ATVs are entertaining and multitasking vehicles, yet they also need regular transmission maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Transmission helps to transfer power from the engine to the wheels, explaining why it’s crucial for the optimal functioning of your ATV.
But how to ensure that your ATV transmission is in optimal condition?
Don’t worry because that’s where our guide to maintaining your ATV transmission jumps in.
In this guide, we will discuss:
- Maintaining your ATV transmission to keep it in excellent condition
- Why you should regularly check and change the transmission fluid
- The need and ways to check the belts
- Making sure the clutch is working on top of the line.
Now let’s put our eyes into the details.
Parts Of Transmission
The work of Transmission is to transfer the power from the engine to the drivetrain and then to the wheels. Generally, the transmission of most vehicles contains similar parts.
Let’s look at what makes up the transmission of an ATV. Each of these components has different functions, but they combine to make the transmission of the ATV.
1: Clutch
This is the connector between the engine and transmission. When a rider shifts between gears, a clutch helps to disconnect the engine from the transmission. This prevents the likely stalling of the engine when the driver is changing the gears.
2: Gearbox
The gearbox contains gears and helps to transfer the rotational power from the engine to the wheels. Without the gearbox, you cannot even think of driving your ATV. Depending on the model of your ATV, you can have multiple gears in the gearbox with different ratios. A driver can select between the gears based on the type of terrain which he’s riding.
3: Differential
The differential allows each wheel to move at a different speed when an ATV takes a turn from a corner. Ultimately the ATV maintains its balance with the help of differential and doesn’t fall.
4: Belts
Typically, an ATV has a single belt connecting the engine to the transmission. This belt is manufactured with rubber and can last for thousands of miles without breaking. Still, you should regularly check the belts for any damage.
5: Fluid
An automatic transmission fluid is filled in an ATV transmission. For optimal working of an ATV, the fluid should be kept at recommended levels. With a high viscosity, this fluid keeps the transmission running smoothly, providing the required lubrication. The automatic transmission fluid helps prevent damage and keeps the transmission cool.
Benefits Of Keeping ATV Transmission In Optimal Condition
Let’s look at some benefits of keeping your ATV transmission in good condition.
Improved Performance
To ensure your ATV transmission works at peak performance, you must maintain it regularly. This helps ensure you get the most out of your ATV in regards to its performance, speed, and acceleration.
Increased Fuel Efficiency
A lousy transmission affects fuel efficiency, leading you to put more costs for fuel after every few days. But if your ATV transmission remains in optimal condition, you can maximize fuel efficiency, saving money on fuel costs and reducing the carbon footprint.
Safety and Reliability
Keeping transmission of ATV in a good condition makes sure you are safe on your journey in the woods. This also lowers the risk of incovenience during the road saving you from problems of engine failure, and reduced functionality.
Less Maintenance Cost
If you maintain the transmission regularly, probably there will be lesser downtime and damage to your vehicle. This ultimately reduces the cost of maintenance.
Increased Lifespan
A vehicle running with a poor transmission can affect its internal parts, reducing the vehicle’s lifespan. A well maintained transmission keeps your vehicle working for a long time, increasing its lifespan.
Common Causes Of Transmission Problems
Knowing the common causes of transmission problems can help reduce the likelihood poor transmission. Common culprits include:
Poor Driving Habits
Poor driving habits can affect the transmission system of ATVs. Such habits include driving fast on a bumpy road which can damage the transmission because of continuous jerks. To avoid this make sure you drive your ATV as a professional should drive. This will avoid paying maintenance fees more too often.
Contaminated Fluid
Contaminated fluid can interfere with the normal function of transmission by increased load on the engine. As such, transmission fluid must be replaced every few months to enhance its efficiency.
Faulty Components
Faulty clutch, belt, or other components make it challenging to optimize transmission. The more faulty components a transmission has, the poor service it will provide. A regular check on the transmission parts save the life of these components. So make sure you repair or replace them regularly.
Extreme Temperatures
Driving in extreme temperature areas for continuous periods can potentially warms the fluid and interfere with the transmission. To avoid overheating problems, ensure to take breaks in between if you’re driving for long periods.
Terrain Conditions
Although ATVs are designed for rugged terrains. Ideally riding an ATV increases the risk of damaging transmission.
Best Practices For Transmission Maintenance
Visual Inspection
Regular inspection is the most important part of any ATV maintenance schedule. Inspecting the vehicle periodically will show the signs of any damage, fluid leakage, or contamination. If you find any problems, you can immediately go for a service or replacement to protect other parts of the transmission from being affected too.
Fluid Level Check
Lower fluid levels make it difficult for the vehicle to use the fluid efficiently. This means there will be an increased friction and more damage to the transmission parts. That’s why keeping a regular check on the fluid level will save your ATV transmission from getting damaged.
Pressure Test
You need a gauge and adapter to perform the pressure test on your ATV. Connect the pressure gauge to the pressure port of the transmission. Start the engine and let it warm up before you take the reading. Follow the manufacturer’s specifications for the pressure reading. The transmission might need to be serviced or rebuilt if the reading is above the specified level.
Inspect The Clutch
The clutch in the transmission should engage properly between the engine and transmission. Find out if there is any grinding or jerking in the working of the clutch. If there are any such problems, the clutch needs to be checked out by a professional, or else it will affect the transmission badly.
Check For Uncommon Noise
Generally, damaged transmission often makes heavy and weird noises through the engine. If you’re experiencing unusual noise as you Start the engine could be a sign of damaged transmission.
Check The Belt
Check the belt visually for any signs of wear, broken cords, cracking, splitting, and glazing. In addition, there should be proper tension in the belt. If the belt is too loose, it will slip and cause bad performance. On the other hand, if the belt is too tight there are chances of premature failure.
Also, ensure the pulleys are not damaged and properly aligned, keeping the shafts in place.
FAQ
How can I check if there are any leaks in transmission?
Check for any signs of wetness while doing a visual inspection of the transmission. If you find any dripping or wetness, you can be sure that the transmission is leaking and as such you’ll need to get your ATV checked by a professional service provider.
What’s The Catch?
Regularly maintaining the fluid levels and keeping the belts and clutches properly functioning is vital for your ATV.
Preventive maintenance shouldn’t be underestimated when considering the optimal working of your ATV. Before it gets too late, keep on checking the transmission components regularly. This saves your time and sometimes money, too, that you might lose if the transmission gets too damaged.
We know you might need extra effort, but following our advice, you can extend your ATVs life.
