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08-07-2016, 04:24 PM | #1 |
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Notches on axle adjusters vs getting belt to track center
This is my first belt drive. I was wondering if anyone has to adjust each side of axle individually significantly to get belt to track in center? It was tracking right when I got bike and each side was adjusted off already. I now have it tracking straight but had to adjust each side significantly from the other to get belt center.
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Last edited by Lumberjack; 08-07-2016 at 09:17 PM.
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08-07-2016, 05:17 PM | #2 | |
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Last edited by dlars; 08-07-2016 at 05:21 PM.
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08-07-2016, 08:44 PM | #3 |
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The axle adjusters are intended to align the rear wheel to the front wheel. There is no adjustment for belt alignment, the engine sits offset in the frame to keep the belt running on the left side of the front pulley, because it has no right flange, and that results in the belt going to the left of the rear pulley as well.
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08-08-2016, 02:56 PM | #4 |
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Just to reiterate. You adjust the notches on each side so they are the same. At that point the belt will track left on the rear pulley as you look at it from the back. Almost, but not quite, right up against it. There will just be a small gap there.
Once you get that done you adjust the tension. And you loosen or tighten each side the same amount. And generally you need to ride it around the block after you adjust it. Just spinning it doesn't seem to get it to track in it's final spot. |
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08-08-2016, 03:17 PM | #5 |
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Thanks for the replies. The belt was on the right and the adjusters weren't even when I checked it - it was this way when I purchased it used. I thought the belt should be dead center and will re-adjust so the rear wheel is straight and see how the belt is after that.
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08-08-2016, 08:24 PM | #6 |
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So I adjusted belt tonight and mine rides on right side. I left it a bit loose from spec @ 5mm. Took for a ride and no noise. Should I be concerned?
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08-08-2016, 10:51 PM | #7 |
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They don't all ride on the left side, there are some that ride on the right. As long as the notches are the same, the axle is aligned straight and you are good to go. Go ride that thing
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08-09-2016, 03:43 AM | #8 |
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I wouldn't call 5mm loose... I run mine at 10mm or thereabouts at 10lbs pressure. Too tight a belt has already cost me a set of pulleys and a belt, (but fortunately not a final drive bearing) so maybe I'm veering too far the other way, but I'm keeping a very close eye on things now, and this tension has been optimum so far.
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08-09-2016, 09:59 AM | #9 | |
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3 - 4.5mm is what manual says so I am just above the high side at 5mm (it may be a wee bit more even). To each their own :)
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08-09-2016, 04:41 PM | #10 |
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I am going to go out on a limb here and say that you adjust a belt drive bike similar to a chain drive bike. That means using a drive belt alignment tool. Which functions like a chain alignment tool.
You also want your wheels to be closely aligned for tracking and tire wear. I recall someone back in 2010 actually had to adjust the engine mounts to align both the wheels and the drive belt correctly.
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08-10-2016, 12:04 AM | #11 | |
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BTW, since the adjusters were not aligned before, check your brake pads, if you haven't already, for excessive wear at one end or the other. The rim was not straight, so the rotor was not straight with respect to the calipers. The adjusters were not even on my bike when purchased, either, and I had considerably more wear on the front of the pads than the back. I'm keeping a close watch on final drive bearing because of that. So far, it seems to be OK. I will probably change it out next tire change. |
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08-14-2016, 04:35 PM | #12 | |
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08-14-2016, 04:39 PM | #13 | |
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08-15-2016, 12:12 AM | #14 | |
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It was purely through being over-tensioned by a dealer, during the previous ownership. I thought it a bit odd when I saw a receipt for a new belt among the documentation passed on to me, and then when I took the rear wheel off the bike soon after I bought it to have a new tire fitted, I found two-thirds of the belt teeth cracked right through, and the teeth on both pulleys worn down to stubs. Kevlar is very strong, and wore that alloy away like it was nothing. I've now done the same mileage again (it's over 55,000km now) without any further signs of belt or pulley wear. That can only be thanks to less tension on the belt.
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08-15-2016, 07:47 AM | #15 |
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5mm is over OEM specs but I am wondering if going more is acceptable? Everyone else chime in please. How much deflection are you using?
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