Ski-Doo pDrive
Clutch Maintenance
By Jeff Oberg
When Ski-Doo introduced the pDrive clutch on its MXZx 600RS race sled in 2016, it immediately raised the bar for snowmobile driveline performance. The design was refined, efficient, and built for riders who demand smooth engagement and consistent power delivery. By the following year, it had become a staple across the Ski-Doo lineup — bringing race-proven performance to trail and mountain riders alike.
Like any hard-working component, the pDrive benefits from occasional maintenance to keep it operating at peak efficiency. The good news? Thanks to its clever design, most service and tuning can be done right on the sled with minimal tools and time.
Start by engaging the kill switch and removing the tether. Take off the right side panel and clutch guard, then use the factory spin-in tool to open the secondary clutch and remove the drive belt. If the spring and bushing are in good condition, you can leave the clutch bolted in place for cleaning and inspection — one of the design’s biggest advantages.
Begin with a quick inspection. The clutch uses six rollers — three small outer rollers where the cam rides, and three larger inner rollers that hold the spider tight. Wiggle each roller to ensure they move freely without binding or flat spots.
One of the pDrive’s most rider-friendly features is its clicker adjustment system, a carryover from the previous TRA design. These numbered rotating cams (1 through 5) make it easy to fine-tune the sled’s peak RPM — each step changes the maximum by about 200 RPM.
Moving from position 2 to 3 increases RPM by approximately 200.
Position 4 adds roughly 400 RPM.
To adjust, loosen the T25 Torx bolt on the pivot arm, rotate the cam to the desired number, and retighten. Repeat at all three arms, confirming they’re set equally. That same bolt can also be swapped for heavier or lighter ones to adjust shift-out pressure and response.
If you’re inspecting or cleaning the rollers, remove the cam arm bolt and loosen the retaining screw above it. Tap it lightly with a hammer to drive the axle partway out, then back the screw out farther until you can remove the axle. Retrieve the roller and spacers carefully. Inspect for wear or flat spots, clean with #0000 steel wool, and apply a touch of Isoflex grease inside using a cotton swab. Run the axle through to distribute the grease, then wipe off any excess.
Servicing the cam arm and pivot is similar — note the clicker setting, remove the calibration bolt, and drive the axle free. Clean the ramp, spacers, and cam with steel wool and inspect for wear before reassembling. Torque the axle screws to 4 lb-ft and the pivot bolt to 6 lb-ft.
Once all three sections are cleaned and reassembled, verify all clicker numbers match. Finish by cleaning the clutch sheaves with a Scotchbrite pad or emery cloth in circular motions, then wipe them down with acetone or clutch cleaner. To remove any dust or residue. Reinstall the belt, check deflection, and you’re ready to roll.
Regular maintenance doesn’t just extend clutch life—it also restores that crisp, responsive feel that makes the pDrive one of Ski-Doo’s most impressive engineering achievements. A clean, tuned clutch means smoother shifts, better belt life, and more consistent performance on every ride.