Alignment tool - Harley Forum

grampadac · #1 11-05-2009, 10:01 AM

Do you need that wire alignment tool to get back wheel straight on XL1200C when tightening belt or is there another way to do it? I think I got it straight by measuring.

milindh · #2 11-05-2009, 05:00 PM

Hey Gramps

You sure don't need one of those "tools". Measuring is fine. You can also make your own "tool" with a coat hanger bent to shape and a mark on the shaft.

grampadac · #3 11-06-2009, 03:35 AM

Thanks milindh, I thought that was just another item to sell to suckers like me.

Beartooth · #4 11-07-2009, 10:38 AM

what what? Tell me about the bent coat hanger and mark on the shaft.

I stretch a string around the tires with little shim blocks to comp for the narrow front tire. But you have to get it so low, it slips off, blocks fall, front wheel rotates and turns, etc.
Thanks.
Jim

hardtimeharley · #5 11-07-2009, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beartooth

what what? Tell me about the bent coat hanger and mark on the shaft.

I stretch a string around the tires with little shim blocks to comp for the narrow front tire. But you have to get it so low, it slips off, blocks fall, front wheel rotates and turns, etc.
Thanks.
Jim

To make sure the rear wheel is straight in the swingarm, make a 90 degree bend in a straight piece of coat hanger. Both sides of the swingarm have small holes for the "special HD" tool. stick the short end of the "L" in the hole and the long end towards axle. I attach a small tie wrap (cut flush) to the wire. Slide the tie wrap to the center of axle, then remove the wire and put it on the other side without moving the tie wrap. When wheel is straight, the tie wrap will be centered to the axle on both sides. If your bike doesn't have the little holes, make a mark dead center in the swingarm pivot covers and meas. from there.

unclepsycho · #6 11-07-2009, 01:42 PM

I musta woke up with my mental picture tube burned out...., I have read this several times and even after aligning my own bike wheel a few times (in the past)... I cannot 'visualize' your bent wire locations. I think I know, but the hub, rotor, brakes, would be in the way.....

Got Pictures?

I know it will be so simple that I will be embarrassed... but oh well... maybe I aint the only one that needs a picture to help 'see' what you are describing.... yeah, uh, that's what I meant to say...can you supply pictures so people can 'see' what you are describing...

Thanks

Beartooth · #7 11-07-2009, 02:10 PM

Thanks, hardtimeharley, I get it, even though my '04 Sporty doesn't have the holes in the swingarm of which you speak. This would align the rear axle within the swingarm. But this may or may not make the rear wheel follow the front. Nonetheless, a useful tool, provided one proves that this makes everything straight. Thereafter, when backing off the adjusters to remove the wheel, you could quickly get it straight, again. I think I may stick a pair of reference dots on the arm,and always measure form them. 'Preciate it.

hardtimeharley · #8 11-07-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclepsycho

I musta woke up with my mental picture tube burned out...., I have read this several times and even after aligning my own bike wheel a few times (in the past)... I cannot 'visualize' your bent wire locations. I think I know, but the hub, rotor, brakes, would be in the way.....

Got Pictures?
I know it will be so simple that I will be embarrassed... but oh well... maybe I aint the only one that needs a picture to help 'see' what you are describing.... yeah, uh, that's what I meant to say...can you supply pictures so people can 'see' what you are describing...

Thanks

Hey Unc; I just had the whole shebang done, previewed it, and hit the wrong button and lost it all.

Here we go again!
The first post in this thread asked of the alignment tool was necessary for Sportsters, so I wrongly assumed they were like my '92 Dyna. About 2" in front of the axle slot there's a about a 1/8" hole on both sides fo the swingarm. The tool goes into the hole, and a little slider is centered on axle, then removed and checked with the other side. If your bike doesn't have the holes, you can measure from the center of swingarm pivot bolt (may require a longer wire). All of this is done on the outside of swingarm, so brakes, belts don't get in the way, mufflers might. Sorry about the quality of the scan, I don't know why it's so poor. the handwritten note says " sliding tie wrap,etc.
If I still have you confused, let me know. Things in my head don't always translate clearly to the rest of the population.

Hardtime

HarleyCruiser · #9 11-07-2009, 04:41 PM

Humm I have never had a bike that advised using this tool, always used a straight edge, it does not lie. Cant you just use a straight edge, or am I missing something here?

unclepsycho · #10 11-07-2009, 04:47 PM

I knew it would be simple.... I was thinking the 'tool' went over the top of the axle and pointed towards the center of the hub...duh!
As soon as you wrote that the little holes were in 'Front' of the axle...then it all came clear!!!!!

I usually look down the side edges of the tire, swapping side to side adjusting as I go untill I 'see' that the rear tire is straight.
But I built fence for 20 years, and 'sighting' down lines is easy for me....