inward side.  Is this correct?.....I'm sure about the innermost washer, but the outer one with the drive shaft nut, I missed that position when I pulled the nut/washer off.  Also, a question about greasing.  I'm not sure where and how much.  I believe I need to be careful as where grease is put as it might be a problem with the drive belt.  I have not pulled the back pulley off, which has the belt.  Any tips on this would be appreciated (sanding, a spacer to hold the width for the new belt, etc.??)....thanks for looking and your time on this.

[CROSSBOLT]

The washer next to the engine bearing is placed with the bevel towards the engine. The other washer next to the nut can go either way. The sleeve between these two washers should have only a slight film of grease or dry lube. The clutch assembly at the rear of the CVT has a needle roller bearing and seal next to the gear box which should be dabbed with grease from the end of your little finger. The outer bearing next to the nut is sealed. There is a slot with a pin visible between the clutch shoes and the moving outer pulley face that requires just a visible trace of grease along the slot edges. Any excess of grease will wind up on the belt so be stingy with the stuff!

Sand the clutch bell and shoes with 120 grit paper. Remove any loose grit and dust before reassembly. Jam the belt as far into the rear pulley as far as possible before you attempt to reassemble. This will allow plenty of slack in the belt so the moveable front pulley face can be seated properly when the nut is torqued. Failure to do this will destroy the front pulley. I found that a couple of 3/4 inch pieces of wood to push on the belt seems to work well but I have done it with fingers. Have fun!

Karl

[kubota35]

Karl, thanks a ton for the reply and info...this is my first go on a belt replacement....this should give me some added confidence...have a nice holiday.

[CROSSBOLT]

You are welcome! Keep us posted. Yell if you get a snag or have a question.

Karl

[moparkid]

As far as belt replacement goes, greatest asset I purchased was a cheapo Harbor Freight electric impact.....made the job super simple....Just a suggestion.

[kubota35]

Thanks Mopar kid.. I have an hf impact, but used an hf breaker bar... I will torque down the bolts...and use blue thread lock for the 10 bolts holding the inside metal cover... thanks again.

[CROSSBOLT]

Hey! Kubota read all our posts!

Karl

[kubota35]

Karl, another question about my belt replacement.  I need to get the belt deeper into the clutch to allow room to clear the movable bushing on the front engine shaft.  I tried the 1" (3/4" actual) board, but no luck.  the new belt will not clear on the front.  Also seems as though both halves of the clutch plates are together as close as possible.  I believe if I get the belt deeper into the clutch, I'll be ok to finish the work.  Any suggestions?...thanks..

[CROSSBOLT]

C-clamp. Gotta be careful not to let c-clamp "feet" touch/gouge pulley faces. I actually "worked" mine in with my fingers. I used that 3/4" wood when my fingers got tired! You have to be patient. Also careful because the belt will work back out at the drop of a hat!

[kubota35]

hi karl, thanks for getting back with some good info.  I appreciate your time on this.....also, I see there will not be a 2018 downtown 300, but now an x-town 300 with abs for quite a bit less than the downtown........I believe around 4K.............wonder how it compares to the dt300??.....

[CROSSBOLT]

My opinion, kubota, is the only thing going for it is ABS.