DOC HARLEY: REAR BELT ADJUSTMENT TOOL

[@blackholevideo]

I Truly enjoy your videos because they are brief, concise, and to the point Doc. You don’t waste countless minutes with empty talk about worthless self serving subject matter. I swear too many presenters just like to hear themselves talk and many times I either jump ahead to get to the meat of the subject or just close the video down out of boredom. Thanks for your series and the way you do it.

[@prestonmcbride9940]

Excellent video! Just found your channel and love it. I always get service manuals for all my bikes, and its great to pair that with educated and concise videos. Working on getting my own shop started and love to learn everything I can from those who have gone before me. Thanks Doc!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you for tuning in….Doc

[@steverollins4690]

Thanks Doc for all you do for us riders.

[@Jockstrap716]

Your information is always most helpful we are blessed to have help all Harley Davison owner’s!!!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I appreciate that…..Doc

[@kevenclark7168]

Great video as always Doc. Love the simple,straightforward way of presenting the information without missing any of the important details!

[@royogden2536]

Thank you Mr. Doc, it is always a pleasure listening to you give tips and advice on the care of your harley. Thank you so much for your videos and precious time. Until next time, stay safe and may God Bless.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you Roy for the blessing...Doc

[@crazy4honda]

1:00 to 1:05, just a quick note, please consult the service manual for YOUR specific model for the proper orientation of the bike and the corresponding belt deflection measurements for each orientation. My 2011 FLSTC, for instance, gives a jiffy stand (tire on ground) deflection spec, and another measurement for the bike vertical with the tire OFF the ground

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for your very important helpful Tech Advice….Doc

[@dougfresh1341]

Watched your videos for about a year. Catching up on all the great info you publish. Thanks!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Awesome, thank you!….Doc

[@simonwaddilove6091]

Always helpful Doc. Easy listening and easy learning. Many thanks

[@ronb1250]

thanks again Doc I was just going out to check my belt, but I just want to make sure

[@jordantserghanos2604]

Doc, In the Harley FLHX service manual it indicates the following " With motorcycle upright and rear wheel off the ground or on jiffy stand without rider or luggage." AND "At loosest spot in belt." I have two questions regarding these points. 1) Is the "off the ground" a correct option? If so, that would greatly change the acceptable measurement from being either upright on the ground or on the jiffy stand. 2010 FLHX 1/4"-5/16" What would the off the ground measurement be? 2) The loosest spot on the belt as a point of measure, if you tighten to that and there are areas that are closer to the spec could then be too tight. I see a significant variations in belt tightness in different areas of the belt. Your thoughts and insights are appreciated.

[@kmeades43]

Good point Doc.. Something that's easily overlooked. Hi from Sydney, Australia

[@timbarnett3898]

Yes, belt tensioner tool is in my tool box! Mostly women ask me why such a big tool box for bike? Needs to be long enough for my special tool the torque wrench! I made a special tool out of socket for neutral switch removal an replacement, that's in my tool box as well!

[@BrewCityRider]

Good info Doc. I've never seen anyone use the O-ring like that...guy's usually put the O-ring at the 10# mark before using it. I suppose it doesn't really matter - either way you are putting 10#'s of pressure on the belt.

[@JBUCKLEY86]

Hey Doc, is there a chance you can put out a video on changing out the motor mounts on an 06 and later dyna? I saw a service bulletin come out that says something different than my manual. Thank you and thank you for putting out great videos! They've gotten better over the years

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

When belts came out years ago and for quite a few years it was always have someone sitting on the motorcycle that’s how you check yourbelt I guess things change

[@williebutler9576]

We truly like the information ✌️ on 2's

[@jeffthrobodeen]

What part [(top side (where teeth are) or bottom] of the belt are you looking at when measuring the deflection of the belt against the graduation marks on belt guard? I can't find this anywhere in the service manual. I'm thinking the bottom side of belt.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Top or bottom is not the concern it is the Travel of what you choose....Doc

[@wilfredstinissen8309]

Hello Doc, great vids, thanks! I've still a problem adjusting the belt tension. I adjusted my rear belt tension on my fatboy (2005). What's happening is that when I torque down the left cone nut (axle nut), the adjuster on the left the shaft on the left side pushes backward, tightening the belt tension. It looks like the increasing diameter of the shaft when tightening is the problem. Can you help me with this problem? Thanks in advance. Best Regards, Wilfred

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Being a 2005 I would wonder the condition of parts. Two suggestions. Use a little anti-sieze under washer and axle nut. Second sneak up on the final torque. ie 40-50-60 final….Doc

[@wilfredstinissen8309]

Thank you Doc!!!

[@LavenderLori406]

Do you have the base of the gage on the floor/ table or just holding it?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Just holding observing the movement of the o-ring on the tool

[@ARMASARMY]

Well... Can I assume the next video is how to do adjustments to add or take tension from the belt?... Also.... How about belt alignment?

[@dannymartinez3425]

Hello Doc, I saw your video on the new and "improved" axle assembly kit for the 2020 and up touring bikes (part no. 43000213) which will also be the new replacement for 2014 - 2019 bikes with a torque value of 135 ft/lbs. - 145 ft/lbs. My question is, will this kit fit a 2010 road glide custom? If not, why? If it is for a 25mm axle, it should fit, correct?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

At this time, the explanation is HD did not include 2010 when testing because the frame and much beefier swing arm began in 2014…..Doc

[@dannymartinez3425]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Thanks Doc, I ordered the updated assembly kit (43000213) for my 2010 road glide, but now you mentioned that the 2014 and up swing arms and frame are much beefier. Once I install the updated kit, will my frame and swing arm handle the increased torque values (135 ft/lbs. - 145 ft/lbs.) or should I torque the updated kit to the 105 ft/lbs. max?

[@cj8172]

I don't get the 10 pounds of pressure, can someone please explain that to me? I mean what's the difference if I used a finger or something else to push up on it? Wouldn't you still get a pretty good idea if it needs tightening? It might sound like a silly question but wouldn't it still be possible to do without buying the gauge? Thanks for your vids Doc.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

You answered your own question. Using your finger “ gets it pretty close”. A tool is used for accuracy not a guess. I know of techs with 20+ years of experience that compared with tool match it. Maybe you can too….Doc

[@cj8172]

Thanks Doc for your reply, cheers mate@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

[@olironrider8918]

As always.. a wealth of information..!!

[@Otis884]

Thanks Doc always good to know.

[@4o5919]

this is better than the other video where someone had to sit on the motorcycle while it was on the lift

[@im2yys4u81]

My 2000 RK has front and rear suspension. Per the manual the belt deflection is supposed to be 5/16-3/8 with a rider on the bike.

[@hogwildbowhunter]

Doc do you have set the air suspension at a certain setting before checking on touring models? Does it impact the belt tension measurement?

[@keithlutz3147]

2019 heritage 3000 mi in the shop twice for belt noise ,after a few mi. noise is back ,any advise

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Just a few. You might be washing your bike too often or with the wrong soap. It is easy to wash out the natural lubricant out of H-D drive belt. H-D even offers Belt Lube. Second: Have you adjusted your shocks for your weight? Factory sets up on the soft side. Geometry changes with weight which might be effecting belt tension. Are you a Hot Rodder? Hard on the gas? Pulling each gear til it screams? Might want to modify the way you ride it like you stole it. Thanks ~ Doc

[@jeremyrobinson2219]

My manual says to check from the top but can’t get the tool to the center between the pulleys 04 heritage

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

The difficulty in using the tool would tell me the book is wrong…..Doc

[@nickhildabridle1612]

What would the adjustment steps be to tighten?

[@vintagemotorcyclerepair4052]

The steps are in the service manual. You definitely should have one.

[@johncasor9698]

Road King 2006 manual instructions say a rider should be on the 'seat', assuming all their weight to be on the tires, ???

[@indianacardguys7440]

Hows it going man? I have question for you. I just got a new set of wheels on the 2012 Road Glide and the rear is a 17x6.25 with a 200 tire. When I put it on the bike I only have about 1/16 of clearance between the lip of the tire and the drive belt. Is that enough clearance? I've heard if its not touching its good to go but not sure I trust that. I've loosened and adjusted as much as I can but not coming up with much more than the 1/16. Any suggestions or advice is much appreciated.

[@ironkid8836]

Should I check my 2014 iron 883 belt on jiffy or upright seeing a few different opinions on this

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Factory Service Manual states on jiffy OR upright with rear wheel on the ground and no body on it....Doc

[@ironkid8836]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thanks Doc

[@michaelkozak7295]

Why didn’t you do the adjustment ? To proper tightness

[@bottmar1]

One thing I see missing on all of there forums about belt tension is a final check should be done while sitting on the bike to feel for a belt that is too tight. I do not trust any adjustment done while the bike has no weight on it. The most important place for belt adjustment is at ride height and should at least be checked by hand while on the bike. Easy to do AND IMPORTANT.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Interesting point of view..I would think the Factory figured that into their specifications....Doc

[@bottmar1]

Checking for tension with a chain drive with weight on the cycle is even more important. It only stands to reason that final checking the belt the same way makes sense. I have found a few cycles that did not follow the factory method good enough and had a belt that was too tight. Double checking the results of adjustment with weight would prevent any chance of error. Swing arms always produce tension changes because the pivot point is not on the same plane as the tranny output shaft. Thanks for your many videos on Harley maintenance.

[@HD2O13XL12OOC]

It totally helped, thank you!

[@bravo6601]

Mr Harley i have tryed asking people on HD forums and other forums i have even called various harley shops and cannot get any help finding out why the rear area of my 2009 sportster xl883c has a weird and strong vibration around the shifting RPM’s i know harleys vibrate but it just does not feel right for how much it vibrates ive been riding bikes since i was 11 ... is my belt , wheel , or brake etc out of alignment or adjustment? or is this just normal? please help thank you mr harley!

[@alfonsothegreat4481]

Ok good info! But now, how do you adjust the belt???

[@61espo]

ALFONSO thegreat By turning the rear wheel adjusters by the rear wheel... buy a service manual for your bike... it’s the best tool you can have!

[@swthomas1911]

In accordance with the procedures in your service manual.

[@61espo]

ALFONSO thegreat Back by the rear wheel axle there are adjusters that allow you to turn the adjusting nut to move the wheel assembly forward or backward adjusting the tension on the belt... just remember to turn each adjusting nut on each side of the rear wheel the EXACT amount of turns. Mark one of the “Flats” on the nut with a marker so you’ll know how many turns you’ve done so you can do the same to the other side... But I’ll say it again, the Service Manual for your bike is the best tool you could have when working on your own bike! Be safe and invest in one!

[@diemman70]

Just grab the engine and move it forward or backwards.

[@randydixon5621]

@@diemman70 lol

[@flfbsphatboyblue8970]

Evver heard of the belt twist method? Comments?

[@Mikeys.Harley.Garage]

Hy, Doc. When to change rear belt? (for ex. Dyna 2008). There is no advise about this in the Harley service book. Thanks.

[@cj8172]

They reckon if proper maintainance is done the belt will last as long as the bike does without needing to be replaced.

[@srhintz]

Is this something new or old? My manual for the 13 FXDF says on the stand or lifted and has two different tolerances, but says rotate the wheel and check several spots which only make raising the rear end more necessary.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Follow your manual, the most important factor is to not have someone on the bike when measuring.

[@srhintz]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson There are so many methods out there. I bought the HD tool and the instructions tell you to have someone on the bike. I went with the manual of course.

[@louhmx1136]

Doc, I installed a longer shock on my 2020 softail (Fox 13.5") and the belt is now much too loose. My concern is that if I now adjust to be within spec, will it be too tight when going over bumps?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I am impressed with your thoughts. I still would adjust the belt to the factory loose specs and try. I don't believe the travel of the shock is going to change belt deflection too much unless you have the shocks set up for a very soft ride...Doc

[@louhmx1136]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Thanks for the tip. Factory spec is 12.5 - 14.7mm. I have it @ 20mm and initially seems fine. By the way, the Fox 13.5" shock on the Sport Glide is amazing.

[@AlejandroReyes-qu2ju]

Hi Doc, I have a question… I’m a proud owner of a 04 FXSTBI Night Train with 26000+ miles and I try to adjust the belt from 9/16” deflection to a 3/8” but, the adjustment screw is all the way in and there is no more room for adjustment any recommendation?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Something is not right. both sides are the same? Original belt, pulley and wheels? Have a tech look at this....Doc

[@peterbergeris6510]

If you have a rider on the bike, don't you want to measure the belt at it's tightest point ? Another video by Delboys Garage says to turn the wheel n feel where it's tightest and with rider weight this is where you want to check it.What do you think.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I agree with finding the tightest point....Doc

[@61espo]

Thanks Doc!

[@garybenedict3673]

Doc very good content

[@barrydawg7544]

Hey doc I have a 1999 1200 Sportster custom. I don't have a service manual and I can't find anywhere as to how much tension the belt on my Sporty should be,, can you help? Also there is no belt tension window on the bike. Thanks DAWG from the SHow me State

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

“Show me” you have a Service Manual on order. Belt deflection 9/16”-11/16. Thanks ~ Doc

[@bikersoncall]

I read on a forum that you should be able to turn the belt 45 degrees if properly tensioned, is that bad advice?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Yes. Follow the factory Service Manual direction with the Tension tool. The belt is made strong but twisting was not in the design. With the cost of a belt and Labor to install it why trust a Forum suggestion to save you time and money now? Thanks for asking. Thanks ~ Doc

[@bikersoncall]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Doc, I've been trying to find a factory pdf, maybe it doesn't exist, I bought a non factory, its pretty useless. What title should I look for to get the best manual, I have a 2009 EG ultra . Do I get a 2009 H D Cruiser Shop Service Manual? or.... what's the best, that covers my generation of year? ..and thanks much for the response, I looked at my belt and the gauge in the belt cover, I understand the procedure now, and why it matters, will order that tool.

[@pugloverg6671]

Great tool

[@earnestbrown2643]

Thanks for the video Doc, I always enjoy them and use them as a reference. My problem is how tight should by belt be before I start checking the 10LBS of Pressure & Belt Deflection? I see a lot of checking the belt, and not anything on how tight the belt should be before getting to checking those 2 parts of it. Thanks in advance Brother! Oh & Should the bike be in Neutral?

[@javierbalbuena1589]

Can u speak about coils my bike is throwing P2300 p2303 code bike only has 5k thanks 2016 fxdls

[@stephenwilson5797]

2001 Dyna FSM directs you to do this with the weight of the rider on the bike.

[@silverado123]

great video. will be getting that tool for sure. hope you get some commission hahaha

[@gregburgess6884]

Thx doc 👍

[@Liveharley1]

Thanks good to know.

[@pugloverg6671]

Basically a push gauge..????

[@bryanmontgomery4050]

My shop is always 100+°! Haha

[@haroldwiser2641]

Thank you for the great video!

[@jimeckenrode1271]

Doc, are those adjustment tools brand specific ? I tried to order one on like and the said it did not fit my bike. WHAT?? I thought all the belts were pretty much the same. I always watch your video's but I do not own a HD.

[@vetter847]

Any advice on making fluffier pancakes?

[@ARMASARMY]

Add eggs, butter and use milk instead of water on the mix.

[@diemman70]

Use baking powder. At least 1 tablespoon.

[@theone2be33]

Blow hot air into them

[@chriswilson6858]

👍👍

[@levialston518]

Yes it helps but think I'll just take it to the dealer

[@tjhessmon4327]

Thanks Doc, there are many videos describing this process on line, which are incorrect. Some, describing the increments on the deflection window as 1/16 in. An improvement to your video would be to mention how to measure belt tension without the deflection window (aka using a ruler or tape measure that can measure in 1/8 in increments)

[@Godlivesinme2013]

Fix my hog said the graduation marks are 1/16 of an inch not 1/8

[@mountaindew8042]

👀👂👍

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks as always Mountain Dew for your time...Doc

[@donowolf]

Why do you never actually do anything to completion...

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Let me explainl. I am not a How To guy. there are a lot of those on the net. I started these videos to explain how and why and to point the direction in the Service Manual. I'm not here for step by step. Thanks for tuning in...Doc

[@njb2cool]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson very good

[@kennyb7883]

DONT buy from harley! waaayyyyyy cheaper on Amazon.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for your opinion. My question is will Amazon take the expert time to sit down and talk to you about your prize possession? advise you on the correct part? Help you on installation? Plus give you a place to meet, greet, ride with other Harley riders? Just saying Price is not everything...Doc

[@MotoRanch101]

eBay is even cheaper 7 bucks

[@340rps]

>.... You can purchase this at your Harley stealer for $60 or just use your fingers and a little common sense.

[@aussie1546]

sorry but poor explanation

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for the feedback....Doc

[@danielenglish4802]

HD-35381-A

[@indianacardguys7440]

Hows it going man? I have question for you. I just got a new set of wheels on the 2012 Road Glide and the rear is a 17x6.25 with a 200 tire. When I put it on the bike I only have about 1/16 of clearance between the lip of the tire and the drive belt. Is that enough clearance? I've heard if its not touching its good to go but not sure I trust that. I've loosened and adjusted as much as I can but not coming up with much more than the 1/16. Any suggestions or advice is much appreciated.

[@vivelavie2275]

Merci doc!!