Busted the belt.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
I will warn you just once more about having hands on experience and FULL knowledge of what you're getting into before you take this on.
Opening just the outer primary is simple. Breaking loose the compensator nut and the clutch hub can try your patience. You will need some extra large sockets and the correct clutch puller. And then be certain it's all back in place, tightened and you need to correctly use loctite in key areas. I was able to handle all that. But then dismounting the exhaust system, starter, frame (swing arm) to take off the inner is NOT a project I felt like handling myself. It includes wheel alignment. And a lift is important too.
There is a lot of need for PRECISE mechanical knowledge in order to not get yourself into a lot of trouble that could wind up damaging your bike, or endangering your life.
You will be pissed to no end to discover you damaged a seal on the inner primary once you completely reassembled the bike and are out for a nice ride. I know, even my mechanic is having fits with a persistent inner primary leak that has them tearing it down (a second time) and searching closely to find the (right) issue right now.
My best suggestion if you feel you really want to do this is to find a mechanic buddy who has done it before and invite them over to have a beer and give you guidance if you attempt to do this yourself.
Opening just the outer primary is simple. Breaking loose the compensator nut and the clutch hub can try your patience. You will need some extra large sockets and the correct clutch puller. And then be certain it's all back in place, tightened and you need to correctly use loctite in key areas. I was able to handle all that. But then dismounting the exhaust system, starter, frame (swing arm) to take off the inner is NOT a project I felt like handling myself. It includes wheel alignment. And a lift is important too.
There is a lot of need for PRECISE mechanical knowledge in order to not get yourself into a lot of trouble that could wind up damaging your bike, or endangering your life.
You will be pissed to no end to discover you damaged a seal on the inner primary once you completely reassembled the bike and are out for a nice ride. I know, even my mechanic is having fits with a persistent inner primary leak that has them tearing it down (a second time) and searching closely to find the (right) issue right now.
My best suggestion if you feel you really want to do this is to find a mechanic buddy who has done it before and invite them over to have a beer and give you guidance if you attempt to do this yourself.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
So you tore down the entire primary and pulled the swing arm apart all on your own. Had you done any repairs like this before? Do you have a lift?
Glad it went smooth for you. Hope everything back together the way it should be.
I've had enough wrenching on my ride in the past couple of years. After having torn into the primary too many times, I might be in the minority about what I want to "handle" and what I have done by a good Harley mechanic.
Last edited by JohnnyC; May 12, 2012 at 12:45 PM.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 381
Likes: 2
From: Florida
So you tore down the entire primary and pulled the swing arm apart all on your own. Had you done any repairs like this before? Do you have a lift?
Glad it went smooth for you. Hope everything back together the way it should be.
I've had enough wrenching on my ride in the past couple of years. After having torn into the primary too many times, I might be in the minority about what I want to "handle" and what I have done by a good Harley mechanic.
Glad it went smooth for you. Hope everything back together the way it should be.
I've had enough wrenching on my ride in the past couple of years. After having torn into the primary too many times, I might be in the minority about what I want to "handle" and what I have done by a good Harley mechanic.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 381
Likes: 2
From: Florida
It only took a couple hours, using air tools cut down a lot of the wrenching time. I found the belt at local harley dealership and had them ship it to me.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,269
Likes: 12
From: NJ
Eccccck , belts
It takes a complete disassemble of the primary drive train, compensator, primary chain, clutch assembly, inner and outer covers, then a removal of the rear wheel and swing arm. Several gasket and seals are involved.
Even with a manual it's best left to experienced mechanics.
It takes a complete disassemble of the primary drive train, compensator, primary chain, clutch assembly, inner and outer covers, then a removal of the rear wheel and swing arm. Several gasket and seals are involved.
Even with a manual it's best left to experienced mechanics.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,181
From: Oxford, Nc
The swingarm comment applies to Softails and Flt's where you do have to also remove the swingarm in order to route the belt.
Were you doing anything "exciting" when the belt snapped? Just curious, as my belt looks great, no cracks or missing pieces, and has 108,000 miles on it. (I never run it hard, but definitely run it a lot.)
Debating on the million mile rating I occasionally hear about.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
Congrats on a successful operation!
The swingarm comment applies to Softails and Flt's where you do have to also remove the swingarm in order to route the belt.
Were you doing anything "exciting" when the belt snapped? Just curious, as my belt looks great, no cracks or missing pieces, and has 108,000 miles on it. (I never run it hard, but definitely run it a lot.)
Debating on the million mile rating I occasionally hear about.
The swingarm comment applies to Softails and Flt's where you do have to also remove the swingarm in order to route the belt.
Were you doing anything "exciting" when the belt snapped? Just curious, as my belt looks great, no cracks or missing pieces, and has 108,000 miles on it. (I never run it hard, but definitely run it a lot.)
Debating on the million mile rating I occasionally hear about.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,181
From: Oxford, Nc
I learn something everyday. So then you remove the tube between the swingarm bearings to do it?