First off, this is not my first post. I was posting on a different account and my wireless ISP stopped providing email service so I had to change to a gmail account.

I am working on a 1999 Polaris Sportsman 500 for a friend. The clutch needs work, so I am taking it apart to replace the bushings and the slider weight buttons. This is the first year of the EBS.

Here is the problem:
In the Shop Manual, it shows that once you take the top cover off the drive clutch, there should be a spring and an outer washer and a spacer. Spring was there and in good condition and measures in spec. The outer spacer and washer are not there at all. This clutch has been working OK but was knocking, I presumed, because two of the six buttons are completely missing. Weights are nice and smooth. Outer bushing that is in the cover needs replacing. Buggy has been being used as a hunting buggy for the last several years, no mud or water or sever use. Just slow trail riding to get in and out of the hunting area.

Here are my questions:
What do the outer washer and space do? Do I need to replace them with new ones? Does it take a special tool to install the spacer?

Thanks,

Wayne