How to change your HARLEY DAVIDSON belt

[@jonnybeggar]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video and greatly appreciate it! I have a tip for people who are like me and get in a rush, then spend too much time trying to figure out what bolts go where. Well, I used to do that and now I bag and tag everything that fits in $ store sealable bags and a sharpie. I will even sometimes take photos with my phone of justifiable to me parts to help remember the orientation of disassembly to reassemble. That and if the nuts and bolts can go back in the holes and/or on the bolts at least 3 to 5 threads. If you're like me, it will definitely save time and frustration. Just thought I would give a pointer since this video is helping me.

[@Lanesplitter]

Great tutorial - one of the toughest things is getting access to the two cap-head screws holding the starter to the inner primary. Easiest way, for me; was removing the rear wheel and black plastic splash guard, and voila the rear-most fastener is right there. The other needs a long ball-end hex key under the oil tank (loosen bolts enough to move the tank up a tad) but it's achievable with a little patience! Greetings from France

[@GilstrapGarage]

Thanks for watching! That is definitely the hardest part in the softails 😔 but a little patience and a little love goes a long way haha

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Definitely, I was thinking about buying a dyna, and trading in my Softail for that reason! I hate taking inner primary off for that reason.

[@Ladybugcolleen89]

It's the raw honesty for me... Oh and the bolt template, pure genius! Great job Bran 👏

[@maxthm]

Great walktrough. I can't tell i went back to the video for reference while doing my FXST. Keep up the good work Bran.

[@GilstrapGarage]

thanks for watching!. glad it helped. ride safe

[@shlangevin]

Great tutorial and just what I needed as I will be doing a friends 95 Road King. I did my 2017 Road Glide last year but its nice to see the older models done. Time, patience and shop manual is all you really need and a great vid for inspiration.

[@dpat9906]

Man great video. Good lighting and view of parts. So many youtube videos lack those 2 things

[@GilstrapGarage]

I appreciate that! It is a struggle to get the shot sometimes. I find my self guilty of it every now and again, but I try. Thanks for watching

[@dpat9906]

Hey quick question. I took my crank case cover off and obviously there's no oil in it now. Do I need to put oil directly in it first? Instead of just filling the oil tank only?

[@GilstrapGarage]

@@dpat9906 just fill the oil tank. There’s not supposed to be much oil in the cases.

[@felipelopez3484]

Great video, easy to follow instructions, straight to the point. Thanks.

[@GilstrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@wmcwmc8623]

Thank you so much for this video, it helped me out a lot!

[@dcxplant]

Thanks for the warning with the primary drain plug. I boogered mine up and had to drill it and use an easy-out.

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Wow good job without cracking the primary case?

[@jdreyno1958]

Thanks for the walk through. Merry Christmas!

[@GilstrapGarage]

Same to you! Thank you

[@pipesmcgee9270]

Question on jockying support/pivot for the swing arm. Did you only have to pull the large bolt from the long spacer tube on the primary side or both bolts to move the tube to exchange belts?

[@gregstraka3450]

Great video!!!! You explained everything wonderfully. I'm going in....wish me luck! And thanks ✌🏻

[@GilstrapGarage]

You got this!

[@michaelfuerst5662]

Very informative and descriptive you we’re definitely not lying about the starter bolts behind a chore

[@GilstrapGarage]

Time and patience with those 2 bolts 🤣 thanks for watching!

[@monroehills5783]

Very helpful video! But missing some detail that I would like to contribute via JPG uploads of my 1998 FLSTF job. As I'm new to KZbin, I don't know how to to submit my suggestions to this excellent "How to change your HARLEY DAVIDSON belt" video. My JPG's show how not to mistakenly install the starter to jackshaft coupling p/n 31548-90. And also how to precisely access the rear starter hex bolt (that this video correctly assured can be done).

[@jimedward8908]

Thank You for this lesson, very easy to follow.

[@GilstrapGarage]

Much appreciated! Thank you for watching, and thank you for the sub 🙏🏻

[@jefffrayer8238]

This is a very good video with lots of good tips. Glad you showed cardboard/bolt tip as I do the same to keep bolts from getting lost plus I like to put bolts to same holes anyway. You probably didn't intend to but big thanks for clearly showing at 14:30 how Jackshaft and small coupler fit in inner primary and slides through seal to engage flywheel. People just need to know the cir-clip inside small coupler goes toward pinion gear. I do wish you had done a 20 min. Pt.2 to show loose tranny bolts, dealing with Jackshaft and other tips. Changing ring and pinion gear on my 1999, Evo, Fat Boy right now. Excellent video, good workmanship. Thanks.

[@1985bluebird]

What kind of impact are you using on the compensator? My mechanic told me if I attempt to do the compensator myself not to use an impact on the comp bolt because of the stator magnets and possible crank damage from the impact. What are your thoughts on it? I would like to do the job myself and save hundreds in labor costs.

[@GilstrapGarage]

He’s right, an impact really isn’t the tool to use on that, but that being said, I haven’t had an issue yet. I typically tear everything down with an impact and put it all back together with a torque wrench.

[@dane5896]

How long do the belts last?

[@GilstrapGarage]

I’ve seen bikes with 70k miles on them with the original belt.

[@mynameisearl1777]

Damn. Bigger job than I expected. Good winter pm job

[@GilstrapGarage]

Man, your KZbin handle takes the cake! But yeah, it is a pretty big job

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Yes in a warm garage lol

[@edZILLA64]

GOOD VIDEO. I ALREADY KNEW HOW TO DO IT, BUT I LIKE WATCHING BECAUSE YOU CAN ALWAYS LEARN SOME NEW TRICKS. I LIKE THE CARDBOARD FOR PRIMARY BOLTS TRICK. I WILL USE THAT NEXT TIME. I USUALLY DRAW A LITTLE DIAGRAM,BUT I LIKE YOUR WAY BETTER. I SUBSCRIBED TO YOUR CHANNEL.

[@GilstrapGarage]

That’s awesome! I agree 100%, there’s always something to be learned. Thanks for watching.

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Hey brother love your work, good video! Tell your customer that the primary shoe is backwards!! The narrow point faces forward towards the compensator!!! ( using like a ramp)

[@GilstrapGarage]

I caught that later. But since this video, that bike went to heaven 😬🤣 it developed a leak at the base gasket, he went on a trip, lost all his oil, and grenaded the top end

[@mikefrey7293]

What's the torque specs for the bolts on the Inner primary

[@GilstrapGarage]

not sure brotha. they vary from model to model, year to year. that typically why I leave info like that out of the videos.

[@joalvarez6252]

Awesome video man! Thank you!

[@GilstrapGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@toolmaker5150]

Great video, did you disconnect the battery first ?

[@GilstrapGarage]

I didn’t catch it on video, but yea I did. I wouldn’t want that started grounding out on anything. That wouldn’t be fun 🤣

[@musicfoeva]

Is there anyway you can post all the torque specs for reassembly?

[@tomserbaducci8559]

Make everything tight…..but not too tight

[@aaronmcalister4739]

Awesome video man but can I ask where do you find your torque specs. It’s hard to find online and know it’s a trusted source.

[@GilstrapGarage]

I always buy the clymers manuals

[@deanblack9784]

Keep it up brotha!

[@GilstrapGarage]

Thanks man!

[@jacobyoder6333]

Apparently how long does it take to change a belt?

[@GilstrapGarage]

Easy 6-8 hours. It can be done faster than that, but it’s pretty lengthy

[@victorv4340]

I missed seeing how you got the belt on around the swingarm

[@abrahamruelas47]

Where are you located?

[@GilstrapGarage]

I’m out of Victorville California

[@EricTheOld]

Good job! I've subscribed

[@GilstrapGarage]

Thank you!

[@pascalgpascalg5123]

Thank you very much for video and explain

[@L2fish]

Thats a crazy big job. What does the stealership get to do this?

[@GilstrapGarage]

Honestly, that’s a good question. I’d imagine they charge 5+ hours in labor, but I don’t know. So that would be upwards of $600.

[@dabtech7456]

You ever have a clutch basket get stuck on ?

[@GilstrapGarage]

You mean when you’re pulling it out?

[@dabtech7456]

@@GilstrapGarage yes I'm removing the clutch so I can take the primary housing off and replace a broken belt

[@e30gangsta]

​@@dabtech7456literally had this happen today. Had to get a 3 jaw puller to get it off.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Today's Harley Rider can barely put gas in the gas tank and would have to Google which end of a wrench to use and you expect them to be able to tear down their primary and replace their final drive belt? Hahaha hahaha!

[@GilstrapGarage]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@dennytuma]

it seems like every time I work on an HD one problem turns into ten. nature of the beast I guess

[@ScampAitken]

Good job mate. Now subscribed!

[@GilstrapGarage]

Awesome, that’s much appreciated! Thanks for watching.

[@jacobgalvan5393]

I could always use a mechanic where do u live

[@GilstrapGarage]

I am in Victorville California. Half way between San Bernardino and Barstow

[@jessflo7584]

Seriously!!!! This makes owning a sportster look more attractive!!!! All that just to change the belt!!!!

[@eccentricsmithy2746]

convert it to a chain and never worry about having to pull the primary every again.

[@InterdimensionalApe]

Man I was really hoping this job would be easy

[@GilstrapGarage]

It’s not so bad. There’s just a lot of steps to get it done

[@Ratridez]

Perfect opportunity for a chain drive conversion ...........

[@GilstrapGarage]

Chain looks sweet, and had major advantage for high HP and heavy torque loads, but in terms of longevity and maintenance I’d rather run the belt

[@travisj2370]

imagine being stuck on the side of the road and need to do this shit not sure i want to keep a belt drive over a chain that you can just run it through and then put the pin in the chain without taking the wheel off or anything sure its quiet n stuff but bugger doing this in the middle of nowhere...

[@sonotonia-theacousticexper8832]

Never user a impactor on the compensator, it can destroy or loose your magnets in the alternator bell…

[@richards.2690]

I can't believe how much stuff you have to take off for a belt change.... haha 😄 🤣!! OK 👌.....

[@GilstrapGarage]

Yeah, it’s quite a bit of work for a simple repair 🥲 that’s one of the bright sides of a sportster, quick and easy belt changes on those lol

[@RubenRamos-x2w]

It was OK, but I watched the hold thing wanting to know how you ran the belt through the swingarm and you skipped over that.

[@stevenjacobson8177]

Disconnect the.Battery starter can bite you by pulling it outward. Dangerous

[@tommytommy4760]

👍

[@jimedward8908]

Subbed.

[@GilstrapGarage]

Much appreciated thank you!

[@bendaves77]

The transmission shifting is why that seal was out I'm guessing... and loosing oil onto the belt probably didn't help it any

[@ArmsEveryDay]

Lmao dude looks like stone cold Steve Austin and he opens his video saying and that’s the bottom line cuz stone cold said so. 😂

[@johnnysechrist6313]

Bikes need to run 5-7 minutes before changing oil.....never change cold.

[@TheMetalmachine467]

To bad they can't come out with a belt that comes apart so you don't have to disassemble the whole primary lol

[@archstanton9361]

So this isn't your regular job? Huh. As many bikes as I've seen in the videos, how can you have time to moonlight?

[@GilstrapGarage]

It’s a very busy life 🥲 bikes all morning, work in the evenings. Come home, sleep, and do it again. I do make sure to give myself some days off in between the hustle and bustle though. I’m working on getting a shop and going full time, just putting in the hours to make it happen.

[@yoso585]

Where are you located?

[@archstanton9361]

@@yoso585 me? I'm in San Bernardino

[@AMERICAFIRST54]

Looks expensive

[@graemehill9260]

Ridiculous amount of work to replace a belt . Give me SHAFT DRIVE any day so it won,t be a HARDLEY .

[@whocares0692]

Very nice video. thanks. What a pain in the butt it is to change the belt. Nothing easy.