lagagnon wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:02:I am aware of the past postings on this and the other Savage forum concerning drive belt squeaks. I am presently having that problem - with some interesting observations:
1) the squeaks get worse when the outside temperature is lower, especially if a little frosty. This seems to make sense to me as rubber contracts when colder (or so I understand).
2) My 2004 Savage now has about 2000km on the clock. At 1000km the belt tension was perfect: I could twist it 90 degrees at its lowest point. Now the belt seems tighter and I am unable to twist it 90 degrees. How can the belt have tightened itself?
It appears to me I will be able to solve my problem by simply loosening the belt slightly, but any other suggestions or observations would be appreciated.
Larry Gagnon
When the belt is cold, yes it will shrink, but if it is too tight, it will also heat up more when you ride it.
Since you have a 2004, you most likely have a toolkit with a tension gage. Use the gage and your MOM to check the tension rather than the 90 degree method.
If it really have changed, then I'd be looking at the rear wheel adjusters. Has the wheel been removed? However, most likely, if anything is loose at the adjusters, the belt will get looser, not tighter.