Drive belt tension.

[mxz600]

BRP is about to release (or they have already) a Service Bulletin on a lower belt tension for the Spyder. I'm putting this out there for the ones that do their own service. Unlike a recall, if you don't go to a dealer for service they are not required to let us know about Service Bulletins.
The updated belt tension is 450 Newtons (101.164 LBS), plus or minus 100 Newtons (22.48 LBS). I think the Spyder comes from the factory with a tension of about 800 Newtons:dontknow:. I am sure that some of the more mechanically inclined members on here have already loosened their belts. I will have mine done when I take it in for my DPS replacement.

 

[wyliec]

BRP is about to release (or they have already) a Service Bulletin on a lower belt tension for the Spyder. I'm putting this out there for the ones that do their own service. Unlike a recall, if you don't go to a dealer for service they are not required to let us know about Service Bulletins.
The updated belt tension is 450 Newtons (101.164 LBS), plus or minus 100 Newtons (22.48 LBS). I think the Spyder comes from the factory with a tension of about 800 Newtons:dontknow:. I am sure that some of the more mechanically inclined members on here have already loosened their belts. I will have mine done when I take it in for my DPS replacement.

I am interested in knowing what they adjust your belt tension to. I'll probably have my dealer do mine.

 

[j45p3r]

That is a pretty significant reduction. I guess they've clearly identified some issues with the higher tension. If I buy the tension tool that NAPA sells, where on the belt to you place it to measure the tension?

 

[NancysToy]

BRP is about to release (or they have already) a Service Bulletin on a lower belt tension for the Spyder. I'm putting this out there for the ones that do their own service. Unlike a recall, if you don't go to a dealer for service they are not required to let us know about Service Bulletins.
The updated belt tension is 450 Newtons (101.164 LBS), plus or minus 100 Newtons (22.48 LBS). I think the Spyder comes from the factory with a tension of about 800 Newtons:dontknow:. I am sure that some of the more mechanically inclined members on here have already loosened their belts. I will have mine done when I take it in for my DPS replacement.

Tension specification (for inspection) in the shop manual was 800-1500 newtons! This is a significant reduction.

 

[Sarge707]

Be nice to know when this bulletin comes out in print and how long would it take the average tech to adjust the tension?:dontknow:

 

[Firefly]

WOW---- that is quite the change. Many thought the belt was too tight from the get-go. Probably too much stress on the bearings and pulley... thus some of the failures.

Guess I know what I'll be doing later this week.....

 

[sabunim5]

Paranoid

I already keep my belt in the 200 to 250 lb. range; but I think I will wait to lower my tension further until there is an "official" announcement. No offense. Thanks for the early heads up. :clap:

 

[fastfraser]

When i was at the BRP event in Daytona . A BRP tech. was checking everyones belt tension . Mine was at 280 and some where as high as 1500. I thought that the spread was huge but the tech said they where all in spec .:dontknow:

 

[BajaRon]

Tension specification (for inspection) in the shop manual was 800-1500 newtons! This is a significant reduction.

That would be 180lbs ~ 340lbs for us less educated riders. That is a huge spread! Seems to me about 250lbs (or 1100 newtons) is about where most of us adjusted ours down to.

I believe Lamont has tried lower tension but got too much vibration and noise.

 

[NancysToy]

That would be 180lbs ~ 340lbs for us less educated riders. That is a huge spread! Seems to me about 250lbs (or 1100 newtons) is about where most of us adjusted ours down to.

I believe Lamont has tried lower tension but got too much vibration and noise.

250 pounds was what I have always shot for, give or take 20. The new spec seems very low. I, too, wonder about excess vibration and noise at that setting.

 

[SpyderByter]

That is a pretty significant reduction. I guess they've clearly identified some issues with the higher tension. If I buy the tension tool that NAPA sells, where on the belt to you place it to measure the tension?

It comes with instructions. It has to be in the middle of the belt and parallel to the edges. The middle of the belt is behind the drivers foot peg bracket.

 

[SpyderByter]

BRP is about to release (or they have already) a Service Bulletin on a lower belt tension for the Spyder. I'm putting this out there for the ones that do their own service. Unlike a recall, if you don't go to a dealer for service they are not required to let us know about Service Bulletins.
The updated belt tension is 450 Newtons (101.164 LBS), plus or minus 100 Newtons (22.48 LBS). I think the Spyder comes from the factory with a tension of about 800 Newtons:dontknow:. I am sure that some of the more mechanically inclined members on here have already loosened their belts. I will have mine done when I take it in for my DPS replacement.

Thanks for the info. I have mine at just below 200 ft lbs according to the Kricket. I dont notice much road noise, but it does howl when pushing it backwards.

 

[Mo Lee]

Had my 6000 mile service done last Friday and the service tech while he was outbriefing me said BRP had come out with a new lower standard for belt tension and mine was perfect within the new specs. I did not inquire what those specs were and assumed everyone knew this already. I did think it was a nice touch for the service tech to follow me to the parking lot and brief me on the service.

 

[SpyderByter]

Be nice to know when this bulletin comes out in print and how long would it take the average tech to adjust the tension?:dontknow:

Easy job Sarge. I have the guage here as well as a torque wrench and allen wrench. Thats all thats needed except for the 36 MM socket and a large adjustable. Auto Zone has the 36 MM socket to loan when needed. I have one here. Pop over and we can check the tension and adjust if needed.

 

[j45p3r]

I'm going to stop at my dealer tomorrow, I'll see if I can get a copy (probably not, but I'll try).

 

[SpyderByter]

Tension specification (for inspection) in the shop manual was 800-1500 newtons! This is a significant reduction.

And that is (was) the acceptable range when checking, but for adjusting, the specs are even tighter: 1400-1600 Newtons. The rear wheel is supposed to be off the ground to check the tension.

 

[SpyderByter]

250 pounds was what I have always shot for, give or take 20. The new spec seems very low. I, too, wonder about excess vibration and noise at that setting.

:agree:

The original specs seemed too tight, and now such a drastic drop.

Here is a converter:

http://online.unitconverterpro.com/unit-conversion/convert-alpha/force.html

 

[SpyderWolf]

Thanks to everyone for posting this information. When in Daytona, Kurt said my belt was at the low end of the spec, but I did not get a specific number. I am getting close to 9K on the Spyder and will have them check it then I suppose.

 

[garganos]

The bulletin was released last week. It is now 450 Newtons. They also issued a bulletin to retorque the engine pulley after break in. We have been checking them all when servicing.

 

[SpyderWolf]

The bulletin was released last week. It is now 450 Newtons. They also issued a bulletin to retorque the engine pulley after break in. We have been checking them all when servicing.

:2thumbs: I wish I lived closer to your dealership, well that is except for all of the snow and cold weather you all get up there.