Drive Belt making a squeak/squealing noise
Drive Belt making a squeak/squealing noise
I own a 2005 HD Night Train (45K miles). The guy I bought the bike from installed RC component wheels, pulley's, and brake rotors. The issue I am having now is that the drive belt is making a lot of noise (squeaking) as it goes around the rear pulley, and as you know the faster you go, the louder it gets. I do know that the rear pulley was replaced before (same kind) because the old one wore out. It acutally cut the belt because the teeth on the pulley were worn to a sharp point and the belt eventually broke. I have checked the allignment of the rear wheel, and it's good. I have even taken it to a shop and they verrified it. I took the pulley off and took some measurements of teh width. There was a diff. in width, but nothing dramatic. I also put a dial indicator on it, and same thing, nothing dramatic.
So what could it be? Anyone have any idea's before I replace the pulley, belt and front drive gear?
Devin
So what could it be? Anyone have any idea's before I replace the pulley, belt and front drive gear?
Devin
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Hi Devin and welcome to HDF from the UK. Despite your wheel being in alignment, you may find that a small change in alignment will cure the problem. It is often the edge of the belt rubbing against the side of the rear pulley that causes that squeal.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 34
From: Lockport Township, IL
Brake dust and road dirt on the belt can cause a chirping too. Try cleaning it with warm water and a little mild dish detergent. I use my wife's tooth brush to clean mine. Wife's teeth are turning a little black, but the belts on all the bikes are nice and clean.
Drive Belt making a squeak/squealing noise
To grbrown: are you saying to offset my allignment slightly? If you are, I guess it will be trial & error to which side.
To rh8234 & soft 02: Thanks for the advice. I will try it ASAP.
To all: What is the rule about using belt dressing? Is this a no no?
Thanks to all for the advice!!
Devin
To rh8234 & soft 02: Thanks for the advice. I will try it ASAP.
To all: What is the rule about using belt dressing? Is this a no no?
Thanks to all for the advice!!
Devin
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
To grbrown: are you saying to offset my allignment slightly? If you are, I guess it will be trial & error to which side.
To rh8234 & soft 02: Thanks for the advice. I will try it ASAP.
To all: What is the rule about using belt dressing? Is this a no no?
Thanks to all for the advice!!
Devin
To rh8234 & soft 02: Thanks for the advice. I will try it ASAP.
To all: What is the rule about using belt dressing? Is this a no no?
Thanks to all for the advice!!
Devin
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 34
From: Lockport Township, IL
Agreed! No dressing on the belt should be needed!
Trending Topics
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Devin, what I am saying is that a subtle alteration to your alignment may cure the problem. That doesn't mean your wheels will be out of alignment, as it is actually quite difficult, without good equipment, to get it perfect. It is likely that at present your alignment is not quite on the button. As already suggested, there are several ways to set alignment, so let me introduce one that I use.
This photo shows my Deuce rear wheel, with pulley attached, looking down with the tyre beads behind the pulley in line, top and bottom. What you can see is the belt track on the pulley, which when measured is just about 3/16" away from the tyre. Enlarged, there is just a hint of daylight between the tyre and the back of the pulley. This is a very snug fit in my bike, yours will be significantly more than that.
If you can confidently measure that distance on your wheel, install it in your bike with that measured clearance where the tyre and belt pass each other. You will probably find that you need to make a small adjustment to your alignment, but rest assured if you check it by any other means it will be close enough. You may also enjoy a quieter ride!
When I install that wheel all I do is set belt to tyre clearance. I use a 3/16" allen key as a 'feeler' gauge! That gets everything as close as matters and I don't suffer belt squeal.
This photo shows my Deuce rear wheel, with pulley attached, looking down with the tyre beads behind the pulley in line, top and bottom. What you can see is the belt track on the pulley, which when measured is just about 3/16" away from the tyre. Enlarged, there is just a hint of daylight between the tyre and the back of the pulley. This is a very snug fit in my bike, yours will be significantly more than that.
If you can confidently measure that distance on your wheel, install it in your bike with that measured clearance where the tyre and belt pass each other. You will probably find that you need to make a small adjustment to your alignment, but rest assured if you check it by any other means it will be close enough. You may also enjoy a quieter ride!
When I install that wheel all I do is set belt to tyre clearance. I use a 3/16" allen key as a 'feeler' gauge! That gets everything as close as matters and I don't suffer belt squeal.
Last edited by grbrown; Sep 24, 2012 at 01:35 PM. Reason: Expanded.
Novice
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
I have tried everything for the same problem.Even posted here a number of times,Even with the suggestions,I still have squealing when laying on the trottle.Nothing when idling.Made the mistake of using the belt dressing,worked to stop the squealing,but picked up road dust and sand.Not a good move,unless you want to spend hours cleaning the pulleys and belt.Check the Oil in the primary and Tranny.Sometimes that can produce a squealing if low.Also you might not want to hear it but a cracked Motor mount can cause this also.It throws the alignment off when you twist the trottle pushing the belt against the pulley.producing a SQUEALING.Good Luck if you find a soultion please post it.
Last edited by big gus; Nov 20, 2012 at 07:01 AM.