I wanted to take off my rear wheel myself to have a new tire installed and save a few bucks. I have the factory service manual for my 07 Night train but the book calls for a belt tension guage (HD 35831-A) to set the belt tension after the rear wheel is installed, do I need this or is there another way to check the belt tension after reinstalling the rear wheel?

Also how do I set the alignment after reinstalling the rear wheel?

Thanks,
Aaron

 

for what it will cost if it is not done right i would spend the extra money

 

Agreed! I try to perform as much work as I can myself, but certain things are worth have a tech do.

 

You have the service manual, get the tension gauge and a torque wrench and then do a search on aligning the wheel and you will find all kinds of tips to get it right! It is not that hard and definitely not worth paying the stealership and waiting for them to get to it! Also once you go through it and do it you will say wow that wasn't so bad and now you will have the ability to check your own belt deflection and have the confidence to do all kinds of maintenance on your machine yourself. If you want to pay the stealership then return your service manual. It is a basic task and I am sure you will breeze through it with flying colors!

and to answer your question about the belt gauge, there are other methods (do a search) but the gauge is the best method!

 

i try to avoid the stealers as much as possible opting for a local trustworthy shop. much more reasonable and seem to care more. my shop charged $75 to remove and replace the tire. worth it to me but make your own decision.
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i do agree it gives you more confidence if you do your own work and is more fun too. i just dont have the space or time right now. i'll do oil changes and some accessories but the major stuff i have done.
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thinking about this some, i realized, this is an excuse to get more tools and stuff!!! i've seen the light!

 

I bought the belt tension tool today at a local Harley dealer and the part number has now changed to 40006-85. I think I now have a handle on how to do the alignment also.

Thanks,
Aaron

 

keep us posted on the progress