quick questions on belt tension and rear axle alignment
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 349
Likes: 1
From: Poconos, PA
quick questions on belt tension and rear axle alignment
I have just put my rear wheel back on my softail and have 2 easy questions. I am a pretty good wrench and have worked on tons of bikes (mostly Jap bikes)for many years. All motorcycles I have worked on in the past are chain drive and have markings on the swingarm for proper axle alignment. Harleys do not, obviously. My questions are 1. Do I really need the belt tension tool or is there a general tension that is acceptable? I have heard that some twist the belt to feel the tension and it is good if one cannot twist the belt more than 45 degrees with their fingers. 2. How do you get the axle aligned properly without marks on the swingarm? I hope I do not have to rely on counting threads on the adjuster bolts. I know I can count threads and/or measure...but what is the proper way? My manual simply states to make both sides the same. No procedure is described in that manual. Good thing I spend 50 bucks on that book huh? Thanks for any help.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, MO
For belt tension I adjust by the amount of deflection and for axle alignment I use a bent welding rod or hanger to measure it. There are little holes on the sides that the Harley alignment "tool" is meant to slide into.
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 168
From: Knoxville, Tn
Rear Wheel Alignment
Use the belt twist method for belt tension...no more than 45°.
If there are holes for a rod to fit into then I use a coathanger wire to measure from the hole to the center of the axle...If no holes measure from the swing arm pivot point...Just make sure both sides are equal.
If there are holes for a rod to fit into then I use a coathanger wire to measure from the hole to the center of the axle...If no holes measure from the swing arm pivot point...Just make sure both sides are equal.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 349
Likes: 1
From: Poconos, PA
Use the belt twist method for belt tension...no more than 45°.
If there are holes for a rod to fit into then I use a coathanger wire to measure from the hole to the center of the axle...If no holes measure from the swing arm pivot point...Just make sure both sides are equal.
If there are holes for a rod to fit into then I use a coathanger wire to measure from the hole to the center of the axle...If no holes measure from the swing arm pivot point...Just make sure both sides are equal.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,389
Likes: 259
From: Southern California
I needed the Belt tension Gauge on my 2010. All sorts of ugly noise problems without using it. Most bikes you can get away without it (The so-called "Twist Test"). . . but on mine? No such luck . . . so for ~$30 I recommend it. As for the alignment tool? A coat Hanger that you straighten out will probably work just as well as the special tool IMHO.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 2
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
I do know that if you over tighten the belt it howls. I just measured with a ruler as far as alignment. The belt tension is kinda of tricky but go to a dealer or friends bike and deflect theirs to get a feel for it.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 348
Likes: 2
From: eastern Iowa
The tool I made is just a piece of 1/4" threaded rod about 2' long. bend 1"to a 90 and sharpen the end. I put this point in the center of the swing arm bolt and have a small rubber "O" ring on the other end of the rod I just roll to the center of the axle.