Tightening the Drive Belt
#21
10-11-2011 | 05:18 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 112
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From: .
Rear Belt Drive Adjustment
Performance and Technical information on the rear belt drive for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.Belt Drive Adjustment for Big Twins
2. Measure belt deflection "B" several times, each time with belt moved (by rotating rear wheel) to a different position on sprockets. With sprockets rotated to tightest belt posi-tion, belt deflection "B" (measured at position "A") should be 5/16-3/8 in.
ADJUSTMENT
1. Loosen rear axle nuts.
2. Measure each side from the flat to the end of the swingarm, to be sure rear axle is correctly located.
3. Turn axle adjuster nuts (metric) on each side of swing-arm to adjust belt deflection.
With a high horsepower engine, it is better to have the belt a little tight rather than loose. A loose belt will break much more readily than a tight one. Most people do not tighten the belt to its proper tension. If you plan on "racing" or hot rodding your bike, invest in a Harley-Davidson BELT TENSION GAUGE (Part No. HD-35381).
Performance and Technical information on the rear belt drive for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.Belt Drive Adjustment for Big Twins
- Set belt tension a the tightest rotational point on the sprockets.
- The adjustments should be done when the bike is cold.
- The adjustments should be made with the weight of a rider on the bike.
2. Measure belt deflection "B" several times, each time with belt moved (by rotating rear wheel) to a different position on sprockets. With sprockets rotated to tightest belt posi-tion, belt deflection "B" (measured at position "A") should be 5/16-3/8 in.
ADJUSTMENT
1. Loosen rear axle nuts.
2. Measure each side from the flat to the end of the swingarm, to be sure rear axle is correctly located.
3. Turn axle adjuster nuts (metric) on each side of swing-arm to adjust belt deflection.
a. Turn clockwise to decrease deflection (increase tension).
b. Turn counterclockwise to increase belt deflection (decrease tension).
Turn each adjuster nut exactly the same number of turns to maintain rear wheel alignment.
5. Tighten axle nut to 60-65 ft-lbs.CAUTION
Keep dirt, grease, oil, and debris off the belt and sprockets. Clean the belt with a rag which is slightly damp with light cleaning agent.
All belts must be handled carefully to prevent bending stress. The belt must never be formed into a loop smaller than 5 inches in diameter and never be bent backwards. Sharp bending can weaken the belt and lead to premature failure. Old belts that are taken off a bike during repairs must be reinstalled so they rotate the same direction.
Tricks of the trade
Keep dirt, grease, oil, and debris off the belt and sprockets. Clean the belt with a rag which is slightly damp with light cleaning agent.
All belts must be handled carefully to prevent bending stress. The belt must never be formed into a loop smaller than 5 inches in diameter and never be bent backwards. Sharp bending can weaken the belt and lead to premature failure. Old belts that are taken off a bike during repairs must be reinstalled so they rotate the same direction.
Tricks of the trade
With a high horsepower engine, it is better to have the belt a little tight rather than loose. A loose belt will break much more readily than a tight one. Most people do not tighten the belt to its proper tension. If you plan on "racing" or hot rodding your bike, invest in a Harley-Davidson BELT TENSION GAUGE (Part No. HD-35381).
Not true! Not all models require weight of a rider. Follow the service manual to your bike.
#22
10-11-2011 | 06:58 PM
Banned
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,494
Likes: 24,872
From: King George, VA
The suggestion to check the belt by twisting it may not give you a proper reading. There is no twist torque value prescribed. If I loosened my belt enough, my grand daughter may be able to twist it almost a 1/4 turn. On the other hand, I could adjust the belt properly using the right tension tool and still be able to twist it a full half turn.
Get the proper tool for the job. It only costs about $35 and will save ya from breaking your belt.
Get the proper tool for the job. It only costs about $35 and will save ya from breaking your belt.
Last edited by EasternSP; 10-12-2011 at 06:51 AM.
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