Should I replace the Drive Belt?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Northern Illinois
Should I replace the Drive Belt?
2012 Limited with 32K miles.
I'm gonna be tearing into the bike and going with the SE Compensator and High Output Charging System next week.
I don't really see any problems with the belt, but just thought as long as I was into things that far, I would just replace the belt as well.
I recently helped a friend replace his Drive Belt and noticed that Harley upgraded the belt and it has a new part # 40024-09A. It really looks better made than my current belt 40024-09.
Like I said, I don't really see any issues with my current belt, but bike has 32K miles and I usually ride two up so bike is usually ridden heavy.
Don't want to throw money away, but don't want to have to tear everything apart again next year.
Is 32K way too early to think about Drive Belt replacement, or should I just do it while I've got everything apart?
I'm gonna be tearing into the bike and going with the SE Compensator and High Output Charging System next week.
I don't really see any problems with the belt, but just thought as long as I was into things that far, I would just replace the belt as well.
I recently helped a friend replace his Drive Belt and noticed that Harley upgraded the belt and it has a new part # 40024-09A. It really looks better made than my current belt 40024-09.
Like I said, I don't really see any issues with my current belt, but bike has 32K miles and I usually ride two up so bike is usually ridden heavy.
Don't want to throw money away, but don't want to have to tear everything apart again next year.
Is 32K way too early to think about Drive Belt replacement, or should I just do it while I've got everything apart?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Honah Lee
Take a hard scribe and scratch the rear chromed drive pulley on the drive teeth. Does it cut thru to the aluminum? If so, replace the belt and both pulleys. However, be forewarned, it's a lot more work. My chrome was gone at 35K . At 45 K I have wripple looking drive pulley and the same pattern in my belt. An all I carry is my skinny butt and a overnight bag. However, I don't go far and I don't ****** it. My guess is it will go a long way before it strips off the pulley but as compared to the firs 35, wear is big time now since at 35, you could see none. A belt is not going to snap unless it's damaged or snatched with WOT silliness.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Feb 11, 2016 at 09:24 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
Those belts often last a long time; if it's in good condition, good chance it would outlast an SE compensator, from what I've read about them. I'm putting a new one on my Tour Glide, but it has worn out sprockets that look like they have the whole 122,000 miles on them; belt looks like it might have put all those miles on, too, teeth are really worn uneven and chipped. When a belt's worn out, good chance the pulleys are, too.
That shouldn't be enough miles to have any problem with the swingarm pivot system, but where you're at now, it wouldn't be much work to pull the pivot bolt out. Check the bearings for good grease, and anti seize the heck out of all the metal to metal areas - pretty much everything on that bolt. Then when it does have to come out someday, it will, without a sledgehammer or sawzall, that's a real pita. Ruins the bolt, too, and they're not cheap - have one on my to get list right now...
That shouldn't be enough miles to have any problem with the swingarm pivot system, but where you're at now, it wouldn't be much work to pull the pivot bolt out. Check the bearings for good grease, and anti seize the heck out of all the metal to metal areas - pretty much everything on that bolt. Then when it does have to come out someday, it will, without a sledgehammer or sawzall, that's a real pita. Ruins the bolt, too, and they're not cheap - have one on my to get list right now...
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Northern Illinois
Thanks everyone, looks like its not getting changed. Talked to the dealer today also, and they basically said that unless it was damaged, or if I was running a 120 motor, it should be good for 100k.
I'll be happy if it lasts another 35K
I'll be happy if it lasts another 35K
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,410
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From: Waterville MN
When mine snapped in half on a 1-2 shift in the middle of nowhere at about 45,000 miles, everyone told me the same thing - that belt should have lasted over 100,00 miles. I inspected it for damage, evidence of maybe a rock or something, showed it to the dealer for the same - nobody could see a reason for it to snap, it just did. I don't think I will run one that long anymore.
