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Measuring drive belt deflection

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Old Jun 22, 2018 | 06:45 PM
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Default Measuring drive belt deflection
How does one measure the drive belt deflection if one doesn't have the special tool that Harley makes for measuring drive belt deflection?
Is there a simple way to tell if the drive belt deflection is within specs?
 
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Old Jun 22, 2018 | 06:47 PM
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It's on Amazon for $25.
Amazon Amazon
belt and drive pulleys are $1000 changed out. But to answer your question, yes.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2018 | 06:59 PM
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Originally Posted by RIPSAW
It's on Amazon for $25. https://www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-Drive-Tension-Harley-Davidson/dp/B00I8JNOEO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1529711294&sr=8-4&keywords=Harley+belt+toolThe belt and drive pulleys are $1000 changed out. But to answer your question, yes.
Okay I give, what is the secret to measuring drive belt tension simply ? Without the tool.
 
Last edited by P51Driver; Jun 22, 2018 at 07:12 PM.
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Old Jun 22, 2018 | 07:42 PM
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heard that if you can twist the belt to about 45* you're at about the right tension.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2018 | 07:58 PM
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I marked the cam adjustment on my axel and always put it in the same place when I put the wheel back on. I have the tool and check it after. Never has changed in over 63000 miles.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2018 | 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by P51Driver
Okay I give, what is the secret to measuring drive belt tension simply ? Without the tool.
Doing dozens of them with a gage and calibration your thumb for 10 lb and your spec movement. Calibrate your thumb on a bathroom scale...
Until then..buy a gage.
 
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Old Jun 22, 2018 | 09:55 PM
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I read the twisting method is pretty accurate too. it should maxed out twist at a 90 degree angle
 
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Old Jun 22, 2018 | 10:18 PM
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Am i the only one who uses a ruler? Its actually pretty easy..
 
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Old Jun 22, 2018 | 10:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Yamaharley
Am i the only one who uses a ruler? Its actually pretty easy..
Yeah it is. There’s even a measure on the bottom ,the plastic belt guide to give you some idea.


 
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Old Jun 22, 2018 | 11:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Wizardofaus



Yeah it is. There’s even a measure on the bottom ,the plastic belt guide to give you some idea.


Which is all good as long as the correct amount of tension is applied when measured.
 
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