cognaccruiser
New member
I had posted another thread a few days ago about a small problem I had with putting my rear wheel back on following replacement of the tire. New General Altimax now.
Firstly thanks to all that responded with tips. Actually that small problem went away quickly but the real challenge was getting the belt aligned again.
A really big thanks to Joe Meyer of Squared Away, that had previously done my Laser Alignment, and helped me out with some questions I posed to him by PM. Joe and Ann are a huge benefit to this Spyder Community. And then I see this morning that on Saturday when I was PMing him he was having issues with kidney(?) stones and he still found time to answer me. Above and beyond.
As others know (IdahoMtnSpyder) aligning the belt can be a really frustrating experience. The first time I changed my rear tire I ended up having the Dealer doing the alignment because the piston in the brake moved and I couldn't get the caliper back on and didn't know about turning the piston as opposed to compressing it starting with 2014 models.
This time I stuck with it but I can't tell you how many times it took jacking the Spyder up and down and loosening/tightening the axel nut and going for test rides. But I learned a ton and I think next time will be much better. One of the tips Joe gave me was using the tension adjuster on the left hand side for dialing in the gap. He said that on some Spyders he has worked on that he had to do that because they were just so touchy. I have a Gates Krikit tool and boy is that thing worth having in this exercise. And yes to everyone who has said make really small adjustments especially when you get close. Adjusting the belt is kind of like balancing something on a fulcrum. Just when you get close and think the next adjustment will do it you go too far and have to go the other way. For me just turning the back wheel while jacked up didn't quite prove the belt was aligned. Riding it on the street was necessary. I live in a very hilly area and I think because there is little load on the belt going down hill vs a lot of load going up hill also varies the results. Just my own observation and I could be wrong.
Anyway, long story short, It's done and I'm getting a gap somewhere between a business card and 2 credit cards but at least I know the belt isn't rubbing on the flange. My belt tension is right in the middle of spec. It was frustrating but there is satisfaction in getting it done and learning something.
Gary
Firstly thanks to all that responded with tips. Actually that small problem went away quickly but the real challenge was getting the belt aligned again.
A really big thanks to Joe Meyer of Squared Away, that had previously done my Laser Alignment, and helped me out with some questions I posed to him by PM. Joe and Ann are a huge benefit to this Spyder Community. And then I see this morning that on Saturday when I was PMing him he was having issues with kidney(?) stones and he still found time to answer me. Above and beyond.
As others know (IdahoMtnSpyder) aligning the belt can be a really frustrating experience. The first time I changed my rear tire I ended up having the Dealer doing the alignment because the piston in the brake moved and I couldn't get the caliper back on and didn't know about turning the piston as opposed to compressing it starting with 2014 models.
This time I stuck with it but I can't tell you how many times it took jacking the Spyder up and down and loosening/tightening the axel nut and going for test rides. But I learned a ton and I think next time will be much better. One of the tips Joe gave me was using the tension adjuster on the left hand side for dialing in the gap. He said that on some Spyders he has worked on that he had to do that because they were just so touchy. I have a Gates Krikit tool and boy is that thing worth having in this exercise. And yes to everyone who has said make really small adjustments especially when you get close. Adjusting the belt is kind of like balancing something on a fulcrum. Just when you get close and think the next adjustment will do it you go too far and have to go the other way. For me just turning the back wheel while jacked up didn't quite prove the belt was aligned. Riding it on the street was necessary. I live in a very hilly area and I think because there is little load on the belt going down hill vs a lot of load going up hill also varies the results. Just my own observation and I could be wrong.
Anyway, long story short, It's done and I'm getting a gap somewhere between a business card and 2 credit cards but at least I know the belt isn't rubbing on the flange. My belt tension is right in the middle of spec. It was frustrating but there is satisfaction in getting it done and learning something.
Gary
