How to Choose CVT Drive Belt and Replace it for Your Scooter
How to Choose CVT Drive Belt and Replace it for Your Scooter
When compared to motorcycles, cars, and trucks, scooters are often thought of as maintenance-free. Scooters are easy to ride and relatively easy to maintain, although, there are still certain parts that will need regular maintenance and/or replacement. Some parts that commonly need replacement in scooters include the CVT drive belt, weight roller, tires, and brakes.
Like anything, drive belts can wear down, crack, or even break. To ensure your scooter is operating at optimal levels, it’s important to regularly check and make sure that your CVT drive belt is in good, working condition.
In this article, we will cover all things related to CVT drive belts for scooters and motorcycles and ATV or UTV. We’ll go over the most common types of belts, how to choose your belt, and how to replace your belt.
What is a Drive V-Belt in a Scooter or Motorcycle?
A drive v-belt is an essential part of the belt drive system in scooters, motorcycles, ATV or UTV. Nowadays belt drive system is used more commonly than the chain drive system.
The belt drive system is comprised of multiple driving pulleys, a gearbox outlet shaft, and the v-belt. Drive V-belts are composed of teeth on the inner side or both side which are designed to match the outer side of the pulleys. Most belts are made of a rubber compound material that is designed to provide a long service life for the scooter. Many modern belts are also outfitted with a Kevlar fiber and Kevlar cord design to help provide more strength.
When compared to chain drive systems, the belt drive system is relatively maintenance free. V-belts run clean, don’t have to be lubricated, and provide for a much quieter ride. It is a very popular drive method in scooters and maxi- scooter.
What are the Most Common Types of CVT Drive Belts?
Transmission belt suppliers design drive belts in a wide variety of sizes and types. Each design is made according to the scooter or motorcycle’s engine cc size. The most common scooter belt types according to engine cc can be found below:
· Low Speed Engine (50-150cc): Made with a pure rubber compound and polyester cord.
· Medium Speed Engine (200-400cc): Made with a pure rubber compound, Kevlar fiber, and Kevlar cord.
· High Speed Engine (400-1000cc): XPOWER EPMD compound have improved durability, greater heat resistance and recovery. Offers extremely high strength as well as resistance to stretching.
For high speed engines, the double sided cog shaped belt provides excellent performance. It is designed to uphold improved levels of deformation resistance and retain maximum flexibility. It is also rated for a high modulus and negligible elongation which keeps the pitch fit constant at various loads. The v-belt design functions best at the high power transmission levels and can even dampen engine vibration.
How do I know my drive v-belt size?
Motorcycle drive belts and scooter drive belts are measured according to three different variables: the length, width, and angle of the belt. Those numbers should be printed on your drive v belt in that same order.
You may see something like this number printed on your belt: 743 20 30.
In the example above, 743 represents belt length in millimeters, 20 represents width, and 30 represents the angle of the belt’s sides.
It can sometimes be tough to locate the exact size belt you are looking for. Most belt suppliers will recommend a belt variation within a few millimeters or less of your current belt considering that rubber belt have tolerance . For example, if your belt sizes were 729 18 30, you might come across a belt sized 729 17.7 30. While the width dimension isn’t the exact same, it’s likely close enough to be a good fit for your CVT.
When should I replace my scooter’s v-belt? | Signs of a Bad CVT Belt
Frequency of belt replacement will depend on a number of different factors, including belt type, scooter type, and the driver’s driving style. There are a few different ways to identify when it’s time to replace a scooter’s v-belt.
Signs of a Bad CVT Belt:
· External tooth cracks
· Missing or severely worn teeth
· Stone damage – which can cause tears and holes in the belt
All of the above signs would suggest a bad v-belt. It goes without saying that you also must replace your v-belt if your belt is snapped.
While you should certainly replace your belt if you are experiencing any of the above signs, it is best to replace your belt ahead of time. There are a few signs that you can look at ahead of time to get an idea of whether or not your belt is wearing out.
Signs your CVT belt is wearing out:
· Internal, hairline cracks
· Minor chipping on teeth
· Edge cord (internal material) poking through
· Bevel wear
The above signs should be monitored closely to ensure no serious problems with the belt arise.
Belt replacement can also be monitored by driving style. If the driver tends to drive fast or even race, most belt manufacturers recommend inspecting the belt every 5,000-7,000 kilometers. If the driver tends to drive normal or a little slower and cautious, belt manufacturers recommend inspecting the belt every 2 years or 10,000 kilometers.
How to Replace Aftermarket Scooter V-belt
The replacement of a scooter v-belt can be accomplished in a few easy steps:
· Unscrew screws on belt housing
· Remove belt housing
· Remove exterior nut from front gear wheel
· Remove gear wheel to gain access to belt
· Remove belt by wiggling off front and back pulley
· Place new belt on
· Replace all gear wheel and housing parts in reverse order
Conclusion
Drive v-belts are designed for maximum service life, flexibility, and safety in mind. Overtime, CVT drive belts can break down, deteriorate, and require replacement.
When it comes to replacement, the most important things to remember are your belt’s dimensions and type. Choosing the right belt will help ensure optimal performance on the road. It can seem difficult to find the belt you need, but with the right information, you’ll be able to replace your scooter’s or motorcycle’s drive belt in no time.