Squeaking noise
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Joined: Apr 2024
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From: Nc
The belt guard is basically an attempt to keep rocks and stuff from the belt. Your pictures look like the rubbery/fiber piece that runs vertically along the inside of the belt. The other portion of the guard is a hard plastic. The belt guards are there to help keep out rocks, so next time you have a tire off inspect it all.
The sprocket is starting to square, so it looks like it has miles. How much deflection is in the belt pushing up in the middle of the from the bottom when it is cold in inches?
The sprocket is starting to square, so it looks like it has miles. How much deflection is in the belt pushing up in the middle of the from the bottom when it is cold in inches?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,148
Likes: 11,221
From: San Diego, CA
The belt guard is basically an attempt to keep rocks and stuff from the belt. Your pictures look like the rubbery/fiber piece that runs vertically along the inside of the belt. The other portion of the guard is a hard plastic. The belt guards are there to help keep out rocks, so next time you have a tire off inspect it all.
The sprocket is starting to square, so it looks like it has miles. How much deflection is in the belt pushing up in the middle of the from the bottom when it is cold in inches?
Ed called it...!!
I was so busy trying to think of possible engine noises, I missed the easiest and most likely culprit, the belt....
Those pieces are most certainly the fiber/rubbery pieces of the lower belt guard.
While those pieces could have been causing the noise, don't forget to check the belt tension as Ed mentioned.
You'd do well to listen to Ed, he's one of the really smart guys on this forum..
Just in case you haven't removed the lower belt guard yet, it's part #60397-85B. It's a discontinued part by Harley. Here are some pics of what it looks like both undamaged and damaged.
If you search "Harley #60397-85" on eBay, you will find several affordable, undamaged lower belt guards. One for $19.95.
Good luck with the repair...
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Joined: Apr 2024
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From: Nc
Ed called it...!!
I was so busy trying to think of possible engine noises, I missed the easiest and most likely culprit, the belt....
Those pieces are most certainly the fiber/rubbery pieces of the lower belt guard.
While those pieces could have been causing the noise, don't forget to check the belt tension as Ed mentioned.
You'd do well to listen to Ed, he's one of the really smart guys on this forum..
Just in case you haven't removed the lower belt guard yet, it's part #60397-85B. It's a discontinued part by Harley. Here are some pics of what it looks like both undamaged and damaged.
If you search "Harley #60397-85" on eBay, you will find several affordable, undamaged lower belt guards. One for $19.95.
Good luck with the repair...
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Joined: Apr 2024
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From: Nc
I will definitely get a picture of the inside of the belt. What causes the belt to square? To me the inside and outside of the belt looks fine, no cracking or any signs of coming apart.
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,148
Likes: 11,221
From: San Diego, CA
It's a sign of wear...
I am not concerned about the rear sprocket starting to square at 40k, it's just aluminum pulley coated with industrial chroming on the teeth. It was just an observation and it's not that bad. If all goes well, by the time you change that belt, the front steel one will be square and sharp and the rear will look horrible. The belt will eventually show lines or cuts across it when the parts are really worn as the front steel pulley gets really square. You would not believe how stout a factory belt drive is. In reality, excessive looseness is harder on the belt.
Belt deflection on that bike is 5/16"-3/8" pushing up in the area where the belt guard has a window using 10 pounds of force - there is a special tool. If you are getting an easy 1/2" with just medium finger pressure the belt is loose.
You can always replace that fibery/rubber piece if you can't find a fairly priced replacement - it's just riveted on. You may need to be creative for the replacement material but it can't be hard and rigid. It has to be able to touch the rear tire at times and not cause damage. That part always gets rubbed to death - especially if someone went to a wider tire - it rubs on the sidewall and it normal to see. All you can do is make sure the rear tire is properly aligned in the swingarm. I wouldn't lose any sleep if it's just at the tire sidewall - it's one of those parts that tends to self-clearance. They also flip back and forth, and get "wavy" over time and the belt rubs them - again don't lose any sleep.
Belt deflection on that bike is 5/16"-3/8" pushing up in the area where the belt guard has a window using 10 pounds of force - there is a special tool. If you are getting an easy 1/2" with just medium finger pressure the belt is loose.
You can always replace that fibery/rubber piece if you can't find a fairly priced replacement - it's just riveted on. You may need to be creative for the replacement material but it can't be hard and rigid. It has to be able to touch the rear tire at times and not cause damage. That part always gets rubbed to death - especially if someone went to a wider tire - it rubs on the sidewall and it normal to see. All you can do is make sure the rear tire is properly aligned in the swingarm. I wouldn't lose any sleep if it's just at the tire sidewall - it's one of those parts that tends to self-clearance. They also flip back and forth, and get "wavy" over time and the belt rubs them - again don't lose any sleep.
Last edited by Ed Ramberger; Sep 20, 2025 at 04:19 PM.
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Joined: Apr 2024
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From: Nc
I got under there and got the rest of the soft part of the belt guard off, it was laying up on the belt. Havent been able to ride it, raining a lot here! Are these motors known for having a slight lifter ticking noise? Like a loose rocker arm sound? Thats one of the noises when Im riding it sounds like! Thanks for all the replies, I really appreciate it!
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 367
Likes: 264
From: Massachusetts
Yup its a flaw in the twincams. The rocker shafts have a flat that goes up against the side of the rocker support bolts to stop them from spinning. Theres clearance there so they tap back and forth. They make brass bushings call rocker lockers that can help eliminate that.