RT belt has very small penetration from rock

[UtahPete]

Ironically, I was installing Spyderpops' missing belt guard when I happened to notice this anomaly on the belt. I was able to remove the very tiny rock (which was polished smooth from the sprockets). How serious is this little defect?

Do I need to replace the belt? If so, where is a good source online?

Any good resources for instructions on how to do this? I assume it requires dropping the back wheel out of the swing arms. Crap!

 

[ButterSmooth]

I would like to see another picture of that, especially from the toothed side of the belt. I think the shadow cast by the stone makes the puncture look worse than it may be. I assume from your post that the stone was driven through the belt by the pulleys -- any marks or damage on the pulley faces?

 

[milryder]

This might help a little but doesn't actually show changing belt, only adjusting tension and alignment. I believe changing belt video must be out there. Do you normally drive gravel at times or not at all? I'm having my guard installed when I have the Baja bar installed at Lamonster Garage soon. I drive half mile from home on gravel to tarmac. https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?140319-21-F3-belt-tensioner-why-is-it-on-top

 

[milryder]

Try this, maybe not exact for your year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t6sLLfl6aM

 

[UtahPete]

I would like to see another picture of that, especially from the toothed side of the belt. I think the shadow cast by the stone makes the puncture look worse than it may be. I assume from your post that the stone was driven through the belt by the pulleys -- any marks or damage on the pulley faces?

From the inside of the belt, all I saw was the flat, smooth face of the polished stone. It has obviously been there some time. The opposite end of the stone had been pushed into the belt, causing the indentation and a very small penetration. I've already removed the stone.

I don't see any damage to the teeth of the rear sprocket.

 

[UtahPete]

This might help a little but doesn't actually show changing belt, only adjusting tension and alignment. I believe changing belt video must be out there. Do you normally drive gravel at times or not at all? I'm having my guard installed when I have the Baja bar installed at Lamonster Garage soon. I drive half mile from home on gravel to tarmac. https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?140319-21-F3-belt-tensioner-why-is-it-on-top

I'm almost never on gravel, and when I have to be it's for short distances at low speed. I'm installing the belt guard out of an abundance of caution.

 

[fatboy]

i would not be overly concerned

 

[BajaRon]

The drive belt on the Spyder is way overkill for the need. If it were me, I'd run the belt and just keep an eye on it to be sure the damage does not spread. I would be surprised if this damage is severe enough to create any issues.

As for belt replacement. Pull the bottom rear shock bolt and let the swingarm drop down enough so that the belt comes right off. This way you can pull the wheel axle without disturbing the belt adjusters. You may still need to adjust belt tension for a new belt. But at least you'll start with a ballpark setting.

If you do decide to replace the belt. Let me know. I can usually get a better price than you'll find elsewhere.

 

[UtahPete]

The drive belt on the Spyder is way overkill for the need. If it were me, I'd run the belt and just keep an eye on it to be sure the damage does not spread. I would be surprised if this damage is severe enough to create any issues.

As for belt replacement. Pull the bottom rear shock bolt and let the swingarm drop down enough so that the belt comes right off. This way you can pull the wheel axle without disturbing the belt adjusters. You may still need to adjust belt tension for a new belt. But at least you'll start with a ballpark setting.

If you do decide to replace the belt. Let me know. I can usually get a better price than you'll find elsewhere.

Thanks Ron and FatBoy. That's what I've decided to do.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

The drive belt on the Spyder is way overkill for the need. If it were me, I'd run the belt and just keep an eye on it to be sure the damage does not spread. I would be surprised if this damage is severe enough to create any issues.

As for belt replacement. Pull the bottom rear shock bolt and let the swingarm drop down enough so that the belt comes right off. This way you can pull the wheel axle without disturbing the belt adjusters. You may still need to adjust belt tension for a new belt. But at least you'll start with a ballpark setting.

If you do decide to replace the belt. Let me know. I can usually get a better price than you'll find elsewhere.

:agree: ... if it were my belt I wouldn't change it .... and already have a spare if needed .... Mike :thumbup:

 

[Mikey]

i WOULD TAKE A PAINT STICK AND PUT A SMALL STRIP ACROSS THE OUT SIDE OF THE BELT AND MARK WHERE THE SPOT IS SO YOU CAN FIND IT EASY AND KEEP A EYE ON IT. i THINK YOU HAVE A LOT OF MILES STILL LEFT IN THAT BELT. GOOD LUCK!