2007 Street Bob Drive Belt Replacement

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Oct 23, 2009 | 06:45 PM

#11

rounder

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 7,562

Likes: 11

From: Palm Harbor fl.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdondes

Actually, the serpentine timing belts on modern cars which run the cams (timing), alternator, fan, etc are very easy to replace and should be done every 50,000 miles especially if the engine is not a 'clearance' engine. They are easy to replace as they are tensioned with movable tensioner pulley which when pulled back, allow hand removal of the serpentine belt. What is difficult to replace are timing chains on cars that use chains to drive the cams and not serpentine belts. Timing chains should last the life of the car up to 200,000 miles. However, sometimes the timing chain sprockets lose teeth and the timing chain slips and the timing of the cam gets screwed up. Replacing a timing chain is a very expensive $300-$700 repair and is akin to replacing a Harley-Davidson drive belt in regards to being an integral part of the drive line (ie. not just a fan belt type thing).

In any case, the Gates drive belt is certainly not a "wear" item - so +1 for KBFXDLI.

many engines have timing belts instead of the chains... I believe that is what he is referring too. Not the serpentine.

Oct 24, 2009 | 01:42 PM

#12

nevil

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 9,282

Likes: 1,139

From: southeast PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by CountryPunk

All this because I think belt replacement should be less of a hassle? lol

Especially when it's so easy to change or replace a chain.

Oct 24, 2009 | 02:26 PM

#13

CountryPunk

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 1,303

Likes: 2

From: Texas City, TX

EXACTLY!

I really want to do a chain conversion, but at this point I just want the bike back on the road. I'm not totally sure what is needed for a chain conversion either. (Which offset front sprocket, how many teeth for the rear, etc..) That, and I've already bought the belt. If I found a reasonably cheap way to switch to a chain, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Oct 24, 2009 | 04:04 PM

#14

cornishman

Road Master

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 1,168

Likes: 1

From: Cornwall UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wowy

I'm thinking about tackling this job myself but am afraid to bite off more than i can chew. Has anyone done this at home? You know how Harley is about requiring special tools that you have to order and can only get from them.

What are the wear symptoms on a belt drive? Its my first bike with belt drive so curious.