Rear Belt?

By Dennis Santopietro

Q: Just today I heard a sound I had not heard before while riding my 2008 FLSTC. When downshifting into first gear, I heard a sound which I can only describe as being like a compression release on an older engine.Then the sound stopped during subsequent down shifting and began after a few minutes. It seemed to happen when I down shifted from higher RPM than usual. Is there a compression release or is it some other problem like rear belt noise?
Thanks, Paul

A:Paul, there are no compression releases on a stock 2008 S/T. Most commonly noises like you have described turn out to be something picked up in your belt guard, in the area around your front pulley, or something related to your brake pads/rotors. Is the sound present when you down shift into 1st with only the front brake enabled? How about with only the rear brake enabled? Is it there when you down shift with out braking? It will be good if you can raise your wheels and get a good look in these areas.

Related Videos: Softail Rear Belt R&R

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4 Responses to “Rear Belt?”

  1. Jeff

    I had a noise like a loud squealing when I let off the gas an a 95 bagger. Turned out to be a cracked exhaust pipe at the "Y". When I let off the gas it would suck in air and make the whistling sound. Welded it up and was gone. I heard other guys describe the same thing. It sounds like a brake pad wear tab rubbing on a rotor on a car. Good luck , Jeff

  2. Edward L Burkley

    Look at your bearings also. If your plus 40k on the odo yes. If you pull the wheel for any other reason change them out as well.

  3. Mike Sorenson

    Eaton M-90 supercharger and big twins Location for drives Chain off rear wheel or crank

  4. Dave

    Want to change drive pulleys on 2010 CVO Street Glide from 32 tooth front 68 rear to 30 front 70 rear. Will this combination allow the use of the same factory belt? Who offers a 70 tooth Cush-drive rear pulley for this bike?