07 Lowrider.

My rear belt needs to be tightened up. I have the Harley belt deflection tool and the deflection spec is 2-3 graduations on the debris deflector at 10lbs force, mine is about 6-7 graduations.

Looking at the shop manual and the bike (p. 1-32), I can't figure out the purpose of the retaining ring just behind the axle nut (it says to remove the retaining ring before loosening the axle nut). What is the purpose of the retaining ring.

The manual doesn't specify, but I'd assume the axle adjuster hex bolt would be rotated counter-clockwise to pull the axle back, can anyone verify that? Wish they showed how that hex bolt connects to the axle.

Also, the manual doesnt specify, but I assume you loosen both axle nuts on both sides before beginning the adjustment procedure, correct? Also, turn each side adjuster the same as you progress.

Step 5 says to check to see if the retaining ring can be installed. Why wouldnt it be able to?

Lastly, I don't understand the comment "Check wheel bearing end play after tightening axle nut".

Any help on these questions? Maybe I am misunderstanding something basic here. If my bike is aligned properly now (seems so) and I adjust each side identically, is there any reason it should be out of alignment afterwards?

B

 

Bump

 

Here is a post from the Do-It-Yourself Forum about adjusting the drive belt on a bagger. The steps are the same for the Dyna. You may find this more user friendly and less intimidating than the service manual.

https://www.hdforums.com/m_88217/tm.htm

 

Thanks for the excellent reference.

Now I am really wondering why the retaining ring has to be removed at all, it looks like the axle nut can be loosened without touching it. Your article says nothing about that.

B

 

The retaining ring is just there as a fail safe that prevents the axle nut from loosing up enough to come completely off the axle. If you have a socket that is deep enough give it a try, you should be able to do the job with the ring in place, I have always just followed the instructions and removed it.

Arcane

 

Thanks, I assumed that to be the case, but it's odd that they tell you to remove it, then make a big deal about 'if it can be re-installed'.

Another part of this process that I wonder about is testing the belt deflection with the rider on the bike, which will be hard in my case. How should that affect the belt deflection?

 

As the swing arm rotates up-wards, the distancebetween the center of the drive hub and the rear pulley decreases. As a result, the belt loses tension. This is what occurs when a rider is added to the bike. Correct tension is achieved when the swing arm is positioned where it would be normally while the belt is performing its job. This is why it is recommended to check tension with a rider on the bike.