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Message started by chris.heff on 04/01/07 at 17:47:55

Title: Problems adjusting the belt tension
Post by chris.heff on 04/01/07 at 17:47:55

Hi, just changed my back tire last week. I have a Clymer manual, it says I need a tension gauge to adjust the belt tension, though it doesn't give me a pound level for deflection. I do not have this tension gauge, nor do I know anyone that has it. Does any one that has this gauge can tell me what the tension is supposed to be. I would prefer to have the tension and tracking correct so I don't damage the belt.

Thanks

Chris

Title: Re: Problems adjusting the belt tension
Post by Reelthing on 04/01/07 at 18:10:21

You don't need the gauge - just use the twist method - tighten it until you can only twist the belt 90deg about a foot or so in front of the rear pulley - the gauge get's it too tight

Title: Re: Problems adjusting the belt tension
Post by justin_o_guy on 04/01/07 at 19:19:33

Since I retired the compression gauge & went with the twist method, my belt is quieter. Just get it tight enough to allow ya to twist the belt so you can get 90 degrees of twist about half way between the front & rear sprokkits. Like Reel thing said.

Title: Re: Problems adjusting the belt tension
Post by Savage_Rob on 04/02/07 at 11:07:02

Do the 90 degree twist on the bottom section of the belt.

Title: Re: Problems adjusting the belt tension
Post by monkee72 on 04/02/07 at 11:08:37

Along with what those guys all said. I did the same thing last year, and rode about 2000 miles since, with no problems.

Title: Re: Problems adjusting the belt tension
Post by Greg_650 on 04/03/07 at 20:01:43

We put up with squeaky belts for a couple years, until I began using the 90 method. Darn, all the time I wasted trying to do it like the manual said....

The tension gage might make a good fishing weight...or a boat anchor :)

Title: Re: Problems adjusting the belt tension
Post by tbalam on 04/03/07 at 20:07:52

convert to a chain problem solved! ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: Problems adjusting the belt tension
Post by firsts40 on 04/03/07 at 20:16:46

8)I agree with the twist method. I used the gauge that came with the bike once, and not only was it a pain in you know what, it was very inconsistant and got my belt to tight. As far as alignment goes, it is a lot easier to do with it up on a jack of some type. I paid $70 for mine in Wal-Mart made by GMAC. Works great and is very stable with a 1X3 wood mod on one leg. :)

Title: Re: Problems adjusting the belt tension
Post by firsts40 on 04/03/07 at 20:19:05

One more thing about the alignment. Do not trust the alignment marks 100%. Mine were off a little and got me some unwanted noise from the belt rubbing on the front pully.

Title: Re: Problems adjusting the belt tension
Post by chris.heff on 04/03/07 at 21:28:47

I am unable to see the alignment marks, not sure if they forgot them on my bike or what. I'm kind of winging it when it comes to alignment. I'll double check again tomorrow, and try the 90 method to see how far out or close it is.

Title: CaRe: Problems adjusting the belt tension
Post by chris.heff on 04/03/07 at 21:30:39

Can't say I would ever want to go back to a chain. Too much maintenance. A belt may be a pain to set up initially but you never touch it again. Until I had to change my back tire, I've never adjusted the belt tension or any need to for the three years I've owned this thing.

Title: Re: Problems adjusting the belt tension
Post by Greg_650 on 04/04/07 at 05:16:36

firsts40 wrote:

One more thing about the alignment. Do not trust the alignment marks 100%. Mine were off a little and got me some unwanted noise from the belt rubbing on the front pully.

Those alignment marks are not critical at all, and a little rubbing on the pulley sides happens anyway. My bet is that something else was rubbing...such as the pulley on the cover.

Title: Re: CaRe: Problems adjusting the belt tension
Post by Greg_650 on 04/04/07 at 05:27:13

chris.heff wrote:

It's not this complex. Really. The adjustment isn't that critical. They don't have to match perfectly. The belt tension adjustment isn't either. No rocket science at all. That's why the manuals don't go into a lot of detail with it.

If you can't see the alignment marks, it is possible that the wheel adjusters were installed inside-out on the axle when the tire was last reinstalled. That puts the marks on the inside. Easy to do...

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b277/gmdinusa/GMDLogo_2129.jpg

Title: Re: Problems adjusting the belt tension
Post by Rogue_Cheddar on 04/04/07 at 08:18:24

I changed my belt using the tensioner tool and did not have any real issues. Mine seemd to be in line with the 90 degree twist method so either way should suffice. The new belt will stretch, so make sure you recheck tension after a few hundred miles. I used a box end wrench on the wheel adjusters and would tighten each side 1/2 turn only. The wheel seemd to pull tight evenly, my notches line up pretty good. The belt doesn't sqeak and the bike seems to track fine. I suppose 2 long straight edges on either side aligning the front and back wheels would be better or a laser alignment, but I think I'm within the proverbial red nano pube.

Title: Re: Problems adjusting the belt tension
Post by justin_o_guy on 04/04/07 at 18:45:37

If alignment is an issue & the marks are on the inside, you can pop the front pulley cover off & run a string under the belt & roll the bike till the string is in front of the pulley, then, pull the string back to the rear of the rear pulley. It will show ya which way to adjust the rear wheel to get it close. But, no matter how close it gets, as soon as ya goose it, the tenbsion from the belt pulls the rear pulley foraward on the outside edge a bit, so, it's not ever gonna be perfect, no matter how good a job you do.

Title: Re: Problems adjusting the belt tension
Post by georgekathe on 04/04/07 at 21:16:43

after I was happy my wheel was aligned & belt was correct tension I painted little white lines on both the swinging arm & the adjusters - know when I readjust I'll have to get them off & repaint, but can't see having to adjust belt for a long time. I also used the tension guage & belt passed the 90 degree twist test too.

Title: Re: Problems adjusting the belt tension
Post by PhilM on 08/11/07 at 11:00:24

A question about the 90 degree method...

My belt is squeaking a lot so I checked the tension. I can twist it easily to 45 degrees and then I get a fair amount of resistance, but if I apply a LOT more pressure I can just about get it to 90 degrees.

Am I right in thinking the 45 degrees is my true reading?

Sorry to be so dumb :-[

Title: Re: Problems adjusting the belt tension
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/11/07 at 17:16:03

Remember to get all the slack in the bottom side of the belt by putting it in gear & rolling backwards. Then check for the 90* twist. If you are working so hard to twist it, it's either too tight or you are too weak to ride. ( I am leaning toward the "It's too tight" position, cuz I dont want you coming to my house & grabbing me by the throat to show me you arent too weak to ride.. ;))