Final Drive Belts & Chains
About Final Drive Belts & Chains
This category covers the two parts that wear fastest in a final drive: CVT drive belts for belt-driven UTVs and ATVs, and drive chains for chain-driven quads. Slipping, glazing, cracking or burnt belts and stretched, rusty or stiff chains are the usual reasons to replace them.
Belt listings give the width and the outside circumference, such as 1-21/64 inch wide by 37-3/8 inches around, and some name the machine, such as the Polaris, the KRX 1000 and the Arctic Cat 1000i GT. Chain listings give the size number, such as 520 or 630, the link count and the type: non-sealed, O-ring, X-ring or other sealed designs, in lengths from 106 to 150 links or a 100 foot roll. The chain size must match your sprockets. Buy a chain with the link count your sprocket setup calls for, and a belt that matches the width and circumference your owner's manual lists.
Brands in this category include Excel, D.I.D, Vortex, EPI and Ultimax. Chains go with Sprockets, and belts work with the parts in Drive Belt Pulleys & Tensioners. For chain sizes, see this chain size guide. The group is Final & Primary Drive Parts & Kits.
FAQs on UTV and ATV drive belts and chains
What do the numbers in a drive belt listing mean?
Width is how wide the belt is across its face, and outside circumference, often shown as OC, is the length around the outside. Both must match the belt your machine uses. A belt of the wrong width rides at the wrong height in the clutch, so check the manual.
What do O-ring, X-ring and non-sealed chains mean?
O-ring and X-ring chains have rubber seals that hold grease inside the pins and keep dirt out. Non-sealed chains have no seals and need more frequent lubrication. Check which type your machine and use call for.
How many links does my chain need?
Count the links on your old chain or use the number in your manual, and remember that a change in sprocket size changes the length. Chains are sold in set lengths, such as 106, 110, 120 and 150 links, or by the roll for cutting to length.
How do I tell that a drive chain is worn?
A worn chain has too much slack that keeps returning, stiff links, rust or kinks, or visible stretch compared with a new chain. Measure stretch using the method in your manual. Replace the chain and sprockets together when worn.
How should I lubricate and adjust a drive chain?
Lubricate it regularly with a chain lube suited to its type, particularly O-ring and X-ring chains, and wipe off the excess. Adjust slack to the specification in your owner's manual, and check wheel alignment after each adjustment.
