Belt Squeal

[Razorback Trike Rider]

Has anyone else ever had a problem with the belt squealling on a Electra Glide with the Motor Trike conversion? I had an irritating squeal that no one could find where it was coming from, so i put it up on jack stands, put it in gear, and decided it was the belt. Sprayed some wd on it and it went away. I know this isn't the fix, but not sure what the real problem is. Any Ideas?

 

[ThirdWheel]

Sounds as if the belt has glazed. WD40 will only work for a short while. Check your belt for any cracks and if the inside is shiny. If worn best thing to do is replace. A belt dressing will help but again only putting it off.

 

[Papa Zook]

Has anyone else ever had a problem with the belt squealing on a Electra Glide with the Motor Trike conversion? I had an irritating squeal that no one could find where it was coming from, so i put it up on jack stands, put it in gear, and decided it was the belt. Sprayed some wd on it and it went away. I know this isn't the fix, but not sure what the real problem is. Any Ideas?

When was the conversion done? Is it a new belt?

If its a new belt, there will be a noise for the first 100 or so miles, that's normal and it will go away. If its a belt that has some miles on it then that's not the problem. My next check would be to put it back on jack stands and with the bike turned OFF and in neutral, have someone spin the tires and check the belt alignment on the rear pulley. There should be a couple of MM space on either side of the pulley if it is aligned properly. If not the belt can ride against the side of the rear pully and make a noticeable whine. If thats what you find Id suggest taking it to your installer and having it adjusted.

 

[Razorback Trike Rider]

The conversion has about 6000 miles on it, I put over 5000 of those miles on it before the squeal started. I looked at the belt and could see no signs of any rubbing anywhere on the belt.

 

[Gorilla]

It has to be an alignment issue. The drive belt the notched and if it is to loose it will skip teeth. If to tight it can whine. If out of alighment it will rub the side of the pully and could squeal.

 

[ThirdWheel]

tmigala, Bazooka - you guys are absolutely correct.. I forgot about the belt being notched. The last Harley I had used a chain. Think it's been a while? (1969). Thinking about that makes me realize that the age thing is catching up with me! Boy..you guys really screwed up my day..Thanks a lot!

 

[1550vt]

I don't think you are suppose to put anything on the belt, but that may be another Harley plot to make it wear-out quicker. I suppose Gates could tell you if there is a proper dressing, or if it should be dressed at all.

It has been normal for me to experience a little squeaking in the rain when a belt gets wet during up-n-down shifts on a two wheeler, but can't say I have noticed it on my trike yet.......too much top-end noise to notice I suppose.

Like the others above, just make sure the alignment is okay and the tension is correct. Some of these trike kits spec. the belt tension a bit looser than I like and I run mine closer to two-wheeler spec. I have broken one belt in my Harley riding career, so it can happen. I knew a guy with an FXR that broke belts on a routine basis until they finally got things aligned, but it took 3-months and 4 belts before they eventually did.