The final drive belt makes a low whining noise. It doesn't start until after 50-60 miles. I would guess that it gets tighter when the noise starts. Had 2 HD techs look at it today (belt was whining just before they checked) and they both though that belt tension was fine. What they did suggest is to clean the belt with soap and a brush to remove dust & debris. I'm going to try this. Anyone have any other suggestions?

 

your belt is a bit too tight. as you ride the sprockets expand a bit and the belt tension will tighten..there is your squeek..i bet if you turn the tightening bolts back about 1/8 turn it will go away..good luck

scott

 

I was thinking that too which is why I had HD wrench look at it while it was making the noise. I'll give it a try loosening the belt a bit. Thanks.

 

OK so far I have checked belt tension with HD tension tool, this is fine a little toward the loose side. I checked wheel alignment and is dead on. I have washed the belt with soapy water, rinsed and dried. I have sprayed the belt with dry silicone, this stops the squeel for a few miles then is just starts back up again. I know it's the belt making the squeel because it stops when I apply the siicone. The outside edge of the belt appears to be glazed and shiny, but there are no cracks or missing lugs and the pulley is fine. The bike only has 21K miles on it. I am at a loss as to what to do next.

 

Anybody???? Needs some help here

 

I think Hounds may be onto something. My 06 Dyna had noise from the belt which was adjusted to the manual with the tension gauge. I don't think there is mention of checking when hot but I have slackened my belt and the noise has gone.

Don't know if there is any downside to running the belt a little looser but it works for me.

 

I suppose I could try loosening the belt a bit and see what happens. It's about the only thing left to do besides replacing the belts or a pulley. Thanks alot.

Bogie

 

How do you check rear wheel alignment on atouring model

 

My 07 FLHX had a bad belt howl at around 25mph. Took it in to the dealer and they started telling me how much it was going to cost because whoever adjusted it had it "violin string tight". Their tune changed when I told them it was them. Adjusted no charge...and no more noise.

Fast forward to after a 2800mile trip. Take it in for the second service (bike has 5800miles on it), and the service manager calls me to say "I can't let you ride it like this. The primary belt is in shreds and could let go at any time." He's not sure "if it's an adjustment thing, or maybe you got a rock caught in there." CYOA or what?

Is this something that is common, or is he blowing smoke? Incidentally, there was no whine or other weird noises or strange handling, etc.

 

sounds shaky to me....something had to smoke the belt...having it too tight shouldnt make the belt go bad in that many miles...more likely the inner primary seal would go...a rock would be a possiblity...UNLESS...the bike was out of alignment and it wore the edge of the belt on the sprocket..i'd take a look at the belt and see what you can find...also, a rock should leave a definate damage area on the sprocket/s. it is common to tighten the belt too tight. that can cause a bunch of expensive problems. a hair on the loose side is much safer...

good luck

scott