The Ski Doo is a popular three-wheeled vehicle that is highly maneuverable and easy to drive. It was originally designed to travel on snow-packed surfaces, and its unique characteristics make it stand out in the snow just as much as they do on the road.
Unfortunately, the Ski Doo is prone to some critical maintenance issues that can only be resolved by a trained technician. One such issue is the secondary clutch, which has to be replaced on a regular basis. Because this vehicle is so valuable—not to mention how frustrating it can be to fix—it is vital to know how to remove the ski doo secondary clutch without any complications. In this article, we will tell you exactly how to do that.
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The Main Complications
Removing the clutch is a complicated process that requires specific tools and training. Even then, there are multiple reasons why this vehicle could still end up in the shop. Some of the more common problems that the technician will encounter include:
- Rusted clutch housing
- Piston not turning smoothly
- Damaged clutch gear
- Not enough oil in the system
- Ski Doo misaligned
- Clutch stuck in gear(even when in neutral)
- Leaking fluid on the floor
These are just a few of the potential issues that could arise during the removal process. In most cases, the clutch will need to be replaced, which can be a costly and frustrating process for the average consumer. It is essential to know the common mistakes that you might make so that you can avoid them.
Things You Should Avoid
When undertaking this type of repair, it is essential to avoid making the following mistakes:
- Not properly lubricating the surfaces before removing the clutch
- Not using the right tool for the job
- Trying to over-tighten the clutch
- Not following the correct procedure
- Pressing down on the clutch forcefully
- Bumping the clutch handle while it’s in the car
- Roughly handling the clutch during the removal process
- Shifting the car into gear while it’s still in motion
- Throwing out the clutch without taking care of the leaking oil
Because the clutch is a complex component, it is not advisable to try and fix it yourself. When you have doubts about whether or not you can handle a certain task, it’s usually best to hire a professional to do it for you. After all, even an expert can make a mistake and cause further damage. If you do decide to take the DIY approach, make sure that you are equipped with the appropriate tools and have enough experience to complete the task safely.
The Different Methods To Remove Clutches
There are several methods to remove this vital gear, but they all require specific tools and professional experience. Here are a few of the most common ways to go about it:
The Jockey Switch Method
This is the most popular method of removing the clutch, as it does not require any special tools. The entire process is done via jacking the car up and down several times until the clutch releases. After that, the tires will slowly come off the ground as you slowly lower the vehicle. In most cases, this can be done with the bare hands. However, in case this is not possible, you might need to enlist a friend to help you. Regardless, this is the simplest and the most convenient method of removing the clutch and can be done anywhere.
The Torque Sensitive Lockout Method
This method of removing a clutch is also fairly easy. It is done by locking the engine so that is does not spin while you pull on the clutch pedal. The technician will then use an adjustable wrench to slowly turn the engine’s flywheel clockwise until it clicks. After that, the clutch can be removed in the same manner as the jockey switch method.
The Manual Method
Another simple and straightforward method of removing a clutch involves taking the vehicle on a gentle ride around the block a few times until the clutch begins to rattle. At that point, the technician will pull back on the clutch pedal and remove it. This method does not require any special tools and is mostly used with older models. If you’re lucky, you might be able to do this by yourself. However, this is a rather uncommon occurrence and is usually done by a friend or family member. This method is considered to be the most reliable and is usually the preferred choice among mechanics because it does not require the use of special tools.
The Power Flush Method
This is an advanced method of removing clutches that requires specialized equipment that most people do not have at home. The vehicle is placed on a lift so that the oil in the system can be drained. Once that is done, the whole process is repeated so that the clutch can be put back in place. This method is mostly used when an engine oil leak is present and needs to be fixed. It is also the best choice for cars that are no longer road worthy because they need to be towed to a mechanic’s shop. In most cases, this requires a trucking company.
How To Check The Clutch Before You Throw It Away
Once you have removed the clutch, it is essential to check it to see how it is behaving. You can do that by pressing down on the pedal and checking for any play or rattle. If there is any noise at all, you should not throw away your precious time and effort because it might be a symptom of a more serious issue.
If everything goes smoothly, the clutch should be replaced immediately. However, in most cases it will need to be fixed sooner or later due to repeated use and wear. Checking the clutch before you throw it away will help you identify any problems early on, preventing larger and more costly issues down the road. It is also advisable to check all of the connections and cables that connect the clutch to the rest of the vehicle before you start messing with it. This can be a challenging task, depending on where you have hidden them, and it is always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with electrical issues. Always make sure that the ground is properly connected and that there are no shorts before attaching any electrical items to the car.
A Few Final Words
The clutch is a crucial part of any vehicle. It allows the driver to shift gears and take the vehicle in different directions as needed. In most cases, it will stop the engine from spinning when you take your foot off the gas pedal. In some instances, it also prevents the vehicle from idling when you’re stopped at a red light or at a stop sign. Knowing how to remove it properly is very important so that you can avoid any major problems.