Harley Davidson Softail Belt Over Tension & Excessive Wear
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- Harley Davidson Softail Belt Over Tension & Excessive Wear - Here I discuss reported issue with Harley Softail models with overly tight belts leading to abnormal sounds and excessive wear to belts too. I also discuss HD dealerships reactions and work practices too.
CLICK THIS LINK TO SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL at: bit.ly/Revelato...
#RevelatorAlf #HDSoftailTightBelts #HarleyBeltTension
All information, contacts and links are available at: revelatoralf.com
Podcasts available to listen at:
SoundCloud: bit.ly/2Kp5KE9
Spotify: spoti.fi/2VxUSVm
iTunes: apple.co/2VyUYfF
Help support the channel: paypal.me/Reve...
Become a Patron: / revelatoralf
DISCLAIMER: This video and description may contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!
RevelatorAlf Merchandise - Ye Olde Shoppe: bit.ly/2KplmXZ
RevelatorAlf Email Distribution List: bit.ly/2Z0qbu8
Amazon RevelatorAlf Review/Wish List: amzn.eu/00Pb5Tl
Website: revelatoralf.com
Twitter: bit.ly/2X46G25
Facebook: bit.ly/2UMW8qA
Reddit: bit.ly/2IbicFu
Tumblr: bit.ly/2GeJKaQ
Instagram: bit.ly/2UraD41
LinkedIn: bit.ly/2Z2fuHv
VK: bit.ly/2uU8FtQ
![[Full Episode] The Restaurant War Thailand ศึกพ่อค้าซ่าแม่ค้าแซ่บ Episode 2 | 29 ก.ย. 67](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/r3lfLNH6Ke4/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for watching. More Biker Top Tips here: th-cam.com/play/PLmgCmljtdCzWJ_uB71rRk5OyVtPtuyAn9.html
Thanks for the video, I have experienced some very annoying whooping noises (maybe from the belt) on my 2019 Fat Bob (soft tail with 4000 miles) and same reluctance from Harley dealers to bother with properly diagnosing the issue! I have been to three Harley dealers now only one rode the bike long enough to hear what I was talking about which he said was actually quite loud (bike is still under warranty). First dealer claimed the belt was too loose and tightened it. The noise came back, second Harley dealer could not hear a noise and the third dealer said the belt was way too tight (from the first dealers tightening) but at least was able to hear the whooping noise. I guess I have to buy the belt tension tool and see what 10lbs of pressure looks like and how much deflection occurs from that. Thanks for the tip on wheel alignment too - I am going to keep bugging the dealer until the fix it!
James Sweeney yes definitely do that and also try to note if any changes under different temperatures and length of rides too. Cheers
Wow I'm so glad to see your video. I recently purchased 2006 Road KIng. It has all the service records and up to date from the dealer. However, it has the strange noise as you perfectly described. Initially I thought it was coming from the front wheel, so I replaced it. The noise still there. I had the Harley Davidson to do the full service while I'm getting the state inspection. When I got the bike back the noise still there. And they told me nothing wrong with the bike. I researched and searched everywhere to resolve this issue. Online information have all seamed to pointing to either rear wheel bearings or inner primary bearing. So, I purchased the parts and ready to replaced them. When I saw your video and made a minor adjustment and took care of the issue. Thank you.
Cheers glad it worked out.
As at least one person has commented, wheel alignment can sometimes be a contributing factor even when aligned correctly. As an experiment, aligning the rear wheel so that the belt rode close to center instead of toward the outside on the rear wheel pulley made the noise go away on my 2018 Heritage Classic. Aligning the rear wheel makes the noise come back.
2021 fxst,,,howling like a bastard,,,,worse as it gets hot,,,,dealer adjusted at thousand mile service,,,no difference,,,rear wheel bearings replaced,,,no difference,,,,took to second dealership,,,,told me they adjusted the belt to the loose side of the specs and noise is gone,,,,i pick it up tomorrow ,,,keep you all posted
Belts and pulleys are expensive! Never trust the mechanics who say they've checked things! Always do your own checking and adjustment on belts, chains oil etc. In fact anything that you can check and adjust! If you're not sure how, learn, there's plenty of help TH-cam and in manuals. I bought a brand new Triumph last year from a main dealer, took them 2 weeks to PDI??? When I picked it up I noticed the chain had about 10mm of slack, book says 30-40 MM!! I may be over cynical, but I'm convinced after selling you a bike dealers aren't really that interested!
Yes totally agree. I have fun and games with a Triumph dealership when I got a bike new from them. Lots of bits not tightened properly, clutch lever fell off, headlight full of water, switches not working. I sear the first two weeks I was doing the PDI for them.
Yes if you can do something, then do it and don't trust anyone else...certainly double check work that's done to your bike. Cheers
When I bought my 2018 Sport Glide in August of this year, I noticed the belt was rubbing HARD on the inside of the edge of the rear sprocket. The rear wheel was out of alignment to the right, causing the belt to ride on the outer left of the sprocket. I had to mess about with the rear axle adjusters until I could get the belt to move off the outside edge of the sprocket. several attempts were needed, and the adjusters need SLIGHT movement to make the alignment change. I made sure I re-torqued the axle nut every time to prevent wheel bearing damage. Finally I got it so the belt does not touch the edge on the side of the pulley; it doesn't have to be centered on the pulley to be right, but close is good enough for the belt not to wear adversely, I think.
My 2024 heritage has been into the dealership for 4 months with that same problem. It does have a rubbing scuffing sound. Finally Harley agreed to change the belt and pulley. So pissed at that bike it's a factory defect and it's been in 7 times still making the sound hopefully the new belt and pulley will work or the bike has to go and buy a Indian.
THANK YOU!!! Exactly what I’m dealing with! No issues with my new 2023 Heritage… 1,000 mile service, get it back and wherr wherr wherr ~ grinding sound. No help from the dealership with my concern. I didn’t know what it was but it eventually went away. Now comes the 5000 mile service… same issue is back!!! 🤬 the belt is banjo string tight!!! Glad to at least know what the issue is now! THANKS 👍🏼
Lots of tales of dealers seemingly overtightening belts ! A belt and sprocket replacement cost me £1,200, 5 years ago ! How much for a wheel bearing replacement ?
Not sure how much confidence I have in the dealership. I was at a Harley shop some yrs back where the mechanic didn't know the oil filter on a 1970s FLH was in the oil tank.
I bought a belt tension tester and used it. Over time I have acquired another. I don't check my belt frequently but I do check it. For a quick check I grab it with thumb and fingers and give it a twist in the same spot I would use the tester, if I can twist it to 45 degrees it's in the ball park. 90deg would be too loose, less than 45 is getting on the tight side.
I have the same issue on a 2021 street bob. Bought it to dealer twice I told them the belt was too tight they said it’s not. I’ve been adjusting belts for over 20 years and all my evos and twin cams were never this tight. I was told back in the day if the belt is too tight I’m going to wipe my transmission bearings. So what’s the deal. Any how it’s going back to dealer for a 3rd time. It’s still under warranty a few more months.
I’ve had the same issue with my 23 fxlrst
I think 1/2”-9/16” deflection is simply wrong. Just like I think starting your oil replacement with 4 quarts is too much. Manual says 4 quarts yet it spews from my breather. Start with 3 and add til the level is correct and you’re good to go.
Belt making too much noise? Adjust out tension until it goes quiet. My concern is that the howling means the belt is overly stressed and could lead to a failure mid ride or undue wear on the transmission/primary bearings.
Any Harley dealership mechanic that doesn't check belt tension and wheel alignment during a normal service interval, or while changing a rear tire is not doing their job. To me, this is more than just being lazy...this is incompetence or malpractice. Look for a new dealership or Indy mechanic. Proper belt tension and accurate wheel alignment are both crucial items for the safe operation of your motorcycle.
Here's one thing I think.....your belt on this video is too loose....way more play than you should have
Nice video, my 21 bob has been making that noise coming from down below when I start to coast in a lower gear, just checked the belt and it was set at a 1/2" when the 1k was done. The noise was driving me nuts, so now I know what to do to resolve it howbowdit.
Please let us know if that fixes your issue.
@majr25_13 Yeah, I got my issue fixed, I took my bike to the dealer where I purchased my bike, and they took it for a test ride. The guy said that it was a distinct sound and needed to be put on the lift to investigate. They said it was the belt rubbing against the outside of the pulley. They made the adjustment and the belt was in the center of the pulley when I left the shop. Made my 30-mile ride home with no noise, and the belt was still in the center of the pulley.
But when I checked to see what they're alignment looked like, it appeared that they had adjusted the right side further forward about an 1/8" with my Motion Pro tool. I then adjusted the axle back to where the tool showed the axle was aligned. Took it for a ride and the noise was back with the belt back to the side of the pulley again. I then adjusted it back to where Harley had it, and the noise was gone.
@@jamescollins5073 Wow, glad you figured out what works for you, my turn now after I get the right tools 🙏
Noise still present after loosening belt to 1/2”, will try your fix (centering belt).
2021 fxst follow up comment,,,, dealer found belt measurement of 3/16in at tightest location,,,, adjusted to 1/2-9/16in at tightest location,,, test drive,, howling noise gone,, i did approx 60ml test drive and noise is indeed gone,
I hope this is going to fix mine. It sounds terrible on a brand new bike that I just want to ride and no worry about things like this. So frustrating.
Hmmm... I thought mine was too tight as well. It was making funny squeaking or rubber, rubbing sounds. Checked my belt after a new belt replacement, and crap!! It was super tight. Checked some videos, came across yours, bingo. Thx.
Mine the belt was over tightened. It was at the 3/16 tight range of spec. I lossesend it up to 8/16. (Spec for above 1k miles is 8/16 - 9/16). And rear aligned wheel tire and noise is now gone 🤘.
Good job!
Harley adjusted my belt and put belt dressing on it
Throw the gauge away. Use common sense…better a bit loose than tight. Sit on the bike, reach back and down (where your belt is located) and move it up and down…should be snug, not tight and not loose. Everyone so focused on service manual numbers they forget how to use their brain and hands together.
Here's my experience. First, let me say that I have been doing my own maintenance on My Harley's for 40 years. I learned early on that the dealership couldn't do it as well as I could do it myself. I've heard all their bullshit lines and excuses. So, all was going well on the new flsb. I decided to take it in for the 1,000 mile service. Just so it would be on record, and all other services would be done by me. Well, got it out of the shop, and about 50 miles into a ride, the belt was making a rubbing, woosh, woosh ,woosh sound when slowing to a stop. Checked it out and it was tight as hell. Got ahold of the dealer, and they said they indeed adjusted the belt at the 1000K service. Now get this. They said they loosened it! So it was ok going in, and at the service you say you loosened it and now it's to tight? They said to bring it back, but no way. No time. So I got it on my lift and you couldn't even push the belt up. So I first checked the alignment and it was good, (close). So I then backed off the adjusters, set it at a half inch deflection, aligned it very methodically, and now it runs quiet again. And like others have said, even with good alignment, this belt runs to the left. Like any good Harley tech worth his salt will tell you, they all do that. Hahahahaha.
Yers indeed. Cheers
I like your common sense approach, I own a 1999 fxstc so I do all my own work as HD service doors are closed to anything other than newish models. When I change a rear tyre I tension the belt to the tighter limit, within a few hundred kilometres it’s at the lower limit or looser. Readjust once more and good to go, to ignore your belt is no good....nothing on a motorcycle is maintenance free. Cheers 🍻
Exactly right Peter, Cheers
I have a HD Fatboy Softail. New tires put on 6 months ago. Was riding home last week and all of a sudden I came into a major wobble at 45 mph, no braking. Got home and jacked up my bike , rolled back tire a saw belt tight to the left side. Could the belt have jumped off ?
Sounds like you’ve got a few issues with tension and alignment. Best get that reset
@@RevelatorAlf Mahalo... will do.
My 2022 heritage 114 making the sound dealer said belt will stretch since cold weather over getting sound again maybe belt too tight.
4th belt at 60k after 250 miles belt gets very tight and hot f ... hd specs 3/4" min.i will try it my self from now on 6-800 mile days and 3/4"is not quite enough 22 k mi. and belt seems to be lasting fine only time will tell i also have the missing link stabilizer which i thought was the problem ride safe
i changed my rear wheel of my softail heritage 2003, I set the tension on the belt to 9.5mm and it makes those sounds exactly as described on your video.,:)
possibly i did it wrong..... i set the tension whist suspended on the bike lift. when on the ground it gets even tighter, few rides later sounds disappeared totally... by the way the alignment was done with a vernier caliper...spot on so i think its better to have the belt a bit tight than loose... so be it.:) mpo
2009 Nightster with a new genuine rear sprocket and a BDL drivebelt. Been on for 50,000kms now, only adjusted it once. It tightens up with heat, so I leave it a little loose. I do rolling skids all day. Mint.
2022 Street Bob, obviously all genuine parts. Belt seems to maintain constant tension regardless of temp. I also set it a little to the loose side. So far it has 10,000kms and is perfectly fine.
I do not use the tool, both bikes have the lower belt guard removed. I am a mechanic, since 1995, and I just use common sense. The belt is not a rubber band, give it a little slack without allowing it to jump. And for the record, I check my belts hot and cold every few weeks.
I am having the same issue with my bike- Went to dealership, they asked me change my break fluid, break pads, brake disc, exhaust. Got all these changed in different visits and I have been telling them it could be the belt issue but they just ignore me and say no that's not the issue. This is so frustrating experience from the Harley Davidson they they do not care about the customer "at all"
Still have this issue nut do not know how to get it fixed.
Good video. Just bought a 23 heritage last week and now has 400 miles. After it warms up it starts this annoying noise when slowing down or with very slight throttle. Belt too tight! I took it to the selling dealer and tech said harley over tightens the belt from factory and instructs the dealer to not touch the belt during pdi. Only check it at the 1k service. harley says there is a service bulletin on it. I couldn't find the SB. The belt needs "bedding" to break it in. I plan on taking it to a mechanic who knows harleys and loosen it a bit to see if noise goes away and then take it to the dealer for 1k.
I had a similar experience. Got that wah wah noise on long corners. Bike was pulling a lot to the left - requiring constant handlebar input to keep it riding straight. It wore a front tire on just the hard right shoulder in 3000 miles. Not a cheep replacement! HD told me they all do that! Dealer poo pooed it. Just ridiculed me really. Told me they had checked it. I checked it and found the back wheel well out of line!! Very disappointed for a brand new machine that I have invested my life savings on!
Thanks to your insights I have sorted it myself. Keep up the good work Alf. I have been revalated!😂
Cheers 👍
I prefer half inch to 3 quarters inch , if the belt is too tight you will ruin the transmission bearing, a tad on the loose side and I never have a problem , no noise , no funny wear issue , just my take on it
I have that slow speed noise on my Sport glide. This started after my first service. I bet the dealer over tightened my belt. It barely moves in that adjustment window.
What you described is exactly what problems I have with mine! Took it to dealership twice now and the 1st time they fixed the tension, but after 400 miles it came back to a problem, took it in today and hopefully it will stay loosened up enough. One thought I had is can I buy a 2018 or 2019 belt and sprockets and put on my 2020? I say this because I don’t believe the previous 2 years there wasn’t any issue and maybe it’s a new way H-D produced the new belt and materials??
I went direct to the owner of the business and complained about the belt niose and grinding sensation. I was addressed straight away thank goodness.
Fair points, the dealer should be more respectful and concerned if issues are coming up like this or other safety issues.
As you said it’s your bike and life going down that road.
Check it regularly for peace of mind.
I just had my dealer over tighten my belt on my 2022 Road Glide special. Bike started making a noise after my 1k service. Brought it back and was told everything's in spec.
And then what? Thx
Well Alf, i know this is an old video, but yep weeks ago while setting off from a roundabout, shifting from 1st-2nd my belt snapped, I've now been told that both pulleys need replacing as well because the chrome has come away from the teeth, total cost to get this POS fixed.................£1,600, yep, to say I'm pissed off is an understatement, bikes got 22,000 miles on it and it's had its 1st MOT two months ago, going to email harley support see if i can any of it on warranty, i think i know what the answer to that one will be, a big fat NO..
If they refuse I'll mention I'm a veteran and will go on all the veteran websites and forces websites and tell them the score about harley and how they'll screw you over, 😭😭😭
Oh no that’s really crappy. Hope you get some joy and should be no reason for that to snap either.
Interesting video Alf. My factory manual for my 1995 FLSTN tells me to check the belt tension on the upper run of the belt and to rotate the belt to find it's tightest position. Once found, using the HD tool set the deflection between ⅜" - ½" at 10lbs pressure. The strange thing it goes on to say is not to loosen the wheel spindle but to adjust the tension using adjuster bolts with spindle tight. I disregard this and slightly slacken the wheel splindle. There is also no mension of having the rider sit on the bike to check and adjust the belt deflection. Also, my bottom belt cover doesn't have the viewing slot that the newer softails have. I bought the measuring tool to check wheel alignment instead on using a tape measure.
Regards,
Sky.
Ah good to know cheers
Rev/Alf on my 19 SG at 5000 miles I had 5/16ths deflection. It seems very tight.The book says at 5000 or so the deflection should be 1/2 to 9/16ths. What was your deflection when you checked with the 10 lb. push gauge on your 18 SG at or near 5000 miles?
To be honest I really can't remember the number at the time but it was within spec I remember at least
Could the tolerances be such that the belt tension could detectably fluctuate in line with significant ambient temperature fluctuations? At least in some parts of the world, anyway. Just musing!
I would say so yes
Isn't it a pulley for belts and a sprocket for chains? Just musing!
yes you're right
I get the noise on deceleration, I would describe it as "Straight cut gears slowing" if that makes sense, due my 1000M service soon so will check belt feel before and after. To be honest I have not looked at it since new, Purchase of a tool looking likely, I guess it would have to be a H-D one to compare like with like if you are not happy with a dealer adjustment. or If I get a cheaper one check it against the adjustment after the service.
Stephen Fleming yep be interesting to see if your noise stops after the service or if it turns out to be something different. Cheers
Jessus Christ. Anytime someone selling a bike says that it was always serviced at a dealer, I go look elsewhere.
Ha ha love that
My 2018 softail made the same noise you spoke of. I did my alignment and the noise has been gone since. I think some of these softails are leaving the factory out of alignment.
wheel alignment?
Have this problem every time the dealer takes off my flstf rear wheeel ! Been Back four times and it’s still making that noise once the belt or pulley warms up after a couple of kms
,the tension is ok so it must be alignment! Thanks for the video
At least I know now a lot more
You're welcome. Cheers
I bought a Forty Eight a couple of months ago, still due for it's first service though.
1. I rarely lock my bike since it's got a FOB, but when I tried manually locking the bike I faced issues sticking in the key. It did finally locked but faced the same issue pulling the key out as if it was stuck. I noticed the same at the dealer ship when the sales person struggled with other bikes. Not sure if Harley is good at making locks. On the other hand the company which they procure locks from should be questioned.
2. Last weekend I covered approx 250 kms highway + back ways with speed variable from 60 kmph to 110 kmph and I noticed the exhaust changing the colour to blackish. Doesn't concern me though, but the other guys riding Victory did not face any change of colour for their exhausts. Do Harley make inferior exhausts in comparison to other manufacturers?
Anyway...I shall definitely keep an eye on the belt. Certainly food for thought. Cheers
I suppose it depends how secure you feel your bike is when you leave it but I would at least use the steering lock of buy a disc lock for added security. Try spraying some WD40 in the lock and see if that helps, or rub the key with a pencil.
Exhausts changing colour can happen but over a short distance doesn't seem quite right. Where on the exhaust was this happening? You may have an exhaust leak somewhere causing the discolouration. If you're not sure, take it to a dealer or qualified mechanic and get it checked out. Cheers
@@RevelatorAlf Exhausts @ close to the engine, but considering its a brand new bike only done 450 kms exhausts should look new :)
Certainly, taking it to the dealer this weekend for sure. Shall keep you posted how I go.
Cheers
Shamz
@@shamindergrewal Yes please do. Cheers
G
B...I can type random letters too
My belt always sits to one side of the rear drive pulley, is this normal ?
I would get that checked out immediately because sounds like an alignment issue too or spacer offset problem. Either way that will be no good for our belt especially if it's catching on one side of the belt. cheers
RevelatorAlf Thanks Alf.
@@reddog907 You're welcome.
I'm aware that your comment is 8 months old, but the belt will never sit exactly in the middle of your pulley. Even if your wheel and pulley are straight and aligned it will always sit on either the left or right side. But it's always a good idea to check your alignment to make sure it's okay. Cheers
At my 10 thousand mile service my belt had gotten so tight you could play a tune on it. No explanation from the Harley tech. I now own a tension gauge and will keep mine in check.
Yep best way. Cheers
I had the belt noise and even dust from the belt on my 00 Softail standard. Did the rear axle alignment check with a tape measure and it was way out of alignment. As for belt tension adjustment I check with my finger with the bike on the ground and then pulling down with a ratchet strap simulating rider weight and checking the belt tension again with my finger because when you move the suspension belt tension changes. So this seems to work for me for the last 10+ years. I do the same on my 07 sportster. Lesson learned from this was do my adjustments myself, do my own maintenance, fix it myself, and don't trust the stealership. I am thinking about a belt tension gauge to check my work to see how close I am. Thank you