BELT TENSION

[JUSTME1951]

I belt tension REALLY that critical?
Book says 1/4 to 7/16 @ 10lbs, midspan.
So, whatif, 5/8 or even 3/4?

 

[Gorilla]

Yes the belt tension is import. If its to tight undue stress is placed on the transmission drive nearing. To loose may allow the belt to skip over teethe in the sprockets causing wear.

 

[JUSTME1951]

Yes the belt tension is import. If its to tight undue stress is placed on the transmission drive nearing. To loose may allow the belt to skip over teethe in the sprockets causing wear.

I agree. I try to keep mine right at 7/16 to 1/2

 

[Rogue1]

I like to run it a little bit loose. Mine is set at 3/4 of an inch. Couple miles down the road when the bike is warmed up it's just like a bow string. Heat does strange things to Kevlar.

 

[JUSTME1951]

I like to run it a little bit loose. Mine is set at 3/4 of an inch. Couple miles down the road when the bike is warmed up it's just like a bow string. Heat does strange things to Kevlar.

I have been playing with a recently destroyed belt that i changed; cutting and shaving layers; they are tough for sure.

 

[Rogue1]

I like to run it a little bit loose. Mine is set at 3/4 of an inch. Couple miles down the road when the bike is warmed up it's just like a bow string. Heat does strange things to Kevlar.

I haven't figured out exactly why yet but every time I adjust it which has been several times over the last seven years, I adjust it with the wheels off and the trike on jack stands. 3/4 of an inch. When I put the wheels on it and lower it to the ground it decreases the amount of deflection by a little. The only thing I can figure it's the movement of the belt when the weight of the bike is on the lift. In my opinion it would have to be very loose to allow that belt to walk around the pulley. Then you got a problem.

 

[JUSTME1951]

I haven't figured out exactly why yet but every time I adjust it which has been several times over the last seven years, I adjust it with the wheels off and the trike on jack stands. 3/4 of an inch. When I put the wheels on it and lower it to the ground it decreases the amount of deflection by a little. The only thing I can figure it's the movement of the belt when the weight of the bike is on the lift. In my opinion it would have to be very loose to allow that belt to walk around the pulley. Then you got a problem.

Ya same here but i really don't see a problem just as long as it is tight. I can't imagine temp swings being a big deal. I tell myself; i worry to much.

 

[Rogue1]

Ya same here but i really don't see a problem just as long as it is tight. I can't imagine temp swings being a big deal. I tell myself; i worry to much.

I concur

 

[Rogue1]

I have yet to see one come from the factory where the alignment was anywhere close to what the book says. I believe the book says around .060 to .063 difference in side to side alignment. I've got mine down to around .030 and doubt if I can get it any closer. You will never get it perfect. When I brought it home from the dealer it was well over a quarter of an inch difference checking side to side alignment. I've checked several other fellas bikes that were new and they were also at least a quarter inch different side to side. I just tried to get it as close as I can.

 

[JUSTME1951]

I have yet to see one come from the factory where the alignment was anywhere close to what the book says. I believe the book says around .060 to .063 difference in side to side alignment. I've got mine down to around .030 and doubt if I can get it any closer. You will never get it perfect. When I brought it home from the dealer it was well over a quarter of an inch difference checking side to side alignment. I've checked several other fellas bikes that were new and they were also at least a quarter inch different side to side. I just tried to get it as close as I can.

Ya i'd say i'm right where you are. The "accuracy" of the lazer i got is +- .030 at 30 ft which boils down to almost 0 at the axel to pivot distance.

 

[Rogue1]

Laser?, I use an inside bore gauge and micrometer.

 

[JUSTME1951]

Laser?, I use an inside bore gauge and micrometer.

Oh i'm sure there are many methods. My books describe using a lazer. Ill post it later.

 

[Rogue1]

Oh i'm sure there are many methods. My books describe using a lazer. Ill post it later.

Any measurement system that works is fine. I don't even think my manual gives a way to measure it. It just says measure from the back of the adjuster to the axle.

 

[JUSTME1951]

Any measurement system that works is fine. I don't even think my manual gives a way to measure it. It just says measure from the back of the adjuster to the axle.

Yes. Inside caliper or mic each side between machined surfaces until equal and belt tension is achieved. Lazer from wheel hubs fwd to a guage extending out from each end of the rear fork pivot shaft. The lazer centers the rear wheel hubs on the longitudinal centerline.

 

[Rogue1]

Yes. Inside caliper or mic each side between machined surfaces until equal and belt tension is achieved. Lazer from wheel hubs fwd to a guage extending out from each end of the rear fork pivot shaft. The lazer centers the rear wheel hubs on the longitudinal centerline.

Too high tech for me. LOL

 

[JUSTME1951]

Too high tech for me. LOL

Lol. Trust me, i wouldnt wish a hd trike belt replacement on my worse enemy. I prefer working on helicopters and paper machines over hd trikes, lol

 

[Rogue1]

I don't think I would hesitate in attempting a belt replacement. Helicopters might be another story.