Best way to check rear wheel alignment at home

[CloverHillCrawler]

Just changed out the rear wheel myself to install a quatrac. Tension is good wheel spins freely and doesn't appear to "wobble". No rubbing on guards and a short test run to check inflation at the sheets near by went ok. But I would like to check the alignment to make sure I dont have it to far off until I can get a laser alignment.

Would just shooting a laser level down the centerline of the shock bolt and align the centerline of the tire to that work until I can take it to the pros?

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Just changed out the rear wheel myself to install a quatrac. Tension is good wheel spins freely and doesn't appear to "wobble". No rubbing on guards and a short test run to check inflation at the sheets near by went ok. But I would like to check the alignment to make sure I dont have it to far off until I can get a laser alignment.

Would just shooting a laser level down the centerline of the shock bolt and align the centerline of the tire to that work until I can take it to the pros?

A " Lazer " is going to be the most accurate.... there have been a few folks here who have done it DIY .... but they were willing to buy the equipment ..AND learn how to use it. .... I have found that my Spyders have remained " aligned " for 10's of thousands of miles ... Unless you hit something ( pothole or bump ) Very hard with a front tire. It's likely to stay aligned ..... JMHO .... Mike :thumbup:

 

[ButterSmooth]

The only check for rear wheel alignment is the drive belt alignment. The specs put it almost dead center on the rear pulley, but some folks like to run it a little closer to the inside flange. If your belt is there, your rear wheel is aligned. LASER alignment is for the front wheels.

 

[CloverHillCrawler]

The only check for rear wheel alignment is the drive belt alignment. The specs put it almost dead center on the rear pulley, but some folks like to run it a little closer to the inside flange. If your belt is there, your rear wheel is aligned. LASER alignment is for the front wheels.

Cool, I am running right next to the flange but not on top of it.

 

[Bfromla]

The only check for rear wheel alignment is the drive belt alignment. The specs put it almost dead center on the rear pulley, but some folks like to run it a little closer to the inside flange. If your belt is there, your rear wheel is aligned. LASER alignment is for the front wheels.

Almost agree, believe have read more with belt Credit card thickness gap from flange. Others with more experience or links may hopefully chime in.

 

[ButterSmooth]

Almost agree, believe have read more with belt Credit card thickness gap from flange. Others with more experience or links may hopefully chime in.

-OR- you could read the service manual. 3-5mm from flange, but each is welcome to their own opinion. At 4mm the belt looks centered on the pulley. My belt moves toward the flange when reversing -- from what I've read here, most move outboard. These observations apply to my 2020RT.

 

[CloverHillCrawler]

-OR- you could read the service manual.

I need to pick one up to have on hand.

But quite frankly I thought there would be somebody out there nearby I could say take my money and free up some of my time by not having to do my own tire change.

Apparently I was wrong and you would think with as many Spyders are in the DMV at least one specialty shop would exist.

I think I need to be getting well trained on Spyders and open my own garage shop/specialty shop that will do this. I could make tons of money doing the stuff everybody else is refusing to do.

Just got back from a nice afternoon ride with the child bride (she turned 50 this week) and it was such a nice ride on the new tire it was taking every bit of my self control not to go wide open with it with her on it.

Cant wait to put the quatracs on the front next week. At least I dont have to search for a place that will mount them now and they are expecting me to come in early friday morning.

 

[Cobwebs]

The only check for rear wheel alignment is the drive belt alignment. The specs put it almost dead center on the rear pulley, but some folks like to run it a little closer to the inside flange. If your belt is there, your rear wheel is aligned. LASER alignment is for the front wheels.

Not quite right, the front wheels are aligned to the rear wheel after setting the belt alignment.
If the belt position has been altered by the adjusters your overall alignment is now out.
If you don't touch the adjusters when replacing a tyre no alignment is needed.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Drive Belt CENTERING

I've said and posted this answer many times ..... I saw a Video from a member who had attached a camera ( Go-Pro ? ) on the rear of His Spyder. It showed EXACTLY what His Drive Belt was doing while He drove around His neighborhood..... Well the belt was moving side to side across the Rear Sprocket Almost the entire time during the Video. Remember this is a pretty long Belt that is attached to things that also move up & down, almost constantly. .... This is simply a Fact of Spyder life, not my opinion .... I saw the video .... Mike :thumbup: