Rear Wheel Alignment
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Goodyear, Az
Rear Wheel Alignment
My Street Bob looks as though the back wheel is tracking to the right. It's not handling squirrely, just something I've noticed as I look down from the seat.
Taking a tape measure to the rear wheel, it appears the swing arm is 3/8" closer to the wheel on the right, than it is on the left (measured at the front). Is the swing arm on these bikes symmetrical enough to use it as a measuring point? Or do I need to measure from the frame?
Taking a tape measure to the rear wheel, it appears the swing arm is 3/8" closer to the wheel on the right, than it is on the left (measured at the front). Is the swing arm on these bikes symmetrical enough to use it as a measuring point? Or do I need to measure from the frame?
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: west coast. Canada
look down your pullies rear to front. the belt should be tracking straight. might favor one side but pullies should be in line with each other.
did you have rear wheel off? spacers on the right side if different thickness?
measure axle shaft center to pivot point on swing arm center. should be the same distance.
did you have rear wheel off? spacers on the right side if different thickness?
measure axle shaft center to pivot point on swing arm center. should be the same distance.
Devil's Advocate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,070
Likes: 36
From: Alberta, Canada
If you are looking at the front of the tire and measuring from tire to swing arm, the rear axle could be out of alignment. There is a section in your manual that tells you how to check it. I have attached a picture of Mud's professionally made measuring tool. Telltale sign, as mentioned above, is the tracking of the drive belt. It should not be hugging or trying to climb one side of the pulley.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 184
From: Indiana, USA
My Street Bob looks as though the back wheel is tracking to the right. It's not handling squirrely, just something I've noticed as I look down from the seat.
Taking a tape measure to the rear wheel, it appears the swing arm is 3/8" closer to the wheel on the right, than it is on the left (measured at the front). Is the swing arm on these bikes symmetrical enough to use it as a measuring point? Or do I need to measure from the frame?
Taking a tape measure to the rear wheel, it appears the swing arm is 3/8" closer to the wheel on the right, than it is on the left (measured at the front). Is the swing arm on these bikes symmetrical enough to use it as a measuring point? Or do I need to measure from the frame?
or just find a dusty road or lot and drive through. Get off and confirm the rear wheel tracked over the front wheel through the dust.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Goodyear, Az
All good suggestions, guys....
Measuring off the assembly point, like mud's tool, would indicate it is probably off by 1/16" or more... (I'll have to make my own precision tool.)
Yes, the belt is not centered on the pulley... it's riding to the outside.
Can anybody spot me the torque value for that axle nut?
Measuring off the assembly point, like mud's tool, would indicate it is probably off by 1/16" or more... (I'll have to make my own precision tool.)
Yes, the belt is not centered on the pulley... it's riding to the outside.
Can anybody spot me the torque value for that axle nut?
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 915
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From: nw alabama
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The rear wheel is off center on all the Harley's I have ever owned. They are off center so that the biek will track straight due to the design of the engine and primary and such.
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