Changing the drive belt?????
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2008
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Changing the drive belt?????
Has anyone changed their drive belt? mine broke yesterday at 33,000 miles, belt looked new, but must have had a weak spot.
left me stranded foran hour, waiting for a wrecker, thank God the driver was very polite and concerned about scratching the bike.
My question is; can it be changed at home without alot of work, or should I just take it to a dealer? and does the primary have to come apart, or can the belt be slipped in without disassembly?
The bike is due for a rear tire, maybe I should just let the dealer kill two birds with one stone?
Thanks
left me stranded foran hour, waiting for a wrecker, thank God the driver was very polite and concerned about scratching the bike.
My question is; can it be changed at home without alot of work, or should I just take it to a dealer? and does the primary have to come apart, or can the belt be slipped in without disassembly?
The bike is due for a rear tire, maybe I should just let the dealer kill two birds with one stone?
Thanks
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 260
Likes: 1
From: Missoula MT
RE: Changing the drive belt?????
It can be done at home if you have a lift and a good set of tools, the entire primary drive chain/sprockets/clutch and the inner/outer primary covers has to come off plus the swing arm too. Read the procedure in your service manual and see if you're up for it. JMHO, YMMV, etc.
Bob
Bob
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,394
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From: NC USA
RE: Changing the drive belt?????
I agree with all the above
Clearly, wrenching isn't for everyone, but it will be pricey at the dealer (or anywhere else) and it is a big job, but like most, the dread is the worst part.
I'm curious about the belt actually breaking... too tight maybe or got loose to the point of slapping?
Spoke with a guywho lost 2 belts on an '84 and went to chain/sprocket..... never knew why his broke. The dealer did all his work.
Clearly, wrenching isn't for everyone, but it will be pricey at the dealer (or anywhere else) and it is a big job, but like most, the dread is the worst part.
I'm curious about the belt actually breaking... too tight maybe or got loose to the point of slapping?
Spoke with a guywho lost 2 belts on an '84 and went to chain/sprocket..... never knew why his broke. The dealer did all his work.
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2008
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RE: Changing the drive belt?????
Well, I decided to tackle the job myself, I have restored a few cars, so I have the mechanical knowledge, and I have the factory maual. so all should... (fingers crossed) go well!
I figured if I let the dealer do it, I wont be learning anything...I already know how to right a check, so why not tear into it myself. Im sure I will have to purchase a few special tools along the way, and I'll probably be posting a few more times if I hit a "bump in the road"
Thanks for the feedback, and I'm curious as to why the belt broke so early myself...I have read they should last 80-100,000 miles??
The break was clean, not jagged, so Im thinking it had a weak spot from the start?
Thanks
I figured if I let the dealer do it, I wont be learning anything...I already know how to right a check, so why not tear into it myself. Im sure I will have to purchase a few special tools along the way, and I'll probably be posting a few more times if I hit a "bump in the road"
Thanks for the feedback, and I'm curious as to why the belt broke so early myself...I have read they should last 80-100,000 miles??
The break was clean, not jagged, so Im thinking it had a weak spot from the start?
Thanks
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 64
From: SoCal
RE: Changing the drive belt?????
Who knows? Maybe somebody kinked it sometime before it was installed on your bike. I believe in the paperwork that comes with them there is a warning about bending them too much.
If you are able, put up some pics at different points along the way in your R&R of the belt.
I hope it goes well for you.
If you are able, put up some pics at different points along the way in your R&R of the belt.
I hope it goes well for you.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,137
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From:
RE: Changing the drive belt?????
My original belt ('92 FXRS) has 100,000 more miles on it than yours, so I'd agree yours was either defective or kinked during the installation at the factory. Good luck on changing it.
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 216
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RE: Changing the drive belt?????
You do not need to remove the swingarm. Usually removing the swingarm block on the left side, and then removing the isolator on that side will give you enough room to fit the new belt thru. This is assuming you are replacing the belt on the FXR in your post.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2008
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From:
RE: Changing the drive belt?????
Thanks Bigtone, I was about to pull the swingarm, but your right, I can just remove the block and slide it in.
I have to get the clutch compressor tool tomorrow from Harley...$$$ im sure, before i can continue. I hope to have it back together by the weekend.
I have to get the clutch compressor tool tomorrow from Harley...$$$ im sure, before i can continue. I hope to have it back together by the weekend.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
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From: Windham,Maine
RE: Changing the drive belt?????
You may not even need the clutch tool,you will need the tool to jam your primary chain to get comp sprocket off.NEVER use an impact on the comp spocket.Remember the clutch hub is a left hand thread.Have fun!