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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> belt replaced, but not the cogwheels?
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Message started by johnnie on 08/31/09 at 12:03:26

Title: belt replaced, but not the cogwheels?
Post by johnnie on 08/31/09 at 12:03:26

Hi, a couple of months ago my belt snapped, and its replaced (costly :( really, like $500 where I live) so that's fine. But ever since, the new belt makes such a weird noise. They told me it was normal and that it would go away after some good miles. But it didn't, so they gave me all kinds of sprays to fix the noise, and that worked mostly, but only for like 5 miles or so...

Now, I'm not an expert, but I think the cogwheels should be replaced... They feel quite sharp and to my own horror I saw that my new belt is being eaten away (and it's not my dog :D). The garage said these cogwheels are quite expensive though, so I want your advice first. Frankly, I don't have a lot of money...

Other question: can I change the belt's direction when I change the cogwheels? The teeth on the belt are damaged on one side only, so changing the direction of it would be like starting with a clean slate for my belt, and would prevent it from losing grip.

Thanks you guys ;)

I know this is a double post, but the mods can delete the one in the Tech Doc/Ref forum if they have some spare time... I already reported it to the them.

Title: Re: belt replaced, but not the cogwheels?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/31/09 at 12:22:36

Setting the tension is important to solving the squeal issue. Wheel alignment is critical. Just because the marks on the swingarm are the same number back from the end, theres no guarantee that they are all that accurately placed. So, get the belt tension such that you can grab the belt 1/2 way between front & rear pulleys & twist. You should be able to twist it 90* with one hand, not trying to win the national arm rassling title. Then, spend some time looking thru the "How to align rear wheel" threads.

BTW, you coulda ditched the belt & had a chain drive for around $200.00.
There may even be someone here with a belt they could sell..

Title: Re: belt replaced, but not the cogwheels?
Post by Duane on 08/31/09 at 12:46:17

If a belt is going to cost $500 when the time comes I'm going to switch to a chain drive. Anyone else had this kind of exspense when getting a new belt? I would have thought they were about $80.

Title: Re: belt replaced, but not the cogwheels?
Post by Oldfeller on 08/31/09 at 12:53:19

"the garage said" "cogwheels"

I would say he is far far away and not used to doing his his own work.

Title: Re: belt replaced, but not the cogwheels?
Post by johnnie on 08/31/09 at 13:19:11

17343C3E3D34343D2A580 wrote:

"the garage said" "cogwheels"

I would say he is far far away and not used to doing his his own work.

You're correct there :D I'm not native English, so I had to translate "cogwheels" - what do you call them? Also, I'm learning how to maintain my bike myself, but since the belt is such a crucial part, I didn't want to risk doing it myself and doing it wrong...
OK, brake pads are quite essential too for a safe bike :P but that's easier to replace...

I'll try to fix the belt tension and search the forum for hints...

I think parts are way cheaper in America, but here in Europe, I almost feel like I have to pay in body parts instead of money...

[edit] The other day I payed $93 (€65) for an original backlight lens (don't ask how I lost it) and 2 screws to mount it!
The cogwheels would cost me $110 (€77) for the front and $386.5 (€258) for the back... That's another $500 just for the parts, no labour included. [/edit]

Title: Re: belt replaced, but not the cogwheels?
Post by verslagen1 on 08/31/09 at 13:46:41

You can get used quite reasonable. And if you didn't get the life out of them that you might expect (45k miles on the '96, some user induced wear ::) but still going strong) then a reasonably new2you replacement may do better.

Now, the unusually pulley wear, sounds like a waranty issue to me. If the pulleys had defects to begin with, then replacement should be from the dealer. Who may want to cloud the issue as it may be rare and doesn't want to deal with it.

If your pulleys (cogwheels) are worn with sharp edges, replace them. As said there are members here who have gone to chain and sprockets. There may be someone willing to part with a complete set and send it to you. Post it in the marketplace, you may get an offer.