Drive belt replacement on tiger cat and maintenance tasks (2024)

FAQs

How often should I change the drive belt on my Harley? ›

While Harley-Davidson drive belts are designed to last for up to 100,000 miles, they require some maintenance. The primary chore is inspecting the belt for damage, and owners should examine their bike's drive belt at least every 5,000 miles. However, erring on the side of caution is strongly advised.

The drive belt, also known as the fan belt, provides power to many important components located near the front of the engine. The drive belt powers the alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and AC compressor. Each of these components contains a pulley where the drive belt wraps around.

Belt drives are quiet, clean and require very little maintenance throughout their life. Conventional bike chains require cleaning and oiling at least weekly if you cycle regularly, but this is not necessary for belts. Carbon belt drives are incredibly hard-wearing and as a result last a very long time.

If you do notice your belt needs replacing, you can do it yourself if you're mechanically minded and have the time.

Plus, replacement is relatively easy, and if you're wondering how long does serpentine belt service take, it's less than an hour for most vehicles.

Replacing the serpentine belt is as simple as threading it into position, cranking the tensioner and slipping the belt over the tensioner pulley, or nearest pulley up top. Belt tensioners are mostly spring tension. Once installed, the spring retains pressure to the belt.

Belts should be replaced if they show obvious signs of cracking, fraying, unusual wear or loss of teeth in a synchronous belt. Belt drives regularly require a thorough inspection. By following the list below, you can maintain a drive efficiently, safely and with very little effort.

How do you break in a new drive belt? ›

To break in a belt, use low gear (if available) while varying speeds and avoiding wide open throttle for 5 to 10 miles. If no low gear is available, vary at moderate speeds while avoiding wide open throttle for 50 miles. Breaking in a belt is about more than a set number of miles and avoiding high engine RPM.

Squealing or Whining Noises

One of the earliest signs of a failing serpentine belt is a high-pitched squealing or whining noise, especially during engine startup or when turning the steering wheel. This noise is typically caused by the belt slipping on the pulleys due to reduced tension or deterioration.

The cost of the serpentine belt itself could be around $50 and the cost of labor could be around $150. As a result, a serpentine belt cost for replacement could range from $70 to $200 depending on your exact model and where you get it replaced.

The timing belt is responsible for making sure the engine's crankshaft, pistons, and valves operating insync or in time. (Hence the term timing belt.) Accessory drive belts are used to drive all the accessories that run off the front of the engine.

Diligent Monticello drivers are smart to ask themselves, “How long does a serpentine belt last?” Serpentine belts, also called drive belts or accessory drive belts, are constructed of tough rubber, but that doesn't mean they're invincible. Typically, serpentine belts last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles.

It's safe to say that a regularly cleaned belt should last at least 2-4 times as long as a chain would, for a lifespan of up to 30,000 km (19,000 mi). The sprockets on the rear cog that your belt sits in will also need to be replaced eventually.

The belt is usually checked with regular service intervals at your motorcycle service center. Some brands recommend changing the drive belt every 2 years, or every 10,000 kilometers or so, some every 20,000 kilometers, while others can be as long as 100,000 kilometers.