Can't seem to get belt tension and tire alignment right

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Jun 3, 2017 | 01:44 PM

Derek_96

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Cruiser

Joined: Mar 2017

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From: Maryville, TN

Can't seem to get belt tension and tire alignment right

Hi guys, before I start yes I did order a FSM but it's not here yet. I have a '96 FXD And I'm having a problem. I noticed the other day it looked like my castle nut loosened up and the rear wheel shift in the bike. I couldn't push it back because it was rubbing up against the lower belt guard. So I was thinking the wheel was sitting in there cocked to the left just a little bit. So I jacked it up, tried to re-align and put the proper tension on the belt and torque the castle but to 60ft/lbs like I read somewhere here, and put the cotter pin. My problem is where the axle goes through the swing arm it's not even close to being even on both left and right side. Maybe out a 1/4 inch And the belt seems a little too tight. Im just wondering if this is normal. Im not using a tensioner tool. Just twisting the belt trying to get a 45 degree angle. I'm only getting say 30 degrees. I plan on taking it somewhere and having that checked because I don't want to ruin anything but I didn't know if there's any tricks I can try before I do that. This is really driving me nuts. It's my first harley and refuse to own anything I can't work on myself as I've always tinkered with cars, trucks, and fourwheeler so any help to get me straightened out would be appreciated it. Thanks again

Jun 3, 2017 | 02:08 PM

RANGER73

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Joined: Sep 2010

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From: Beyond Fucital

First get a manual.
Then make (don't buy) a gauge.
Take a hanger, bend a 90* about 2" long on one end.
Take a zip tie and put it on the hanger, tight but you need it to slide.
Cut it 1" on an angle.
Tighten the wheel adjuster belt side first until you get proper belt tension.
Take a measurement with your new tool, center swingarm pivot bolt to center axle.
Tighten the other side to the same measurement, swingarm bolt to axle center.
Recheck your belt tension and adjust both sides as needed using the same technique.

Jun 3, 2017 | 02:11 PM

RANGER73

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From: Beyond Fucital

Oh ya, one more thing do all this BEFORE you tighten the crown nut.
And don't forget to tighten the jam nut on the adjusters.

Jun 3, 2017 | 04:39 PM

bagga

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Joined: Mar 2006

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From:

to get it close, you can measure the amount of thread that's sticking out from the nuts on the axel adjusters. if there's a big difference in the length of the threads there's a problem.

Jun 3, 2017 | 07:04 PM

br549A1

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2013

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My 98 has a small hole that the hanger fits in that's in the swingarm . I measure from the hole to the center of the axle. One end is bent 90 degrees to fit in the hole as stated above. I assume your 96 is similar. Look for the small hole and measure from there.

Jun 3, 2017 | 08:35 PM

RANGER73

Club Member

Joined: Sep 2010

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From: Beyond Fucital

Believe it or not, that's why the pinhole is there, just for this purpose.

Jun 4, 2017 | 08:47 AM

grbrown

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Bedford UK

Also get yourself the proper tensioner tool, as twisting the belt is no guarantee of success. Compare a 100 pound lass with a 200 pound weight lifter - get my drift?! It's why tools are invented, to remove doubt and discrepency.