I had a squealing noise coming from my belt last year, and my dad though belt dressing would help. Well it did. For a few weeks. Now it sounds like a clanking noise. Not really a grinding though. I tried washing off all remnants of oils and dirt from the belt and area with some basic dish liquid and the noise goes away for a little while but comes back. Anyone had this problem? or a suggestion on how to fix it.

 

Only time i ever had noise from the belt, is when it was out of adjustment, usually tight . Long time ago, from a dealer, they over tightened it,

 

If there is a clanking noise coming from your belt that goes away with soap and water, you've got other issues going on than it just being dirty down there.

Shane

 

The tooth on the pulley has a hard chrome coating. If you can scratch the surface with a sharp tool, the coating has worn out. You will also notice the teeth getting chewed up with road dirt and grime. This will make that squeaking noise and belt dressing will just attract more dirt and grime.

The clanking noise? sounds like a wheel bearing on the way out

 

I too have had a noise from my belt. Mines more of a rubbing noise and it comes and goes so I'm not sure what to do either.

 

Mine makes an annoying chirp chirp chirp noise unless I put dressing on it every couple weeks. Dressing was the dealer solution.

 

Belt dressing is a 'make do', but if you're okay with it, it will save you a lotta bucks in belt and sprocket replacement.

 

Lots of OPs not including any machine specifics these days. I have an 08 Road King and the factory spec for belt tension was too tight. It was revised on newer machines to a bit looser setting. I went with the new setting and have very little noise from the belt now. In other words, one more vote for belt too tight.

 

I had this after I had my dealer put new tires on, I discovered that the drive belt was to lose in my case. FYI