Drive belt alignment
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Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 76
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From: Louisiana
Drive belt alignment
I am installing a wider rear hub/ tire on my 2006 Street Bob. It required me to add a spacer between the hub and pulley. The new pulley is almost an exact fit to the belt, less than 1/16” play. I believe that I have the right spacer, .75”. The rear wheel is an exact fit so I took the wheel spacer on the pulley side, put a level on it and measured the distance from the level to the outside teeth of the pulley on both wheels and figured the difference to determine the size spacer that l needed, which was .75”.
My question is that when I install the wheel and pulley do I have to do anything in particular to align the belt straight on the drive pulley in the primary? Or do I just make sure that the rear wheel is aligned per the service manual, as shown on your previous videos? Will the belt align itself on the drive pulley if the rear wheel is properly aligned?
I’m worried that if it is not perfectly straight that it will come off of the pulley and cause damage.
Sorry if I was a little long winded. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
My question is that when I install the wheel and pulley do I have to do anything in particular to align the belt straight on the drive pulley in the primary? Or do I just make sure that the rear wheel is aligned per the service manual, as shown on your previous videos? Will the belt align itself on the drive pulley if the rear wheel is properly aligned?
I’m worried that if it is not perfectly straight that it will come off of the pulley and cause damage.
Sorry if I was a little long winded. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited by PaulG75; Feb 26, 2021 at 09:59 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,705
Likes: 1,017
From: Lawrenceville Ga.
I am installing a wider rear hub/ tire on my 2006 Street Bob. It required me to add a spacer between the hub and pulley. The new pulley is almost an exact fit to the belt, less than 1/16” play. I believe that I have the right spacer, .75”. The rear wheel is an exact fit so I took the wheel spacer on the pulley side, put a level on it and measured the distance from the level to the outside teeth of the pulley on both wheels and figured the difference to determine the size spacer that l needed, which was .75”.
My question is that when I install the wheel and pulley do I have to do anything in particular to align the belt straight on the drive pulley in the primary? Or do I just make sure that the rear wheel is aligned per the service manual, as shown on your previous videos? Will the belt align itself on the drive pulley if the rear wheel is properly aligned?
I’m worried that if it is not perfectly straight that it will come off of the pulley and cause damage.
Sorry if I was a little long winded. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
My question is that when I install the wheel and pulley do I have to do anything in particular to align the belt straight on the drive pulley in the primary? Or do I just make sure that the rear wheel is aligned per the service manual, as shown on your previous videos? Will the belt align itself on the drive pulley if the rear wheel is properly aligned?
I’m worried that if it is not perfectly straight that it will come off of the pulley and cause damage.
Sorry if I was a little long winded. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 76
Likes: 18
From: Louisiana
The front is a lot wider. Will it move on the front to match the back if it’s not perfect or will the back move off of the pulley? It’s fine turning it by hand. I just worry that it will move off of the back pulley at speed when the torque is on it.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 4,998
Likes: 864
From: Iowa
If it isn't straight, the tension on the side that needs to move laterally on the drive pully will move the belt until it is best aligned. Only thing you need to do is make sure the rear wheel is aligned straight with the frame using the adjustment bolts on the axle adjuster and that will make the rear pulley parallel to the drive pulley.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,024
Likes: 7,549
From: Poolville
If you have the belt tension set properly it won't be an issue... For big power motors with gearing changes I like to set the belt tension to 10 lbs at 1/4-3/8" I've snapped 2 belts because I set to factory recommendations... TwiZted Biker... suggested it and I've never looked back..
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 76
Likes: 18
From: Louisiana
If you have the belt tension set properly it won't be an issue... For big power motors with gearing changes I like to set the belt tension to 10 lbs at 1/4-3/8" I've snapped 2 belts because I set to factory recommendations... TwiZted Biker... suggested it and I've never looked back..
Thanks again.
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