$3.99 clutch pulley tool at Harbor Freight

[dwnthehatch]

I was in harbor freight and saw found this adjustable pin wrench that's used for removing discs from a grinder. I picked it up for $3.99. It works great for holding the clutch pulley while you remove or torque the bolt. unfortunately it just slips off the variator fins because it's not wide enough. I normally remove the bolts with an impact gun so it's not really a problem for me. I'll include pics below for removing the variator bolt (thanks to deermatt) with a spare socket for those who don't have air tools.

Here's the tool in use:


Here's a link to purchase it or just look for it at their retail store:
www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=36554

EZ variator bolt removal. Just place a socket between the fins and upper lip of the belt housing.


EZ variator bolt torque. Just the opposite of above. Torque to 24 lb ft.

[brownbird]

It was using a method similar to your socket variator brace thing that I broke the fins off my variator so be careful. I was using the box end of a small wrench wedged between the fins and the housing. The right tool or one like what DD has made works so much better, and costs less than a new drive face. Another advantage is that you don't bash your fist on the home-made foot peg when the fin lets go. Anyway good luck.

[Dandy Dan]

That looks like a pretty nice tool for $3.99 but I gotta agree with brownbird on the socket trick. I've broken fins doing similar things too. The fins are very brittle so they won't bend, they'll just give all of a sudden. If you get a real variator tool that'll do both the variator and clutch or if you get this $3.99 tool atleast use a long bolt or small wrench to slide between the fins so the force is more distributed.

[chanito]

;D I like your tool, hate your idea of jamming the socket in the variator, you are side loading the main bearings and that is a very bad idea, those big crank bearings where design for up and down loading and they do pretty good, but side loading them is beyond their duty and they complain by becoming noisy

[dwnthehatch]

I always use an impact wrench on mine. I was just posting the socket method that another ruckus rider was using since he had no air tools. Do you really think it will harm the bearings? 24 lb ft is almost nothing and it takes 3 seconds of light pressure to torque it to that amount.

[Dandy Dan]

The odds of damaging your bearings are quite low I'd imagine but the consequences if you do damage them are really high so it is a risk worth noting. It's probably fine for someone to do if they are taking things apart once or twice to swap their variator but if you're opening it up regularly to change weights etc. then it's best to do it the proper way.