strange belt adjustment problem

[Ronald O. Christian]

This is weird. Ever heard of a belt that wouldn't stay tight?

Bike is a 2003 FLHTCUI.

A few months back, when I replaced the mufflers, I noticed the belt
was a little loose. So I got out the manual, read up on the
procedure, and tightened it up a little.

When I put in rear brake pads a few weekends ago, I saw that the belt
was loose again, so tightened it up again. I put a little more torque
on the axle nut thinking I had just not torqued it down enough.

Last Sunday I gave it a good cleaning, had the bags off, and noticed
the belt was *really* loose. Crap. Tightened it up again and this
time really put my back into tightening the axle nut.

This morning I started to take it to work and heard a really bad
grinding sound before I got to the end of the driveway. Parked it,
went home for lunch and checked it, and the belt was looser than I'd
ever seen. Tightened it up again, and cranked on the axle nut until
it just wouldn't turn anymore. Rode briefly down the street, back to
the driveway, and the belt is really loose again.

What the hell? Is there any condition that you know of, other than
insufficient tightening of the axle nut, that could cause this? Any
suggestions?

Previous bike was a Sportster, and I had to adjust the belt exactly
once in 50,000 miles. The setup on the UC is different in that it
uses a weld nut to twist a cam to do the adjustment, instead of having
individual adjusters on both sides, but in a lot of years and a lot of
bikes I've never heard of a drive belt or chain that wouldn't stay
adjusted. I'm stumped. And I can't even ride it to the shop.


Ron
-
2003 FLHTCUI "Noisy Glide"
http://www.christianfamilywebsite.com
http://www.ronaldchristian.com

[Ronald O. Christian]

On Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:59:01 -0500, George Pollard <geo...@hiwaay.net>
wrote:

>On 4/24/2012 3:40 PM, Ronald O. Christian wrote:
>> The setup on the UC is different in that it
>> uses a weld nut to twist a cam to do the adjustment, instead of having
>> individual adjusters on both sides, but in a lot of years and a lot of
>> bikes I've never heard of a drive belt or chain that wouldn't stay
>> adjusted. I'm stumped. And I can't even ride it to the shop.
>

>Is the weld nut staying in place? If it is not backing off the belt may
>be stretching in preparation to fail. Look at the belt closely.

Thanks for responding. The weld nut must be staying in place, because
I check the adjustment after tightening and the belt is not loose. One
time I had daughter hold the weld nut in place while I tightened the
axle nut. But regardless, riding the bike just a few yards causes the
belt to get loose again. I didn't see damage on the parts of the belt
I could see, but didn't check the entire belt. I will do that.

[Mark Clarke]

"Ronald O. Christian" wrote in message
news:g63ep7992f9aedjfa...@4ax.com...

This is weird. Ever heard of a belt that wouldn't stay tight?

Bike is a 2003 FLHTCUI.

<^^^^
ALIGNMENT!
Upon my arrival into Cartoon City back in '03 on MY same year FLH whatever,
it started to make a 'week. eek. eek.eek' noise.

I told Carson Harley to change the fluids, and check out that noise.
Rear wheel was out of alignment.
Belt was OK!

I blame it on that road going I talked about going into Kansas! :)

They fixed that for free, as well as the wiring problem under the front
fender.

[Arie Bresser]

"Ronald O. Christian" wrote:
>
> Thanks for responding. The weld nut must be staying in place, because
> I check the adjustment after tightening and the belt is not loose. One
> time I had daughter hold the weld nut in place while I tightened the
> axle nut. But regardless, riding the bike just a few yards causes the
> belt to get loose again. I didn't see damage on the parts of the belt
> I could see, but didn't check the entire belt. I will do that.

Check the axle bolt and the wheel bearings.
Something is grabbing and turning the bolt loose.
--
Arie- Jax, FL
2011 FLTRX

[DM]

And when you pull it all apart to do this, clean all grease/anti-sieze
off all surfaces and reassemble with anti-sieze on the axle and the
inside of the cone nut only.

--
Fins BS#221 AH#135
Hoodlum #43
2012 FLHTCU103
If life gives you melons you may be dyslexic.

[Jinks]

On Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:40:04 -0700, Ronald O. Christian
<ro...@europa.com> wrote:

>
>This is weird. Ever heard of a belt that wouldn't stay tight?
>
>Bike is a 2003 FLHTCUI.

<snip>

>Previous bike was a Sportster, and I had to adjust the belt exactly
>once in 50,000 miles. The setup on the UC is different in that it
>uses a weld nut to twist a cam to do the adjustment, instead of having
>individual adjusters on both sides, but in a lot of years and a lot of
>bikes I've never heard of a drive belt or chain that wouldn't stay
>adjusted. I'm stumped. And I can't even ride it to the shop.

Lookin' at an '07 parts manual there's only three parts that
can cause a problem like that at the rear wheel. The axle (41056-02),
the axle cam (41819-02), or the axle nut (8020).
A belt won't stretch that much no matter how old it is, so if
the problem is at the rear wheel it has to be one of those parts. If
it's at the other end........well, you have BIG problems. I'd pull
the rear wheel apart first. The only other thing I could imagine at
the rear is a wheel bearing (9247) self destructing. Might explain
the grinding noise..........hope not.

Jinks ('86 FXRS, '07 FLTR)
#64
Remember, "No good deed goes unpunished"

[Ronald O. Christian]

On Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:20:38 -0400, Jinks <Ji...@thecomputer.com>
wrote:

Thanks. My working theory now is that the axle is stretched. Still
really worried about the noise. Wheel bearing is a good place to look
for that. I'll start pulling it apart this weekend.

[Ronald O. Christian]

On Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:40:04 -0700, Ronald O. Christian
<ro...@europa.com> wrote:

>

>This is weird. Ever heard of a belt that wouldn't stay tight?

Thanks everyone who responded. Due to workload I won't get to pull it
apart until this weekend. I have a lot of things to look for now.

I've had the bike a year now (how time flies) and in general I'm
finding that big twins are high maintenance bikes. (Feel free to
disagree.) I adjusted the belt exactly once on the sportster between
1998 and 2011, and never had to deal with cam chain tensioners (aren't
any) or rubber mounts (ditto). I've always done all my own fluid
changes, and had the bike serviced approx once a year to cover details
I might have forgot, but in general I just rode it.

I still think the ride is worth the bother ("Noisy Glide" has been the
best riding experience of my life) but they sure make you work for it.

Thanks again, and next round is on me.

[Jinks]

On Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:54:19 -0700, Ronald O. Christian

>Thanks everyone who responded. Due to workload I won't get to pull it
>apart until this weekend. I have a lot of things to look for now.
>
>I've had the bike a year now (how time flies) and in general I'm
>finding that big twins are high maintenance bikes. (Feel free to
>disagree.) I adjusted the belt exactly once on the sportster between
>1998 and 2011, and never had to deal with cam chain tensioners (aren't
>any) or rubber mounts (ditto). I've always done all my own fluid
>changes, and had the bike serviced approx once a year to cover details
>I might have forgot, but in general I just rode it.
>
>I still think the ride is worth the bother ("Noisy Glide" has been the
>best riding experience of my life) but they sure make you work for it.
>
>Thanks again, and next round is on me.

Well Ron, you bought a used bike. The early cam chain
tensioners had the problem you've cured. If you went to the hydraulic
tensioners you probably won't ever have to work on 'em again. If you
changed the rubber mounts, or installed a stabilizer you'll probably
never have to worry about that again either. The belt should have
been as stable as the one on your Sportster. When you get that fixed
I imagine your maintenance is gonna fall off drastically.

[Ronald O. Christian]

On Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:38:27 -0400, Jinks <Ji...@thecomputer.com>
wrote:

>
> Well Ron, you bought a used bike. The early cam chain
>tensioners had the problem you've cured. If you went to the hydraulic
>tensioners you probably won't ever have to work on 'em again. If you
>changed the rubber mounts, or installed a stabilizer you'll probably
>never have to worry about that again either. The belt should have
>been as stable as the one on your Sportster. When you get that fixed
>I imagine your maintenance is gonna fall off drastically.
>
>Jinks ('86 FXRS, '07 FLTR)
>#64
>Remember, "No good deed goes unpunished"

Jinks, you're right. Not just used, but with significant mileage.
And, I got a pretty good deal on it, so even having to put more money
into it, I'm still not bad off. I realize that.

I did go to hydraulic tensioners, and replaced the front motor mount
(which I've heard is the most problematic because oil drips on it
during changes) and will probably drop in one of the more popular
stabilizers just for peace of mind. The dealer split the cost of the
tensioners (I'd only put 200 miles on the bike when they failed), the
motor mount was cheap and allowed me rare personal time with my
daughter (who helped install it) and the stabilizer is inexpensive and
easy to install. It is good to hear that once the belt issue is
settled, I won't have to think about it for awhile.

So it's all good. I wasn't whining. Ok, I was whining a little.

My state of mind hasn't been good the last few days. The problem is,
I don't *know* what's wrong. There are a lot of theories (some more
likely than others) but it's the not knowing, I think, that's bugging
me, and it has been a distraction. It looks like I can't tear into it
until the weekend.

[Jinks]

On Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:22:51 -0700, Ronald O. Christian
<ro...@europa.com> wrote:


>Jinks, you're right. Not just used, but with significant mileage.
>And, I got a pretty good deal on it, so even having to put more money
>into it, I'm still not bad off. I realize that.
>
>I did go to hydraulic tensioners, and replaced the front motor mount
>(which I've heard is the most problematic because oil drips on it
>during changes) and will probably drop in one of the more popular
>stabilizers just for peace of mind. The dealer split the cost of the
>tensioners (I'd only put 200 miles on the bike when they failed), the
>motor mount was cheap and allowed me rare personal time with my
>daughter (who helped install it) and the stabilizer is inexpensive and
>easy to install. It is good to hear that once the belt issue is
>settled, I won't have to think about it for awhile.
>
>So it's all good. I wasn't whining. Ok, I was whining a little.
>
>My state of mind hasn't been good the last few days. The problem is,
>I don't *know* what's wrong. There are a lot of theories (some more
>likely than others) but it's the not knowing, I think, that's bugging
>me, and it has been a distraction. It looks like I can't tear into it
>until the weekend.
>
>
> Ron

Never thought you were whining. I was just tryin' to point
out that big twins aren't any more problem than any other bike.
Someone else wore the good off a poorly designed cam chain tensioner
before you got to it. Your new one is good for a long time. The
rubber mounts do what they're supposed to do, but add a rideability
issue. Cheap, easy fix.
As for your current problem, well, it's a machine. It's damn
near impossible to not have feelings about the damn things, but in the
long run it's only a machine. You feel terrible when it's broke, then
go to feelin' like Superman when you fix it. You've done it several
times & will do it again. The hard part is not gettin' down while
you're workin' on it. My guess is that sometime within a week from
Saturday you'll be walkin' around bustin' buttons & tellin' us what
you found & how you fixed it.
In 25 years I've owned 3 big twins, & replaced 1 belt. That
was because I let some shop monkey over tighten it & was too
stupid/lazy to check behind him. Rode one with a hole in it from
Florida to Seattle & back. Belts only stretch once. Any slack after
that is from something else.

[DM]

On 4/25/2012 7:54 AM, Ronald O. Christian wrote:
> I've had the bike a year now (how time flies) and in general I'm
> finding that big twins are high maintenance bikes. (Feel free to
> disagree.)

I disagree. My '07 had one problem in 75K miles, a bad cruise control
module. I changed the fluids at recommended intervals, occasionally did
recommended maintenance, and rode the piss out of it.

BUT, mine had hydraulic tensioners, not spring like yours.

[DM]

On 4/25/2012 7:47 AM, Ronald O. Christian wrote:
> Thanks. My working theory now is that the axle is stretched. Still
> really worried about the noise. Wheel bearing is a good place to look
> for that. I'll start pulling it apart this weekend.

Just to be sure, are you installing the axle from the left side?

[Ronald O. Christian]

On Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:03:39 -0700, DM <fi...@nospam.bs221.com> wrote:

>On 4/25/2012 7:54 AM, Ronald O. Christian wrote:
>> I've had the bike a year now (how time flies) and in general I'm
>> finding that big twins are high maintenance bikes. (Feel free to
>> disagree.)
>
>I disagree. My '07 had one problem in 75K miles, a bad cruise control
>module. I changed the fluids at recommended intervals, occasionally did
>recommended maintenance, and rode the piss out of it.
>
>BUT, mine had hydraulic tensioners, not spring like yours.

Well, mine has hydraulic tensioners *now*. So there.

That's good to know. I'm hoping that once I get the drive train issue
settled, it'll keep going for awhile.

[Ronald O. Christian]

On Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:03:39 -0700, DM <fi...@nospam.bs221.com> wrote:

>On 4/25/2012 7:54 AM, Ronald O. Christian wrote:
>> I've had the bike a year now (how time flies) and in general I'm
>> finding that big twins are high maintenance bikes. (Feel free to
>> disagree.)
>
>I disagree. My '07 had one problem in 75K miles, a bad cruise control
>module. I changed the fluids at recommended intervals, occasionally did
>recommended maintenance, and rode the piss out of it.
>
>BUT, mine had hydraulic tensioners, not spring like yours.

To make this absolutely perfectly clear, I intend to ride the piss out
of this bike.

[AIOE]

This morning I started to take it to work and heard a really bad
grinding sound before I got to the end of the driveway.

---------------------
snipped allot of good info

may I chime in here , is there any possibility of the rear pulley
getting loose , the front pulley ? I have read the whole thread
lots of good ideas .

I don’t wrench much on my scooter so .... u prolly should just
shoo me away , I do however have a bar tab going hahah.

no more wrecks for you Ron drop the rear wheel check those
bearings . 25 bucks each. cheap fix if so .

[Snag]

Last time I got bearings it was from NAPA , and they were more like 8
bucks a set . Seals I get from ebay in a 10 pack , about a buck apiece .

Ron , if you change those bearings be DAMN SURE you check and adjust <if
necessary> the spacer stack to get the correct end play !! Too tight or too
loose either one will absolutely ruin your day ...
--
Snag
Learning keeps
you young !

[al]

Ronald O. Christian wrote:
> This is weird. Ever heard of a belt that wouldn't stay tight?
>
> Bike is a 2003 FLHTCUI.

Could be the reason that sucker keeps loosening up is that you're riding
in reverse - way too much ?

-al b

[roc97007]

Roger that.

Ron

[Ronald O. Christian]

I don't think it works that way.

[Invisible68]

"Ronald O. Christian" <ro...@europa.com> wrote in message
news:hijop7h9qtgd58diq...@4ax.com...

> On Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:56:22 -0700, al <BSlug205@spam_this.org> wrote:
>
>>Ronald O. Christian wrote:
>>> This is weird. Ever heard of a belt that wouldn't stay tight?
>>>
>>> Bike is a 2003 FLHTCUI.
>>
>>
>>Could be the reason that sucker keeps loosening up is that you're riding
>>in reverse - way too much ?
>>
>>-al b
>
> I don't think it works that way.
>
>

Might be the tread is on the rim backwards.....

Invisible68
(Newest sales guy at Hawkeye Harley Davidson (Coralville, IA)... So, I must
know what I'm talking about.....)

[Old Crow]

"Invisible68" wrote in message news:jni9qo$pf1$1...@speranza.aioe.org...

Invisible68
(Newest sales guy at Hawkeye Harley Davidson (Coralville, IA)... So, I must
know what I'm talking about.....)

^^^^^^^

Yeah, we all know how much a motorcycle salesman knows about bikes. <sfsf>

Congrats on the new gig.


--
Old Crow
BS#133, SENS, TOMKAT
'82 FLTC 92", '87 FLTC

[danin...@gmail.com]

On Sat, 28 Apr 2012 21:41:55 -0500, "Invisible68" <plat...@lcom.net>
wrote:

Oh No! Not another one!!! >sfsf<

I think it's cause he's only makin left hand turns and he's unscrewin
it!!!

danl

[1hogrider]

On 4/28/2012 10:41 PM, Invisible68 wrote:

> Invisible68
> (Newest sales guy at Hawkeye Harley Davidson (Coralville, IA)... So, I
> must know what I'm talking about.....)

How can you sell any motorcycles if you're......ah....invisible?

Inquiring minds want to know.




--
The two most common elements in the universe- Hydrogen & Stupidity

[Jinks]

On Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:54:19 -0700, Ronald O. Christian
<ro...@europa.com> wrote:


>Thanks everyone who responded. Due to workload I won't get to pull it
>apart until this weekend.

Ok, it's the weekend. What broke?!

[Ronald O. Christian]

On Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:02:36 -0400, Jinks <Ji...@thecomputer.com>
wrote:

>On Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:54:19 -0700, Ronald O. Christian
><ro...@europa.com> wrote:
>
>
>>Thanks everyone who responded. Due to workload I won't get to pull it
>>apart until this weekend.
>
> Ok, it's the weekend. What broke?!

The lawnmower. Unfortunately that had to take precedence. Stay
tuned.

[Jinks]

On Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:08:29 -0700, Ronald O. Christian

<ro...@europa.com> wrote:

>On Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:02:36 -0400, Jinks <Ji...@thecomputer.com>
>wrote:
>
>>On Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:54:19 -0700, Ronald O. Christian
>><ro...@europa.com> wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Thanks everyone who responded. Due to workload I won't get to pull it
>>>apart until this weekend.
>>
>> Ok, it's the weekend. What broke?!
>
>The lawnmower. Unfortunately that had to take precedence. Stay
>tuned.

Hope you're plannin' on ridin' it to work tomorrow.........8^)

[danin...@gmail.com]

On Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:08:29 -0700, Ronald O. Christian

<ro...@europa.com> wrote:

>On Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:02:36 -0400, Jinks <Ji...@thecomputer.com>
>wrote:
>
>>On Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:54:19 -0700, Ronald O. Christian
>><ro...@europa.com> wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Thanks everyone who responded. Due to workload I won't get to pull it
>>>apart until this weekend.
>>
>> Ok, it's the weekend. What broke?!
>
>The lawnmower. Unfortunately that had to take precedence. Stay
>tuned.

Lawnmower? Man yer priorities are waaaaayyyy screwed up!!! Unless
the lawnmower is at least a 3000HP V8!!!

danl the I don't mow the lawn Slug#280

[Invisible68]

"Old Crow" <walli...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:jnja2r$pj0$1...@dont-email.me...

> "Invisible68" wrote in message news:jni9qo$pf1$1...@speranza.aioe.org...
>
>
>
> Invisible68
> (Newest sales guy at Hawkeye Harley Davidson (Coralville, IA)... So, I
> must
> know what I'm talking about.....)
>
> ^^^^^^^
>
> Yeah, we all know how much a motorcycle salesman knows about bikes.
> <sfsf>
>
> Congrats on the new gig.
>

kind of amazing.... it is actually the first job I have ever had... where I
was told 40 hrs a week... and guess what... it is 40 hours a week.... I
bought my harley their in 07 loved the way I was treated.. and the my
selling style works well with how they are as a dealership.... (designed and
sold and built custom houses for 16 years)... No hard selling.... treat the
customer fair... if you don't know an answer get back to them with it...
spend time educating the new riders...relaxed enviornment....I love it... I
get to stand around talk about bikes... listen to guys tell me about their
bike what they like and don't like... show them what we have new and used...
go out on test rides...they take a bike they are interested in..... I take
out whatever bike I want to ride on... ( been taking out a 2005 cvo fatboy)
get to go out for about 15 mins or more... come bake hear what they like and
don't... maybe take out another bike.... getting to meet a lot of people...
Great parts department... and pretty good service department.... wanting to
do what is right for the customer... they always took care of me when I was
in... and I see they do the same for the customers I see...

might just have to just trade the bike in... and make the belt problem
someone else's problem....

Invisible68

[Jinks]

On Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:19:13 -0400, Jinks <Ji...@thecomputer.com>

wrote:


>>>On Wed, 25 Apr 2012 07:54:19 -0700, Ronald O. Christian
>>><ro...@europa.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>Thanks everyone who responded. Due to workload I won't get to pull it
>>>>apart until this weekend.
>>>
>>> Ok, it's the weekend. What broke?!
>>
>>The lawnmower. Unfortunately that had to take precedence. Stay
>>tuned.
>
> Hope you're plannin' on ridin' it to work tomorrow.........8^)

Ok, you've mowed your way to work for a week now, gonna do it
again next week or did you fix the bike?

[Ronald O. Christian]

On Sun, 06 May 2012 07:21:29 -0400, Jinks <Ji...@thecomputer.com>

It's cold comfort that the mower works but the bike doesn't, but at
least it kept the homeowner's association off my butt.

What happened is I got frustrated and had the local shop pick it up.
Results of triage is that the belt needs to be replaced, the wear
patterns are "very strange" (their words) and they haven't been able
to figure out the issue yet either. They're starting disassembly
tomorrow, will check both sprockets and all the other relevant parts
as they replace the belt. Since it's in the shop anyway and is
showing just under 50,000 miles, I'm also having the neck bearings
replaced.

I know I should have just stuck with it and got it done myself, but
with my other commitments and my lack of experience in this area, I
couldn't see that happening in a timely manner. I have vacation
coming up, and it started to look like the bike wouldn't be ready in
time. Geeze, this is going to be expensive.

[Jinks]

On Sun, 06 May 2012 19:15:46 -0700, Ronald O. Christian
<ro...@europa.com> wrote:


>It's cold comfort that the mower works but the bike doesn't, but at
>least it kept the homeowner's association off my butt.
>
>What happened is I got frustrated and had the local shop pick it up.
>Results of triage is that the belt needs to be replaced, the wear
>patterns are "very strange" (their words) and they haven't been able
>to figure out the issue yet either. They're starting disassembly
>tomorrow, will check both sprockets and all the other relevant parts
>as they replace the belt. Since it's in the shop anyway and is
>showing just under 50,000 miles, I'm also having the neck bearings
>replaced.
>
>I know I should have just stuck with it and got it done myself, but
>with my other commitments and my lack of experience in this area, I
>couldn't see that happening in a timely manner. I have vacation
>coming up, and it started to look like the bike wouldn't be ready in
>time. Geeze, this is going to be expensive.

Gotta agree with you, it's gonna be expensive. OTOH,
replacin' a belt is a PITA. Can't see anything wrong with gettin' it
done by someone that's paid to do it. Let us know what they find.

[Ronald O. Christian]

On Mon, 07 May 2012 07:10:00 -0400, Jinks <Ji...@thecomputer.com>
wrote:

>>I know I should have just stuck with it and got it done myself, but
>>with my other commitments and my lack of experience in this area, I
>>couldn't see that happening in a timely manner. I have vacation
>>coming up, and it started to look like the bike wouldn't be ready in
>>time. Geeze, this is going to be expensive.
>
> Gotta agree with you, it's gonna be expensive. OTOH,
>replacin' a belt is a PITA. Can't see anything wrong with gettin' it
>done by someone that's paid to do it. Let us know what they find.
>
>Jinks ('86 FXRS, '07 FLTR)
>#64
>Remember, "No good deed goes unpunished"

I heard from the shop today. The rear axle was stretched. He said
that it might have started out of spec, they've noticed a few like
that lately. As I'm having belt replaced and doing the 50k service
and having neck bearings replaced while it's there, bike will be ready
to pick up tomorrow. And, the weather is cooperating! No word on
total price yet. My credit card is itching. And not in a good way.

[DM]

On 5/9/2012 3:21 PM, Ronald O. Christian wrote:
> I heard from the shop today. The rear axle was stretched.

What the hell does that mean?

Fins

[Arie Bresser]

"DM" wrote in message...

>Ronald O. Christian wrote:
>> I heard from the shop today. The rear axle was stretched.
>
> What the hell does that mean?
>
> Fins

That means that you have reached the end of
the threads without getting things tight enough.
--
Arie- Jax, FL
2011 FLTRX

[Ronald O. Christian]

On Wed, 9 May 2012 19:25:17 -0400, "Arie Bresser"
<bres...@comcast.net> wrote:

>"DM" wrote in message...
>>Ronald O. Christian wrote:
>>> I heard from the shop today. The rear axle was stretched.
>>
>> What the hell does that mean?
>>
>> Fins
>
>
>That means that you have reached the end of
>the threads without getting things tight enough.

Yes, that's pretty much how it was explained to me. Can be caused by
putting too much torque on the axle nut. I had not heard of axles
actually being out of spec until now, but I guess it's possible.

[Ronald O. Christian]

On Wed, 09 May 2012 15:21:02 -0700, Ronald O. Christian
<ro...@europa.com> wrote:
>I heard from the shop today. The rear axle was stretched. He said
>that it might have started out of spec, they've noticed a few like
>that lately. As I'm having belt replaced and doing the 50k service
>and having neck bearings replaced while it's there, bike will be ready
>to pick up tomorrow. And, the weather is cooperating! No word on
>total price yet. My credit card is itching. And not in a good way.

Update: They just called me back; found a leak by the transmission and
shifter, sealed those up as well. I guess they were just seeping, as
there was no spillage on the garage floor.

So, new belt, original problem fixed, 50K service done, two leaks
fixed, bearings replaced, and for complicated reasons they're giving
me a discount across the board on the labor. Total is just under $2K.
Could have been worse.

[AIOE]

So, new belt, original problem fixed, 50K service done, two leaks
fixed, bearings replaced, and for complicated reasons they're giving
me a discount across the board on the labor. Total is just under $2K.
Could have been worse.

-----------------------

pretty steep but no hospital bills to go with that bill .

last time I had dealer work on my scooter they said i
had a leak at the same spot , covered by warranty.

re belt , I understand they can go for 80k miles but.
if I had it in for all of that maintenance ,if I was at 50K
I would swap it out as well. it had weird stretch marks
right . ahem parched a round for the house on the cuff.

riding bikes is like a submarine something wrong while
at speed is a bit deal. so NO MORE WRECKS FOR YOU !

if your axel had snapped at the nut while at speed .....

thing is what does the stretching look like , I've seen
in the course of my career as a cnc programmer machinist
threads stretching , metal shearing , even snapped a few
1/2 grade 8 bolts (when I was a young strapping lad)
these were static installations so only equipment would be
damaged . you got lucky read the signs before catastrophic
failure did something bad. here
(imagine your favorite beverage being shoved in your hand )

share info will mean those who read will be armed with
your knowledge probably you helped someone else .


RICH who don’t wrench

[sn...@trippin.com]

On Wed, 9 May 2012 19:25:17 -0400, "Arie Bresser"
<bres...@comcast.net> wrote:

>"DM" wrote in message...
>>Ronald O. Christian wrote:
>>> I heard from the shop today. The rear axle was stretched.
>>
>> What the hell does that mean?
>>
>> Fins
>
>
>That means that you have reached the end of
>the threads without getting things tight enough.

Which is exactly why they didn't use 304 SS to hang people with.

Snarl

[Jinks]

On Wed, 09 May 2012 15:21:02 -0700, Ronald O. Christian
<ro...@europa.com> wrote:


>I heard from the shop today. The rear axle was stretched. He said
>that it might have started out of spec, they've noticed a few like
>that lately. As I'm having belt replaced and doing the 50k service
>and having neck bearings replaced while it's there, bike will be ready
>to pick up tomorrow. And, the weather is cooperating! No word on
>total price yet. My credit card is itching. And not in a good way.

The first part I mentioned (41056-02). I hadn't thought about
it stretchin', but I can see how it'd happen. You could have worked
for a couple of weeks without findin' that! I once had a transmission
leak I was tryin' to cure. Replaced seals 4 times before a wrench I
know asked how I was torqing the nut on the final drive. Told him I
was doin' it by myself. He knew from that what was wrong, I was
pullin' the gear & seal off the shaft from stretch. New gear & shaft,
& the 5th time worked. Sometimes it's just experience<shrug>
Now that you have all the problems fixed are you gonna trade
it in for one of the new ones that "never have those problems"?

[Ronald O. Christian]

On Thu, 10 May 2012 09:07:43 -0400, Jinks <Ji...@thecomputer.com>
wrote:

> Now that you have all the problems fixed are you gonna trade
>it in for one of the new ones that "never have those problems"?

Nope, gonna ride this one until one of us can't ride anymore.

[danin...@gmail.com]

On Wed, 09 May 2012 16:58:18 -0700, Ronald O. Christian
<ro...@europa.com> wrote:

>On Wed, 9 May 2012 19:25:17 -0400, "Arie Bresser"
><bres...@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>>"DM" wrote in message...
>>>Ronald O. Christian wrote:
>>>> I heard from the shop today. The rear axle was stretched.
>>>
>>> What the hell does that mean?
>>>
>>> Fins
>>
>>
>>That means that you have reached the end of
>>the threads without getting things tight enough.
>
>Yes, that's pretty much how it was explained to me. Can be caused by
>putting too much torque on the axle nut. I had not heard of axles
>actually being out of spec until now, but I guess it's possible.

Out of speck axle? Now there is something they should stand by. Ask
em for a letter from the manufacturer about why something that should
not stretch stretched. At least make an attempt to get some discount
if not for free! That should be classified as a safety problem!

danl Slug #280

[Ronald O. Christian]

I think it's my turn to buy a round.

I picked up the bike this afternoon. It was a genuinely good
experience to get back in the saddle again. New axle, new belt, new
neck bearings, 50K service done, and the bike is running the SE
mufflers it had when I bought it. Man, I forgot how loud they were.
Are there quieter baffles that go in those things?

I was supposed to go straight home but took a detour through the hills
around Sherwood before heading home. Bike handled fine, had plenty of
power, everything seems great. And we're getting a rare dry spell
here. Will be able to ride the bike into work tomorrow, and lay down
some miles this weekend. Life is good.

As mentioned before, I had gone to true dual headers recently to get
rid of that white hot Y connector under the rider crotch position.
Problem of course is that you have to have balanced mufflers with such
a setup. I had heard that it was after 2005 that they started putting
the "fake" muffler on the left side, but apparently earlier because
that's what I had with the take-off pair I had bought. So now I'm
looking for a pair of balanced mufflers, suitable for a true dual,
which aren't quite as obnoxious as the Screamin Eagles. I guess it's
time to start hitting craigslist. I'm sure there's a pair of
take-offs I can pick up cheap, and I know a little better now what to
look for.

In the meantime, Noisy Glide is on the road!

[Invisible68]

"Arie Bresser" <bres...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:joeud2$ani$1...@dont-email.me...

> "DM" wrote in message...
>>Ronald O. Christian wrote:
>>> I heard from the shop today. The rear axle was stretched.
>>
>> What the hell does that mean?
>>
>> Fins
>
>
> That means that you have reached the end of the threads without getting
> things tight enough.

sooooo add a washer?!?

Invisble68

[Jinks]

On Fri, 11 May 2012 08:01:52 -0500, "Invisible68" <plat...@lcom.net>
wrote:

Spoken just like someone that works at a dealership...........

[Snag]

Jinks wrote:
> On Fri, 11 May 2012 08:01:52 -0500, "Invisible68" <plat...@lcom.net>
> wrote:
>
>>
>> "Arie Bresser" <bres...@comcast.net> wrote in message
>> news:joeud2$ani$1...@dont-email.me...
>>> "DM" wrote in message...
>>>> Ronald O. Christian wrote:
>>>>> I heard from the shop today. The rear axle was stretched.
>>>>
>>>> What the hell does that mean?
>>>>
>>>> Fins
>>>
>>>
>>> That means that you have reached the end of the threads without
>>> getting things tight enough.
>>
>>
>> sooooo add a washer?!?
>>
>> Invisble68
>
> Spoken just like someone that works at a dealership...........
>
> Jinks

OUCH !

IMNSHO , that stretched axle bolt has had it's integrity compromised . Not
gonna trust MY ass to it . The dealer doesn't care about my ass nearly as
much as I do .
--
Snag
Learning keeps
you young !

[danin...@gmail.com]

On Wed, 09 May 2012 16:58:18 -0700, Ronald O. Christian
<ro...@europa.com> wrote:

>On Wed, 9 May 2012 19:25:17 -0400, "Arie Bresser"
><bres...@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>>"DM" wrote in message...
>>>Ronald O. Christian wrote:
>>>> I heard from the shop today. The rear axle was stretched.
>>>
>>> What the hell does that mean?
>>>
>>> Fins
>>
>>
>>That means that you have reached the end of
>>the threads without getting things tight enough.
>
>Yes, that's pretty much how it was explained to me. Can be caused by
>putting too much torque on the axle nut. I had not heard of axles
>actually being out of spec until now, but I guess it's possible.

I'm posting this for Kickstart!
Bullshit on a stretched axle... More like a spacer or washer was an
incorrect thickness!!! Kickstart was quite emphatic about the dealer
not being truthful! His description of the dealer was not only
colorful, it was downright derogatory!!! He also bets the dealer
never showed the stretched axle or did a side by side comparison for
Ronald!

Just think about it for a minute...If that 1" axle were tightened
enough to stretch it should have striped the threads first at the very
least!!!

danl posting for Kickstart the too lazy to get Usenet again Slug

[Invisible68]

<danin...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:rprrq71tpk8t5i28m...@4ax.com...

hmmmmm

wonder where he might have gotten the add a (missing) washer thought
from.... hmmmmmm

Invisible68