rookie mistake?
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Stage IV
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4
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rookie mistake?
removed rear tire on my '02 sportster(just purchased and took apart to paint)-forgot/neglected to mark positioning of axle tensioners.after re-assembly-getting odd squeal from rear-end. im assuming axle is not aligned correctly.can anyone tell me if i use a belt tension tool to figure this out/fix?
Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 147
Likes: 7
From: USA
Not sure exactly what you did? When changing out the rear tire, you do not have to touch the axle adjusters. Instead of using the adjusters to loosen the belt and remove it from the sprocket, you loosen the required components and push the wheel towards to the front of the bike; then slide the belt off the sprocket. Installation is same as reverse and the best part is you don't even need to touch the axle adjusters, you just re-install them as they came out.
But if you messed with the adjusters, then the only way to figure it out is to follow the factory procedure and measure each side and measure again to be sure they are within spec. Also, did you over-torque the axle nut? That can put undue stress on the wheel bearings and might cause the squeal you are talking about. Loosen it, check for proper torque specs (you have the service manual right?) and torque to spec.
The belt tension tool you speak of is only required to measure deflection of the drive belt. That will tell you if it's too loose, or too tight. It won't help with wheel alignment however if you intend to keep your Sportster and put many miles on it, you should invest in the proper tool to do it.
This is the proper alignment procedure. My alignment tool is a piece of a metal clothes hanger that the straight piece has been cut, and the end bent down, as shown in the picture. Works great.
But if you messed with the adjusters, then the only way to figure it out is to follow the factory procedure and measure each side and measure again to be sure they are within spec. Also, did you over-torque the axle nut? That can put undue stress on the wheel bearings and might cause the squeal you are talking about. Loosen it, check for proper torque specs (you have the service manual right?) and torque to spec.
The belt tension tool you speak of is only required to measure deflection of the drive belt. That will tell you if it's too loose, or too tight. It won't help with wheel alignment however if you intend to keep your Sportster and put many miles on it, you should invest in the proper tool to do it.
This is the proper alignment procedure. My alignment tool is a piece of a metal clothes hanger that the straight piece has been cut, and the end bent down, as shown in the picture. Works great.
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Stage IV
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
wow,that was a quick response-and makes a ton of sense.just got bike and went to HD for manual today,but they had to order. thanks for the help-now if i can just figure out what i did wrong changing rear brake pads-dead pedal-gonna try bleeding tomorrow -but im a bit of a novice w/bikes-wish me luck
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