I just replaced the wheels on my 2013 breakout last night. Before removing the original wheels, I measured 16 9/16” from the index nut on the swing arm to the middle of the axle nut on both sides. After installing the new wheels and adjusting the axle back to 16 9/16” on both sides, my drive belt feels much tighter than before (and shifting from neutral into 1st is louder/sharper).

The new wheels are the same sizes as the old wheels.

Has anybody encountered this before? Should I simply adjust the wheel forward by same amount on both sides until belt tension is good and don’t worry about the 16 9/16” spacing I had before?

Thanks for any help.

 

With the axle in exactly the same position the only reason I can think the belt would be tighter is if the belt pulley is larger in diameter.

 

I strongly suggest you follow the procedure as outlined in the service manual. If you don't have one for your year and model, I suggest you get one, It can pay for itself in a relatively short amount of time.

 

Same pulley. I’m wondering if the belt felt tighter because it was off the pulley for 5 days. I’ll re-check this evening and take it to the shop if it still seems different.

 

Have you spun the wheel and checked at different points? Is there a high / tight point?

I think from the above comments you would just follow the manual and adjust it.

 

The wheel spins fine with no clearance issues at all and there was no unusual noise. That’s why I’m wondering if the belt just needs to settle/stretch back into place for lack of a better term.

 

Forget about previous dimensions.

Set the belt tension and wheel alignment according to the factory service manual.

Don`t guess about belt tension, use the tool.

 

yes that is what i would do,
When i remove or install wheels i usually mark with a vivid one of the flats on the tension adjustment bolts and loosen like ten full turns both sides using the mark on the flat of the bolt for your count and tighten back the same each side,
just adjust each side counting the flat on the bolt each side evenly until you are happy with the tension, remember if you do this with wheel off the ground belt will get much more tension when lowered to the ground

 

Update: I checked the belt tension when I got home this evening, and it felt better (I could almost twist the belt 45 degrees). I then went on a short ride with no issues, and rechecked the wheel alignment and belt tension. Both were good. All I can conclude is that the belt needed to re-adjust after not being under tension for the last 5 days. 🤷🏼‍♂️

Thank you guys for the recommendations and guidance.