Frontier Clutch Slipping...

[Silverbullet75]

I think I goofed! Somebody chime in on this please...
I could have sworn the manual said to spray WD40 into the clutch spring area on the trans side... I think I am wrong though judging by the loss in power this weekend. I couldn't even go around a slow corner at speed without it slowing down. The motor is pumping fine... just not getting the oomph.

If I did wrong, how do I right it???
Thanks,---JIM---

[dixieandbacon]

i am no expert but in the operator's manual on page 21 it say's.

6.4.2 Clutch Lubrication
No lubrication is required for either the driven clutch or driver
clutch. They are designed to run dry. If lubricant is used, use
of the vehicle will attract dirt and cause damage to the clutch
components. Contamination by dust and dirt can cause poor
performance.
A complete service of the clutch units is required after every
250 hours of operation. To perform this procedure, the clutches
must be disassembled. Special tools are required to disassemble
the clutch units. We recommend that you return your vehicle
to an ARGO dealer to have the clutch units serviced.

[dixieandbacon]

is it making any noise?

[Silverbullet75]

no, no noise... just not the bite it used to have. I wonder if I spray a can of brake cleaner in the spring area, will it dilute the silicone spray...?

[dixieandbacon]

once again no expert but i think there are some plastic pieces in the clutch and that brake cleaner is some real strong stuff it might eat it up. idk maybe someone with more experience will reply. maybe spray it with some denatured alcohol it's safe on plastic. maybe it will work it's self out.or you might have to take it apart.you might not want to spray anything in there at all. sorry i couldn't help

[Roger S]

The clutches can stand to be "lubed". They have bronze bushings that they slide on, and the "cam" or "ramps" on the trans unit can use some lube. The older argo's said to use silicone spray on the trans clutch spring and ramp area. The slipping you have is from the WD getting on the belt. I'd just drive it, or wipe the belt down. I like to use powdered graphite on the clutches and belt.

[Silverbullet75]

That's exactly what it feels like, belt slippage! But, no squeeling...
I'll try that next. Has anyone priced a belt?

[jerrynuss]

I'd do what Roger says but I would take the belt off and wash it with some soap and water and put on some belt dressing. I like the liquid type that you wipe on with your fingers and not the spray kind. Take a rag and put some soapy water on it, use a soap like dawn dish washing liquid soap. Wipe down the area where the belt runs then dry it with a dry towel. Put the belt back on and drive it.

[Robio_8x8]

Silicone based would be ok on clutch/CVT try to make a cardboard shield or a rag to prevent lubricants from getting on the belts or brakes (if brakes are exposed).

Use proper chain lube on chains not WD-40. You can use WD-40 to clean off the excess lubes maybe but a parts cleaner is much better

Try to stick to Brands like Loctite, Permatex, CRC, LPS, and Crown for aerosol type sprays (Chain wire rope lube, silicon spray, parts cleaner’s electronic cleaners etc.)

These Brands and possibly others are well engineered for specific applications WD-40 is not even a good general purpose try CRC 3-36 in place of it

[Silverbullet75]

Actually, I used the name WD40 as a generic name because I couldn't remember the name of the Silicone spray I used. It was Liquid Wrench.
The only reason I used it on the clutch area was because I read something in the shop manual that said to spray it there. Apparently I was right, but for older models... oh well... I'm going to start with cleaning the belt and contact surface for the belt.

Funny, my old MTD riding mower had the same CVT belt system type. When the belt stretched, it had the same feeling as what I feel in the Frontier now.