squeal on decel and accel
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 439
Likes: 91
From: 44.4 North
squeal on decel and accel
About 500 miles ago I had a new drive belt and rear sprocket put on my 11 Road King. Within about 100 miles, I started noticing a light squeal when I let first let off on the throttle. Now that is getting louder and also does it under acceleration. I checked the belt tension and found it to be 3/8 to half inch total deflection with a ten pound push. I can't hear it when cruising at a steady speed (yet). Any ideas?
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 439
Likes: 91
From: 44.4 North
Thanks Sam. I noticed the belt is not rubbing on either side of the rear pulley. Not sure what the situation at the front pulley is. I'll try to take a look up there and see if I spot something. I'm hoping it's not a transmission bearing, but I'm thinking I'd be seeing some lube seeping out if that was happening.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 439
Likes: 91
From: 44.4 North
I just tightened it a little bit without measuring it and took it for a ride. It made a noticeable difference so I think I'm on the right track. It seemed to have gotten looser than when I last measured it a few weeks ago. After work I'll reread the manual and make sure I set it to spec. Hoping it's not a defective belt that's letting go. If I remember right it cost over 1K for the belt and pulley, installed.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: wet coast BC
you replaced rear sprocket/pulley. grab it front and rear and see if you can move it with a push/pull motion. could be the bearing. it aligns but both accel and decal may move it and belt rubs/squeal.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Bay Area
I think your 3/8-1" is too loose. I dont have the book with me but 1/4-3/8 is what comes to mind that I remember. Someone will confirm the spec here. Did you use a HD belt or aftermarket?
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 439
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From: 44.4 North
A Harley shop replaced both the belt and pulley, so I'm assuming they used Harley parts. You are correct, 1/4 to 3/8 is what the manual specifies. I tightened the belt last night and rode to town. NO NOISE! I was so happy I almost **it. Halfway home I started hearing it again. I'm going to check rear pulley and bearing for tightness, as suggested above. If that don't fix it I'm saying the hell with it and just ride the damn thing. I think a louder muffler might be the fix.
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 439
Likes: 91
From: 44.4 North
I was. Appointment already made. Thanks for the ideas everyone. They did tell me it's probably just the belt. Said it could just be gravel road dust. It's been dry and I live down 3 miles of gravel. ESP will cover it whatever it is.