Hey what's up? This is the first post on this forum so looking for some help. I ride a 97 sportster 883 hugger. I just got new tires put on and I did my brakes, bearings and took off my tank, sanded it down and painted it. This is the first time I've worked on my bike besides putting new grips and throttle cables on it. I've done a lot of research and I can generally work on anything. I put new brakes on and aligned my real axle (I thought.) My brakes are rubbing so obviously the axle isn't true. My belt is pretty tight. would that make a difference? I can push my belt up 1/2." That's pushing up on it very hard. When by bike is jacked up the real wheel doesn't free spin and it sounds like something is rubbing. The axle seems to be aligned though. I put all the spacers on right and put everything back together the same. I don't get it. I can't afford to take it in. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Chris

 

First thing you need to do is make sure your axle is square. Loosen the axle nut but don't remove it. Then measure from the center of the swing arm pivot bolt to the center of the rear axle, measure both sides and make sure the measurement is exactly the same.

Once you have the axle square, you can adjust the belt tension by turning the axle adjuster nuts equal turns on both sides of the axle. When you have the tension set, tighten the axle nut, and recheck to make sure the axle is still square.

If you don't have a Factory Service Manual you may want to invest in one, this process is all spelled out step by step. The manual will give you a wealth of information about maintaining your bike.

 

Have you ridden it since you did the brakes? They might be rubbing and need to "seat".

 

That's the issue, I've done all that. That's why it's puzzling.

I have ridden it a bit. i couldn't imagine the brakes not seating yet. I think I might have the belt too tight.

 

Hi from the UK and welcome to HDF. If you don't have one yet we routinely recommend you get yourself a factory service manual, as FreedomRider has already suggested. That will shed light on everything to do with servicing your bike!

If you are using your fingers to judge belt tension, that is not very scientific! There is an excellent belt tension tool available, which takes away the guesswork. It does sound as if yours may be tight.

 

How many mile have you ridden it? New brakes can a take 100 mile or more to really get broke in.

 

oh **** man I only rode it around the block a couple times. Well hopefully that's the deal I'll just ride it a bit and hopefully those brakes will wear in.

 

Thanks for the help. I'll let yall know.

 

If your wheel isn't spinning freely it could also be improper bearing shims. That can be catastrophic if you destroy your bearings. Make sure you did the bearings correctly and have the proper amount of endplay in the bearings.


Also, align your wheel, and adjust your belt tension BEFORE riding it around for awhile.

There are good videos on aligning your rear wheel. It isn't difficult, doesn't require expensive tools, and takes about 20 minutes.


Good luck!!

 

When you were in there with the breaks and such, did you remove the caliper? reason I ask is the front pin is very very easy to cross thread and will cause binding. Happened to me the first time I had the caliper off. I had to chase the treads with a thread repair tool. and be very very careful re-installing it.