Special Tools
DescriptionPart NumberQty.
BELT TENSION GAUGE
HD-35381-A
1

NOTE
Always use the required special tool to measure belt deflection. Failure to use tension gauge may cause under-tensioned belts. Loose belts can fail due to "ratcheting" (jumping a tooth) which causes tensile cord crimping and breakage.
Check belt deflection:
WARNING
To prevent accidental vehicle start-up, which could cause death or serious injury, remove main fuse before proceeding. (00251b)
1. Deactivate electrical system. See SECURITY SYSTEM → Disconnecting Power.
2. See Figure 1. Remove lower belt guard.
a. Remove screws (1) and lower belt guard (2).
3. See Figure 2. Measure belt deflection using:

Special Tool: BELT TENSION GAUGE (HD-35381-A)

a. Slide O-ring (4) to zero mark (3).
b. Fit belt cradle (2) against bottom of drive belt halfway between drive pulleys.
c. Press upward on knob (6) until O-ring slides down to 4.54 kg (10 lb) mark (5) and hold steady.
4. See Figure 3. Measure amount of deflection (4) while holding gauge steady.
5. Compare with specifications. Refer to Table 1. If not within specifications, see a Harley-Davidson dealer.
6. See Figure 1. Install lower belt guard.
a. Place lower belt guard (2) in position.
b. Install screws (1). Tighten.
Torque: 5.5–7.5 N·m (48.7–66.4 in-lbs) Belt guard, lower, screw
7. Reactivate electrical system. See SECURITY SYSTEM → Disconnecting Power.
1Screw (2)
2Lower belt guard
Figure 1. Lower Belt Guard
Table 1. Drive Belt Deflection
MODEL
DEFLECTION
Service belt tension(1)
6.4–7.9 mm (0.25–0.31 in)
(1) Deflection measured at 10 lb (4.5 kg) tension.
1Belt tension gauge
2Belt cradle
30 lb (0 kg) mark
4O-ring
510 lb (4.5 kg) mark
6Knob
Figure 2. Belt Tension Gauge
1Transmission sprocket
2Rear wheel sprocket
310 lb (4.5 kg) of force
4Amount of deflection
Figure 3. Checking Belt Deflection