Belts KEEP snapping

[ETXWoody]

Thats right! I've had 3 belts snap on me while riding. 2 Harley Davidson belts and a Drag Specialties belt snap. Any idea why I am having this problem? Also what is a good belt to replace with this time? This is getting very expensive to fix. Thanks guys.

 

[danoday]

ETXWoody, If it were me, I would make sure I am using the right belt size(length, width, thickness) and fitment; ensure my pulleys are properly seated and mounted, aligned and torqued; ensure pulley and belt contact areas are free burrs and debris; ensure your pulleys aren't warped; ensure proper belt tensioning and deflection. This is very generic information, but it would be a proper starting point in diagnosing, without doing a complete teardown.

 

[Spazz]

Just to add some info... you have a 2007 by your profile.... alignment is key as stated. Another key area that is overlooked is the cush drive bushings in the rear pulley. Severly worn and spongy cush drive will drive the pulley sideways under load causing misalignment.

Energy Suspension is making Poly cush drives for around $40 and worth the investment since you are already in there for the belt.

Not sure if they have them for 2007 but look into it...

Another thing that came to mind.... swing arm bushings could be worn... pulling it out of alignment

 

[hulkss]

Generally speaking, the drive belt will fail if it is adjusted too loose. If the bike is not setting at the standard height for adjustment due to lowering or some other change the tension setting in the manual needs to be modified.

 

[ETXWoody]

Thank you all. Everything yall talked about is great. Come to think about this started happening once I lowered the bike (dont have the lowering kit on it anymore) I will take all this information to my mechanic so we can go through all options. Do yall what a good belt would be for this bike? Also, do you have to pull the primary casing off in order to put the new belt on? I've been told both ways.
Thanks again yall have been a huge help.

 

[ETXWoody]

ETXWoody, If it were me, I would make sure I am using the right belt size(length, width, thickness) and fitment; ensure my pulleys are properly seated and mounted, aligned and torqued; ensure pulley and belt contact areas are free burrs and debris; ensure your pulleys aren't warped; ensure proper belt tensioning and deflection. This is very generic information, but it would be a proper starting point in diagnosing, without doing a complete teardown.

What belt would you recommend? Thanks again.

 

[danoday]

Did you identify a cause for the problem? If so, I would only assume the size you had was correct. Assuming everything is stock.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

 

[ETXWoody]

Im still working to get the bike torn down to get to everything, I will post when complete.

 

[GunHawk]

I don't think there is a spec for roundness (true) on the pullys. Replaced a front pullie on my 92 Ultra and didn't check the belt tension, broke the belt. Check for a tight spot in your belt when adjusting. Adjust it on the tight spot.