2017/2018 Ski-Doo Summit Driveline Updates and Belt Durability Improvements
BRP Press Release
2018 Ski-doo summit/Freeride driveline updates and 2017 belt durability improvements
BRP strives to offer Ski-Doo owners the best product performance, reliability and durability. For Model Year 2018 BRP has already announced changes to Ski-Doo REV Gen4 snowmobiles proven to improve drive belt durability, these are recapped below. 2017 Summit Driveline Updates are listed further down.
Changes for Model Year 2018 already announced;
- New gearing (Summit and Freeride)
- New drive belt
- Improved cooling in CVT compartment – New Clutch cover with improved flow
- Revised PTO and MAG engine mount
- Finned fixed pDrive sheave – for improved air flow
- Revised CVT Calibration
- Frame reinforcement (directs air flow for better cooling) on mountain sleds
MY2017 Summit Driveline Updates Under Warranty
In addition we promised to update our customers on steps taken for Model Year 2017 REV Gen4 owners, and those too are outlined here:
While the vast majority of 2017 owners did not experience an issue related to drive belt life, there was a considerable amount of buzz surrounding belts and heat last season. We want people to know that BRP is being proactive and transparent in addressing any real or potential issue well before the next riding season. Furthermore, as the OEM it’s our job to deliver on our product promises – and the reason for this frank communication. Our goal is zero issues for our customers and we continue to work diligently in that direction.
For customers with 2017 REV Gen4 850 sleds, the charts below list driveline updates and product improvements that can be performed under warranty and those that can be done if the owners wish at their expense.
The updates are listed in their order of effectiveness for reducing belt temperature, which considerably improves belt durability.
Updates covered under warranty for 2017 Ski-Doo mountain sleds
Summit 154 and 165
- Updated gear ratio (21 top/53 bottom)
- PTO Engine Mount Shims
These updates are at no cost to the customer.
Additional Options available for Summit 154 and 165
| Order of effectiveness | Description | Covered by |
| 1 | Change Gear Ratio (21/53) | BRP |
| 2 | Install improved drive belt (p/n 417300531) | Owner |
| 3 | Remove engine cover and modify CVT cover | Owner |
| 4 | Install shims on PTO engine mounts | BRP |
| 5 | Replace drive pulley fixed sheave | Owner |
| 6 | Install engine compartment reinforcement plate | Owner |
Crossover and Trail sleds:
Even though most drive belt issues were related to mountain use, drive belt failure may occur on crossover and trail models in very specific riding conditions. Owners of MXZ and Renegade models can update their snowmobiles at their discretion. Dealers have the necessary information to handle those requests.
Suggested options available
| Order of effectiveness | Description | Covered by |
| 1 | Install improved drive belt (p/n 417300531) | Owner |
| 2 | Remove engine cover and modify CVT cover | Owner |
| 3 | Install shims on PTO engine mounts | Owner |
| 4 | Replace drive pulley fixed sheave | Owner |
| 5 | Replace MAG engine mount | Owner |
| 6 | Install engine compartment reinforcement plate | Owner |
