Rear belt squeal
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 191
Likes: 82
From: Napoleon ND
Rear belt squeal
1998 road king. Put in new sprockets and belt. First 500 miles were good but now it makes an aweful squeal when driving. Belt is to spec on tension but going slow you can hear the belt squeak as the belt teeth engage the rear pulley. So what’s the problem. Seems like it needs to break in but I though the first 500 would do that.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 191
Likes: 82
From: Napoleon ND
You’re probably right but why would it have been perfectly silent the first 500 and the all of a sudden it starts making noise? Is a guy better off running the belt a little too tight or. Little loose. Maybe the axle shifted a little. Don’t know why it would.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 415
Likes: 149
From: new zealand
Ironically theres is a similar issue with some of the 2018 heritage. Also apparently stemming from new belt tension,alignment ,axle torque as well as the age of the entire set up. Some wear in...the verdict is still out as to other long term successful fixes for the others. Personally I...and the dealer have had some short term success with belt tension....but not a full solution. Be interesting to see if these small adjustments can help you.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,402
Likes: 2,605
From: NC USA
Is it a squeak or a squall? Mine squeaked for years just rolling around and occasionally at low speed. Used to put armor-all on it. Replaced the belt but not the pulleys some years ago and it never did it again. Insure the axle to pivot bolt alignment is perfect (you need a tool, homemade or otherwise) and don't worry about it. Many of us have to run our belt loose from specs when cold as they tend to tighten up when hot, causing a roar when the swingarm goes up on a bump.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,090
Likes: 7,609
From: Poolville
Always set the belt tension to at least the recommended tension.... Falcon belts, suggest 5\16- 3\8"@10lbs.." with the rider on the bike"... I set my hotrod to 1/4"@10lbs no rider w/S&S 1 1\8" belt.... I used to set to OEM specs but kept breaking belts, at that time was 2 broken belts in 1 month, BDL 1" belts...
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 191
Likes: 82
From: Napoleon ND
Is it a squeak or a squall? Mine squeaked for years just rolling around and occasionally at low speed. Used to put armor-all on it. Replaced the belt but not the pulleys some years ago and it never did it again. Insure the axle to pivot bolt alignment is perfect (you need a tool, homemade or otherwise) and don't worry about it. Many of us have to run our belt loose from specs when cold as they tend to tighten up when hot, causing a roar when the swingarm goes up on a bump.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,724
Likes: 3,068
From: Brighton, MI
What is the difference between a squeak and a squall?
Mine made noise ever since I installed a bdl falcon belt. A pulsating squeak that comes on above about 25 mph. Not very loud, but it’s there. Tried cleaning, adjusting, and playing with alignment and not much change.
There used to to be a product by moco called poly oil or poly lube that was made for our belts, but can’t find it now.
Was thinking dry silicone or Teflon next. Following this thread, YD
Mine made noise ever since I installed a bdl falcon belt. A pulsating squeak that comes on above about 25 mph. Not very loud, but it’s there. Tried cleaning, adjusting, and playing with alignment and not much change.
There used to to be a product by moco called poly oil or poly lube that was made for our belts, but can’t find it now.
Was thinking dry silicone or Teflon next. Following this thread, YD
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 191
Likes: 82
From: Napoleon ND
What is the difference between a squeak and a squall?
Mine made noise ever since I installed a bdl falcon belt. A pulsating squeak that comes on above about 25 mph. Not very loud, but it’s there. Tried cleaning, adjusting, and playing with alignment and not much change.
There used to to be a product by moco called poly oil or poly lube that was made for our belts, but can’t find it now.
Was thinking dry silicone or Teflon next. Following this thread, YD
Mine made noise ever since I installed a bdl falcon belt. A pulsating squeak that comes on above about 25 mph. Not very loud, but it’s there. Tried cleaning, adjusting, and playing with alignment and not much change.
There used to to be a product by moco called poly oil or poly lube that was made for our belts, but can’t find it now.
Was thinking dry silicone or Teflon next. Following this thread, YD
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 191
Likes: 82
From: Napoleon ND
Well,got the bike home. Belt still made noise. So I got some soapy water and a scrub brush and cleaned the belt good. Then ran it in gear on a stand and flushed with clean water. Let dry and for now noise is gone. Will have to take it for a ride to make sure that was the problem. Would like to get some of the belt dressing that the Moco used to sell but the dealer didn’t have any. Don’t know if they discontinued it or they just didn’t have any.