belt tension

[Putt-Putt]

Here you go... one Allen-head bolt on each side... clockwise to loosen, counter-clockwise to tighten belt... after you loosen the 36mm axle nuts.

Clockwise to loosen & counter-clockwise to tighten?? Are these then left hand threads on allen bolts?? :dontknow:
Just seems it would be the other way around with right hand thread bolts.

 

[ataDude]

Clockwise to loosen & counter-clockwise to tighten?? Are these then left hand threads on allen bolts?? :dontknow:
Just seems it would be the other way around with right hand thread bolts.

Maybe I'm just a backward guy? Have you thought of that?

I do believe you're right... I'll change the original post. Must be Old Timers again even though I'm only 29. ray:
.

 

[spyder1969]

belt alignment

Just did my first belt alignment today thanks to my spyder family!!! :clap::2thumbs: Using the 90 degree twist method for tension until I can get a cricket gauge. I thought the belt was supposed to go away from the lip when the adjustment screw turned left; of course, I found out different without incident. Thanks again to my spyder family for the $$$$ savings!!!
:chat:
Also, I would like to see some torque numbers if ya'll know of any. Always nice to use the torque gauge when possible instead of muscle and my judgement.

Love ya'll,
Scott
:spyder2::yes:hyea:

 

[Spyderman01]

You guys have confused me, which way do you turn the allen screw to loosen the drive belt?

 

[ataDude]

You guys have confused me, which way do you turn the allen screw to loosen the drive belt?

Counter-clockwise. BTW, we confuse ourselves!
.

 

[BeRight]

I have read the same parameter-keep belt 1mm away from inner flange on rear wheel.

I noticed that my belt hugs against the front thingy flange - yet no mention in service manual where it should be:dontknow:

In order to keep the belt straight shouldn't there be specs for both ends of the belt???? Maybe give or take a mm doesn't matter but it seems the belt should be away from the front flange as well.

 

[NancysToy]

I have read the same parameter-keep belt 1mm away from inner flange on rear wheel.

I noticed that my belt hugs against the front thingy flange - yet no mention in service manual where it should be:dontknow:

In order to keep the belt straight shouldn't there be specs for both ends of the belt???? Maybe give or take a mm doesn't matter but it seems the belt should be away from the front flange as well.

Technically that may be correct, but it is difficult to achieve exact measurements at both ends. If you get the back right, the front should take care of itself. If the belt is riding against either flange, it should be adjusted. Eventual belt wear and possible damage will result if the belt continuosly rides the flange.

 

[Spyderman01]

I dont have a socket that big.........I tried an adjustable wrench (monkey wrench) with no luck as I didnt want to round the end off the nut....Seems like the factory really torqued that bolt down, how hard is it to get off?

 

[ataDude]

I dont have a socket that big.........I tried an adjustable wrench (monkey wrench) with no luck as I didnt want to round the end off the nut....Seems like the factory really torqued that bolt down, how hard is it to get off?

You need a good 36mm socket or box-end wrench. The specified torque on the axle nut is in the 90 FP range. That is a lot.
.

 

[czdaryle]

I have read the same parameter-keep belt 1mm away from inner flange on rear wheel.

I noticed that my belt hugs against the front thingy flange - yet no mention in service manual where it should be:dontknow:

In order to keep the belt straight shouldn't there be specs for both ends of the belt???? Maybe give or take a mm doesn't matter but it seems the belt should be away from the front flange as well.

I just noticed mine is too. Do I follow the steps early in the post to lossen the belt? Then move it over, tighten again. If so I guess that would mean losening the axile nut, turn both hexs nuts equal turns to the left to losen belt. Move the belt over 1mm and then turn both hexs nuts equal turns to the right until proper tenision and then tighten axile nut. Is this correct?

I could take this to the dealer but I would like to learn to do the belt tension myself as I already have purchase the tool.

thanks

 

[NancysToy]

I just noticed mine is too. Do I follow the steps early in the post to loosen the belt? Then move it over, tighten again. If so I guess that would mean loosening the axile nut, turn both hexs nuts equal turns to the left to loosen belt. Move the belt over 1mm and then turn both hexs nuts equal turns to the right until proper tenision and then tighten axile nut. Is this correct?

I could take this to the dealer but I would like to learn to do the belt tension myself as I already have purchase the tool.

thanks

You are correct that the axle nut needs to be loosened to adjust tension or alignment. If your belt tension is good right now, but the alignment is off, loosen the axle nut, then adjust only the right adjusting screw. If your tension is too tight or too loose, do both screws in slightly different amounts. For instance, if you want the belt to track further right at roughly the same tension, loosen the right adjuster ever so slightly, pull the wheel back sharply to seat the adjuster, tighten the axle nut, and test by riding or by running with the Spyder securely jacked up. I suggest adjustments in increments of bolt flats. Try half a flat or a whole flat first. For the same tension with the belt tracking too far left, tighten the right adjuster. It may take a few tries to get it exactly where you want it.

 

[docdoru]

Do not adjust the belt position after backing up your Spyder: the belt is 5-10 mm away from the flange.

 

[ataDude]

I just noticed mine is too. Do I follow the steps early in the post to lossen the belt? Then move it over, tighten again. If so I guess that would mean losening the axile nut, turn both hexs nuts equal turns to the left to losen belt. Move the belt over 1mm and then turn both hexs nuts equal turns to the right until proper tenision and then tighten axile nut. Is this correct?

I could take this to the dealer but I would like to learn to do the belt tension myself as I already have purchase the tool.

thanks

BTW... if you have a hydraulic jack... jack up the rear end so that the tire is off of the floor... start it and place in third gear... and adjust the gap while the wheel/tire is rotating. That saves the "adjust-a-little, ride-a little" scenario. Makes it very quick to adjust.
.

 

[czdaryle]

thanks guys....gonna try to get today...love this place!!!

 

[Questions]

Tension gauge question

When measuring belt tension with the Krikit gauge, I assume the measurement is taken at the center of the belt. That being the case, how much deflection of the belt should there be before the guage clicks?

 

[BAZMAN]

today

i found a 36 mm socket at sears for only 9 bucks, it was a craftsman too.
i wasnot able to lift the rear of the bike so i just rolled it back and forth to set the
adjustment. my belt was running against the flange so i turned the right
side allen head 1 full turn clockwise. i marked the top of the allen with a
marking pen to make sure i only turned it one turn. one the left side i
turned the allen head one turn counter clock wise to loosen the belt.
my torque wrench only goes to 75 lbs. so after using it i took my half inch
breaker and tightened it a LITTLE BIT more. i did not have guage so i used
the belt twist method , the belt loosened a little. you will also need a big
crescant or a pipe wrench to hold the left hand nut. i knew i would not be
able to ride the spyder untill monday so i made miner ajustments.

 

[Latemarch]

When measuring belt tension with the Krikit gauge, I assume the measurement is taken at the center of the belt. That being the case, how much deflection of the belt should there be before the guage clicks?

The gauge clicks with 10 Lbs of pressure.
The amount of deflection (which is what the gauge is measuring at 10 Lbs of pressure) tells you the tension of the belt.

Clear as mud?

 

[Questions]

That makes sense

The gauge clicks with 10 Lbs of pressure.
The amount of deflection (which is what the gauge is measuring at 10 Lbs of pressure) tells you the tension of the belt.

Clear as mud?

Thank you. Perhaps if I had bought the Krikit and read the instructions first, I would have answered my own question. I'm off to NAPA.

 

[Pilo]

Just bought the little gage...

Naw, 25 bucks and they work great. I've been using them for years on my Boss Hoss. :bigthumbsup:

Amazon.com: Gates 91132 Belt Tension Tester: Automotive

Just bought the Gates Green Stripe Krikit II Gage.

To say that its instructions and small sketches are confusing is an overstatement...

Anybody out there with clearer instructions / pictures on how to properly use this gage...?

Thanks in advance, Pilo

 

[wyliec]

Just bought the Gates Green Stripe Krikit II Gage.

To say that its instructions and small sketches are confusing is an overstatement...

Anybody out there with clearer instructions / pictures on how to properly use this gage...?

Thanks in advance, Pilo

Did you read the directions by the first poster here? - http://www.amazon.com/Gates-Krikit-V-Belt-Tension-Gauge/dp/B000CRDLZM

I don't have one; but, his/her instructions seem straight forward. I also noticed Baja Ron had a post there.