Braking issue going downhill

[T.rex]

I've got a strange issue on my rhino when going downhill. If I let off the gas, the engine brakes for a second, then I start hearing a clicking sound from the drive belt area. The moment I touch the throttle again, it feels like the belt re engages and holds back properly. It's almost like something's slipping, then grabbing again. I'm thinking maybe a worn clutch or a pulley issue?

 

[Not.a.Girl]

I've got a strange issue on my rhino when going downhill. If I let off the gas, the engine brakes for a second, then I start hearing a clicking sound from the drive belt area. The moment I touch the throttle again, it feels like the belt re engages and holds back properly. It's almost like something's slipping, then grabbing again. I'm thinking maybe a worn clutch or a pulley issue?

Hmm.... that's curious. Check the belt condition too because it might have wear and tear also. If it's been a while since you last checked your clutch, I figure it's about time to do a full inspection and cleaning.

 

[c0ldbr3w_]

I've got a strange issue on my rhino when going downhill. If I let off the gas, the engine brakes for a second, then I start hearing a clicking sound from the drive belt area. The moment I touch the throttle again, it feels like the belt re engages and holds back properly. It's almost like something's slipping, then grabbing again. I'm thinking maybe a worn clutch or a pulley issue?

yeah, that doesn't sound good at all, but I heard it's a common issue on Rhinos and other Yamaha UTVs with that engine braking system.
a typical CVT shenanigans when the engine braking isn't quite right. That clicking and delay points right to wear in the primary clutch system
The one way bearing is almost certainly the main culprit. It's inside the wet clutch. When it starts to fail, it won't grab properly during engine braking, causing that clicking/slipping before it catches. If it's really bad, you'll lose engine braking altogether eventually.
You'll need to remove the CVT outer cover, then likely the inner cover for the wet clutch, to get a good look at that one way bearing. It's a bit of a process, but there are tons of videos out there for Rhinos. Get that service manual out to make it right

 

[gonefreecs]

Sounds like your Rhino's primary clutch or one of the pulleys might be worn or sticking andd what youre describing is likely the belt momentarily losing tension or not fully engaging during engine braking.

 

[peacefulPeter]

yeah, that doesn't sound good at all, but I heard it's a common issue on Rhinos and other Yamaha UTVs with that engine braking system.
a typical CVT shenanigans when the engine braking isn't quite right. That clicking and delay points right to wear in the primary clutch system
The one way bearing is almost certainly the main culprit. It's inside the wet clutch. When it starts to fail, it won't grab properly during engine braking, causing that clicking/slipping before it catches. If it's really bad, you'll lose engine braking altogether eventually.
You'll need to remove the CVT outer cover, then likely the inner cover for the wet clutch, to get a good look at that one way bearing. It's a bit of a process, but there are tons of videos out there for Rhinos. Get that service manual out to make it right

This was explained to me by a mechanic about my 700, which I think has the same cvt as the 660, so I'm guessing it's not just something he said to scare me. What are the symptoms apart from having no engine braking?