Adjusting drive belt?

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Oct 22, 2008 | 02:55 PM

#11

MNPGRider

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 6,336

Likes: 67

From: SW Minnesota

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conehead

Might be a stupid question but this is my first Harley and I am wondering how you know the belt needs adjusting?

Your owner's manual has a page on it.

Oct 22, 2008 | 03:06 PM

#12

MNPGRider

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 6,336

Likes: 67

From: SW Minnesota

Quote:

Originally Posted by harley1425

You're making a lot of assumptions there, harley1425. First off, you don't know if his bike was serviced at 1000, and you don't know how it was ridden since, or if it was subjected to worse than normal conditions, such as high heat, dust, prolonged period of time without running, how long since last oil change, whether it was stored, etc.

Just like in cars, 5,000 miles between oil changes is for ideal conditions. Your owner's manual actually states:

If you operate your motorcycle under adverse conditions (severe cold, extreme heat, very dusty environment, very bad roads, through standing water, etc.), you should perform the regular maintainance interverals more frequently......

I have never made it 5000 miles on any motorcycle I've owned without incurring adverse conditions.

Oct 22, 2008 | 03:40 PM

#13

Curt J

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 220

Likes: 3

From: Cape Cod

My question would be why you are changing oil at 3000 miles if it was serviced at 1000. Waste of oil and completely unneccesary. Harleys don't mind going 5000 between changes if you use synthetic oil and Harley doesn't recomment till 5000. Don't spend money that isn't required, buy more chrome.

Harley 1425---Have to disagree with you. Screw the chrome and buy more oil. Oil is the lifeblood and will keep your bike running great a lot longer than a bunch of excess chrome.
Besides all that chrome weighs the bike down!!!!

Oct 22, 2008 | 03:48 PM

#14

texaswiz

Banned

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 1,036

Likes: 67

Have you looked in your tool kit that came with the bike? My Road Glide has one in it.

As far as knowing when to adjust the belt I use the following rule. Put your fingers on the belt and twist it. If you can twist it over 1/4 of a turn, you probably need to tighten a bit, not much though. Over tightening is just as harmful, if not more so than a slack belt. Over tightening is usually accompanied by a howling noise.

Oct 22, 2008 | 03:56 PM

#15

SteveB FLH

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 1,622

Likes: 0

From: South of Raleigh, and west of the coast, NC.

Back to axle nut torque adapter 36mm this one is from pit posse. Harley Davidson specialty tools are usually ordered through Kent-Moore FROM DEALER usually an act of congress to get and you will PAY the price.
Try this link: http://www.pitposse.com/po36reaxnutw.html

Oct 22, 2008 | 04:42 PM

#16

DMJFatboy

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 452

Likes: 1

From: Delaware

I was told by a very knowledgable HD mechanic that a good way to make sure your belt has the right amount of tention is to grab it in the middle of the bottom portion and twist it from horizontal to verticle at a 90 degree angle. If you can get it to 90 degress it is good. More than 90 degrees to loose. Less than 90 degrees to tight. i also checked it with my HD belt tension tool and it is about right.

Oct 22, 2008 | 04:43 PM

#17

DMJFatboy

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 452

Likes: 1

From: Delaware

My service manual also says 60-65 ft lbs for axle nut torque. I used a regular socket from my tool kit and a torque wrench.

Oct 22, 2008 | 04:50 PM

#18

pop1

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 1,446

Likes: 5

From: Chicago, IL.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peppa1

If you had the 1K service done at the dealer, they SHOULD have checked the adjustment on the belt then. Save yourself some money and go back to them and have them recheck it with their tool. If they say it's OK then get on and ride.

The only problem with this answer is the dealer will keep the bike for at least 3 days park it in the back, not even look at it, and call you to come and pick it up telling you they checked it and its ok.