Hi, I ride a 1994 FXDWG and lately the belt has taken to rubbing on the tire. I changed the lower motor mounts front and rear. Any ideas? Thanks, Doug

 

That shouldnt make the belt rub the tire. The swing arm and transmission are connected so they move together. Did you change your tire recently? Sounds like a rear wheel out of alignment with the swing arm. Or a new tire that is wider.

 

So.. you did the alignment after replacing the mounts? Hows the belt tension?

 

I would agree that it is your wheel/tire that are out of alignment. Stock, I believe your bike comes with a 130 running a 1.5" belt - there is generally plenty of room. Running a 150 and 1.125" ('97 Wide) and I don't have problems with the tire hitting the belt.

 

Here's what you need to do. Get a wire clothes hanger. Cut off the hook and then straighten the remainder of the hanger out. Get a little piece of rubber from something, anything and slide it onto the hanger. The rubber should be tight enough to hold its position, but still movable.

Now go look at your swingarm. Just in front of the axle there is a little hole on both forks of your swingarm. This is for checking alignment of the tire. Bend the end of your straightened hanger, about 3/4" back from one end 90 degrees.

Stick the short end into the hole and run the long end back to the axle. Slide the piece of rubber up until it is in the center of the axle. Now switch sides and check to see if the rubber piece is still in the center of the axle. I'll guarantee it is not.

Loosen your axle, adjust to even and verify belt tension. Tighten axle, done. No more rubbing most likely.

The other option is that your engine is canted to the side, thus causing your belt to walk on the tranny pulley toward your tire. If you changed the motor mounts with the bike on the jiffy stand, there's a good chance this could be your problem.

 

Thanks Gents, I had already done the rear wheel alignment measuring from the little holes and I had my bike on blocks when changing the motor mounts. I did the vertical alignment as per the book also. Now I have revisited the rear wheel and all seems to be in good order. Thanks so much. Doug