Drive belt questions

[GaryTheBadger]

Does the photo below indicate the rock entered from inside the drive belt and has worked its way to the outside? And, can I replace the belt myself, I have the service manual and am very handy with all things mechanical, do my own oil changes, lighting upgrades, etc. but I cannot reset BUDS if that's involved with a belt change.
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[GaryTheBadger]

UPDATE: Having recently joined the ranks of the Unintentionally Unemployed and having just paid $300 (!) for the replacement belt, I chose not to pay someone to change the belt, and I dug in myself, following the service manual. So far, I've got the rear brake and wheel off. More updates later.

 

[Freddy]

BUDS not needed but belt alignment and tension is critical. Do some searching here.

 

[GaryTheBadger]

UPDATE: All done! Not as bad as I thought it might be. One trick to align the axle with the wheel, the two frame holes and the brake caliper bracket is to slowly lower the jack (lower the Spyder) while the tire sits on the floor, until it all lines up, rather than try to raise the tire/wheel. Anyone want to buy a lightly used drive belt with a rock in it?

 

[canam9]

UPDATE: All done! Not as bad as I thought it might be. One trick to align the axle with the wheel, the two frame holes and the brake caliper bracket is to slowly lower the jack (lower the Spyder) while the tire sits on the floor, until it all lines up, rather than try to raise the tire/wheel. Anyone want to buy a lightly used drive belt with a rock in it?

:roflblack::roflblack:Good one. And good job on your fix. I love it when a plan comes together.:ani29:

 

[Dragonrider]

Gary - sorry about the UU - hope it's short lived … I'll wager there's a number of us either there or on the ragged edge of it….

 

[Raptor]

Gary - sorry about the UU - hope it's short lived … I'll wager there's a number of us either there or on the ragged edge of it….

Heard that. It's still very scary out there. I also hope this is a very short lived "break" for you. Great job on the belt change. Great tip on the alignment too! I'll sock that one away for sure. God bless.

 

[GaryTheBadger]

Raptor and Dragon rider - thanks for the encouragement.

As for the belt replacement, I went on a 100 miles ride today and the only thing I noticed is lots of tiny black bits all over the left side and rear of the Spyder, like the belt is "breaking in" and shedding, perhaps because I chose not to replace the sprocket with a new one. I hope it clears up by itself soon. I am 95% sure the tension and alignment are correct.

As for the job search, all my biz contacts are in CA. Out here in AR I'm starting completely from scratch, I have no reputation or contacts to leverage.

 

[fastfraser]

Hey Gary sorry about your situation and hope things turn around for you quickly !

Did you check that the teeth on the sprockets where not damaged as that will chew your belt up .

How are you making out on your alignment problem ?

 

[GaryTheBadger]

I looked at the sprocket teeth, didn't see anything obvious, but if the tiny black flakes continue for much longer, I'll inspect it again. As for the alignment, nothing back from Carlo yet on what the warranty would cover, I'm on hold till then.