Rear end "whirring"
#1
Rear end "whirring"
Hey guys, I have a 2013 Slim and have noticed a "whirring" coming from the rear end.
It is most noticeable when going quite slow such as when coasting to a stop or idling down the road under 10mph, if going much faster than that road and engine noise drown it out.
I've jacked the rear end up and can't hear anything like a bearing noise when spinning by hand and the belt seems to have about 3/8" deflection just with moderate finger pressure.
I've only had the bike for a short time and haven't done many miles so don't know if this is normal.
I'm guessing it is the belt but does this sound normal?
Don't bother referring me to the dealer as so far I haven't had any help with another issue from them so have no confidence in them so I'm hoping you guys can help.
Thanks in advance, Mark.
It is most noticeable when going quite slow such as when coasting to a stop or idling down the road under 10mph, if going much faster than that road and engine noise drown it out.
I've jacked the rear end up and can't hear anything like a bearing noise when spinning by hand and the belt seems to have about 3/8" deflection just with moderate finger pressure.
I've only had the bike for a short time and haven't done many miles so don't know if this is normal.
I'm guessing it is the belt but does this sound normal?
Don't bother referring me to the dealer as so far I haven't had any help with another issue from them so have no confidence in them so I'm hoping you guys can help.
Thanks in advance, Mark.
#2
Sounds like it could be the belt.
Is the bike new? You mentioned you don't have many miles on it yet.
Perhaps it's just not broken in yet?
A new belt may stretch a bit and will require another adjustment at your 1K service...
A tight belt will howl...
H-D sells a tool for this for about $35:
Belt Tension Tester Tool
Use to check tension on secondary belt.
P/N 40006-85 - $34.95
I don't have the service manual handy so I don't know what the actual deflection should be, but you should see a little slot on your belt guard with hash marks as an aid.
One rule of thumb I've seen posted a lot, is that when the belt is tensioned correctly you should be able to twist it about 45°...
Here's a thread on belt "break-in":
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...-period-2.html
Is the bike new? You mentioned you don't have many miles on it yet.
Perhaps it's just not broken in yet?
A new belt may stretch a bit and will require another adjustment at your 1K service...
A tight belt will howl...
H-D sells a tool for this for about $35:
Belt Tension Tester Tool
Use to check tension on secondary belt.
P/N 40006-85 - $34.95
I don't have the service manual handy so I don't know what the actual deflection should be, but you should see a little slot on your belt guard with hash marks as an aid.
One rule of thumb I've seen posted a lot, is that when the belt is tensioned correctly you should be able to twist it about 45°...
Here's a thread on belt "break-in":
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...-period-2.html
Last edited by jam436; 10-11-2013 at 07:10 AM.
#5
Shoot some light puffs of baby power on the belt. If it's the belt, it will go away for a short period.. Actually your belt sounds loose to me. Forget all the silliness of this and that way of adjusting. That belt and pulleys and replacement is close to a $1000. Get you a gage from Harley or Amazon and lay across saddle since a Softail says weight in the saddle when setting. The other bikes are different. Really would not think a 2013 would be loose unless someone has had it apart. Remember the rear of a Softail aligns to the motor and swingarm bearings, not front tire. So make sure the adjusters are equal to the milled flats on the arm also. Belt should just slightly rub outside edge of the rear pulley when rolled fwd.
#6
#7
My 04 is 10 lbs and 5/16-3/8 with you weight on the seat. The force gage has a 5/8 plate width that does the pushing, so if you tool is close,you should be fine. I have found on the seat and off the seat is the tolerance range but cannot remember which way. Need to check the tolerance for your 2013 probably.
Trending Topics
#8
#9
If I hear any noise coming from the rear wheel area my guess is that the pads are dragging....new bike fresh pads..hmm...brake dust build up on the brake piston cups. Take caliper off and pads and clean the build up off the pistons.....should allow them to sit back where they should be = no noise.
good advice on the belt tension 45 degree turn will do you just right. While your at it take a coat hanger and zip tie on it and check your rear alignment (axle nut adjuster screw). Measure from the center of the rear axle bolt to another reference point on the frame to make sure its the same distance on both sides. Good luck.
good advice on the belt tension 45 degree turn will do you just right. While your at it take a coat hanger and zip tie on it and check your rear alignment (axle nut adjuster screw). Measure from the center of the rear axle bolt to another reference point on the frame to make sure its the same distance on both sides. Good luck.