ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2012 and older => Topic started by: ColoPaul on August 25, 2012, 08:11:00 AM
-
I noticed my drive belt is getting a little loose. Last I checked, around 1000 miles, it was within the 20-30 kg spec limit.
Now it's down to 15 kg. (2170 miles) So I'm thinking about tightening it.
Anyone out there done this yet? I know offthegrid has popped his motor in and out so maybe he can answer!
The motor hex bolts need 18 & 22 ft-pounds. All I have for Allen wrenches are little "L" shaped ones, maybe 1"x4". Clearly those won't do.
Also, the access to some of the bolts seems, ummm, not real direct.
What size/style allen wrenches are good?
Any tips for getting at the 4 motor mount bolts?
Thanks in advance...
-
I think they would work. I removed my rear wheel and axle using a cheap set of Husky Allen wrenches. I imagine the axle is as tight as anything on the bike. The hex nut was 6 mm. My kit has a plastic handle that the hex key fits into so you can get good leverage. I suppose you could break one, but I didn't. Try it.
-
I'm pretty sure I used the little L shaped ones myself. I do like to use a regular box end wrench on the end of the allen key for leverage though to break bolts loose. I'll pay better attention when I replace my motor next time, which looks like it will be happening in a week or two, as I think the potting material for the encoder under repeated thermal expansion has allowed shifting to a less than optimal position.
-
My recollection is that the Zero owners manual has a section describing how to properly move the motor to adjust the tension of the belt drive. While I haven't had to adjust my belt yet, it looks easy enough. All you need is the proper size hex wrench socket attachment and a short extension for your 3/8" drive ratchet and torque wrenches. These items are sold in every Sears store tool section - as well as most hardware stores.
-
I used standard tools and my Harley tool kit to loosen the motor today. You meed these special size Allen keys.
In fact i had to go on and get the motor Out. But this is another thread.
-
OK, got the belt all tensioned properly. :) It wasn't too bad, could do it in about 10 minutes now that I've been through it.
I did buy a #5 and #6 allen hex adapter for my socket wrench. That made 3 out of the 4 motor bolts a snap!
The top back motor bolt is hard to get at. I had to use my little hex key rigged with a plastic 'extender' to get it loose.
The bottom back motor bolt is partially blocked by the belt - no big deal with the socket wrench & an extender
Same with the bottom front bolt, partially blocked by the brake lever - again no big deal.
Also, as a added bonus, during the process I noted that my kickstand bolt was WAY loose :o (a good 6 full turns!) and I was probably about to lose the kickstand in the next 100-200 miles....
-
Good documentation. Should be useful for other people. Saved yourself $50 too.