Belt Tensioner

[golfsferr]

What's the general feeling on whether the belt tensioner actually reduces wear and tear and reduces belt noise? It certainly sounds like a logical addition but is it really necessary? Thnanks

 

[FlaBound]

Bare in mind, there are many on this forum with infinitely more knowledge than I have. I don't even change my own oil. I have about 8,600 mi on my 2012 Limited, and was noticing a bit more vibration under load. Particularly with two up in the 5,500rpm range ( my sweet spot). I sent the info on the tensioner to my mechanic (who is can am platinum certified) and he replied by saying it's basically a modified timing belt tensioner, and that it may help. I went ahead and paid 1/2 labor to have him adjust my belt, rather than wait for my next service interval. The vibration is now much better, not eliminated, but much better and not at my "sweet spot" but now at a higher rpm. My mechanic told me the belt is adjusted based on "harmonics" not necessarily "tension". It's my understanding that it may be hard to tweek the added tension from the tensioner, with the factory spec for the belt, and achieve the correct "harmonics". Over tension can damage bearings etc.. My solution will be to pay the 1/2 labor when needed, and keep the bike within spec. I don't think it is possible to totally eliminate vibration. I just adjust my RPM to find that "sweet spot".

 

[NancysToy]

What's the general feeling on whether the belt tensioner actually reduces wear and tear and reduces belt noise? It certainly sounds like a logical addition but is it really necessary? Thnanks

The purpose of the belt tensioners is not really to reduce wear or belt noise...it is to reduce belt induced vibrations. Basically these are idlers that take up any slack on the return side of the belt. Belt wear isn't really an issue on the Spyders, if the belts are tensioned and aligned correctly. They are lasting 50,000 miles and much more. The only real belt noises have been a squeal that comes from belt friction on the flanges or teeth, and has been address in a makeshift manner by a BRP service bulletin, and an occasional, slight belt whine, which is fairly normal with toothed belts. Most owners see no reason to address either belt wear or noise issues (except the squeal).

 

[golfsferr]

Thanks folks, that's good to hear! I have some belt induced harmonics issues and was curious if the tensioner would fix that. But I have an inspection coming up so maybe I can get that issue resolved then. Like I said in another post, even with a few idiosyncrasies I just love driving that thing!

 

[NancysToy]

Thanks folks, that's good to hear! I have some belt induced harmonics issues and was curious if the tensioner would fix that. But I have an inspection coming up so maybe I can get that issue resolved then. Like I said in another post, even with a few idiosyncrasies I just love driving that thing!

The belt induced harmonics (vibration) are just what the tensioners are made to address. These vibrations don't really affect belt life, however, and are not a major source of noise unless the belt is a lot looser than spec or is misaligned.