Proper belt tension
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 148
Likes: 1
From: Franksville, WI
Proper belt tension
Hey guys, Im getting a new tire on the rear so i took the wheel completely off (axle was a sombich to get out) along with the real caliper (not sure if it was necessary, but the manual told me to so i did) what im wondering, is when i go to reassemble, is there a way i can get the tension right without getting the belt deflection tool from hd? Also, do i need to replace the metal/rubber washers on the bolt that connects the brake line to the caliper or are those reuseable?
-Livn
-Livn
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I have the proper tool which is easy to use. If you search the whole forum you will see recommendations to twist the belt just so as an alternative.
You didn't need to disconnect the caliper, if you have removed the hydraulic brake pipe from it. If you have you will have to bleed it with fresh clean fluid and I personally always fit new washers when reconnecting pipes. I only just did that a few days ago to my own rear caliper on my Glide.
You didn't need to disconnect the caliper, if you have removed the hydraulic brake pipe from it. If you have you will have to bleed it with fresh clean fluid and I personally always fit new washers when reconnecting pipes. I only just did that a few days ago to my own rear caliper on my Glide.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
You can get pretty close with a a bathroom scale.
Push on the scale until it reads 10lbs, and try to approximate it on the belt, or prop something up between the scale and the belt.
Remember to have someone sitting on the bike when you check the belt tension.
Push on the scale until it reads 10lbs, and try to approximate it on the belt, or prop something up between the scale and the belt.
Remember to have someone sitting on the bike when you check the belt tension.
Last edited by kpolak; Mar 12, 2010 at 01:38 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
I just use the twist to 45 deg. method for tension. Many a mechanic feels the belt tension Harley recommends is too tight. Some local dealers actually spec. their new bike with the belt not as tight as Harley recommends. Just twist the belt to 45 deg. and your tension will be good, not too loose or tight. Easy to do and no need for the tool.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 4
From: Newtown, PA
I've used the tensioning tool and I've done it the "twist it the 45 degrees method." The twist it 45 degrees method is perfectly fine. More twist than 45 degrees is too loose, and less twist than 45 degrees is too tight.
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barkster99
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