Posted by Hogryder on April 12, 2000 at 03:28:14:
In Reply to: Drive belt - Help!!!!!!!!! posted by Ray on April 12, 2000 at 03:12:53:
Noisy belt is likely to be too tight, not too loose. If belt is so loose as to make noise, it will have about 2 inches of "flex" and the teeth will be worn and broken from slipping on the pully. 3/8 inch is not enough "flex" in the belt. Jack the back up again and spin the wheel both forward and backward. Notice how long it takes to stop and if it feels like it's dragging. Loosen the belt and spin it again. Loosen until you can't tell any difference, about 3/4 inch flex is where I like it. On HD's the belt will bind up when you spin it backward if it's too tight.
Also check the pully alignment with a 4 foot level as Giro suggests a few entries down in the forum. Don't trust the markings on the frame. It may be so far out of alignment that the belt is riding up on the side of the pully. If you don't have a long level, use a straight board or just stand behind the bike about 5 or 6 feet and eyeball it. It's amazing how close you can get the alignment by eye if you're patient and have good light. This also works on HD's.
Good luck and ride free.