Drive Belt "Whine"

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Apr 22, 2020 | 12:47 PM

fdh161

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Joined: Aug 2008

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From: Texas

Drive Belt "Whine"

I have a '20 Heritage Classic. It developed an odd rotational sound similar to what a warped brake disc would make as it hit a high spot on each rotation. First thing dealer did was actually replace the disc - no help. Took it back in, and they called HD Tech Services who told them it was a known issue, and to true up the drive belt so it was in the middle of the front sprocket rather than touching one side or the other. This reduced the sound significantly, but I can still hear it a little bit if I pull in the clutch and coast down from about 40 mph. Anyone else experiencing this? If so, how did you get rid of it completely?

Apr 22, 2020 | 12:53 PM

Uncle G.

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Joined: Jun 2010

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From: Upstate New York

My Heritage did the same thing. Loosening the belt to the high side of the spec helped but not completely. I’ve since learned to ignore it.

Apr 22, 2020 | 12:54 PM

Super Glidester

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From: 40.2444° N, 75.6419° W

I am not 100% on HD drive belts however, I can tell you that this knowledge comes from my knowledge of Timing belts on cars, if they are set too tight they will make noise, either that or its something else like a bearing making the noise. Did the tech set the drive belt tension properly?

Apr 22, 2020 | 12:57 PM

fdh161

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Joined: Aug 2008

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From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super Glidester

I'm a little embarrassed to admit I don't know if he did or not. I'll check the service manual tonight for specs, and adjust to the high side as Uncle G. suggested if it's not set correctly.

Apr 22, 2020 | 02:11 PM

AJ88V

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2018

Posts: 965

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From: NoVa

For whatever reason, HD has been assembling these bikes with the drive belts really tight.

Loosen belt to lower end of spec, with bike standing upright (not on side stand). Be sure to find the tightest point on the belt when checking spec.

Check rear wheel alignment.

Useful reading:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/2018-...eed-whine.html
and
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/2018-...said-this.html

Apr 22, 2020 | 02:33 PM

sandrooney

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Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 762

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From: Timnath, CO.

Upright with full weight of the bike on the ground. Loose end of the spec, which I believe is 9/16 on the service belt, the spec is different for new belt, and what AJ said. It fixed mine.

Apr 23, 2020 | 07:13 AM

uncle kebo

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Joined: Oct 2013

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From: On the Big Blue marble

I had the exact on my 114Fatboy. They did the belt adjustment, then I ended up having a dragging rear brake on top of it. My 2019 Heritage is quiet thankfully