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Adjusting the Belt Tension

Excess torque (e.g. standing up to pedal while going up a steep hill) can pull the belt tensioning system out of alignment, which can cause the belt to become loose. If your belt becomes loose and needs to be tightened, follow the steps below and you’ll be on your way!

Tip: Download the Gates Carbon Drive app to use your phone for measuring the belt tension and confirming when the tension is within the correct range (45-60 Hz

1. Ensure the belt is fully engaged and aligned:

  • Check that the teeth of the belt and cog are fully aligned on both the front and rear cogs, and there are no visible spaces or misalignments.

  • If the belt is not properly engaged with the front or rear cogs, or the belt has fallen off completely, see the article on Reattaching a Disengaged Belt

2. Loosen the tension system to prepare for adjustments:

  • Loosen the two 10mm reverse threaded tension nuts 1-2 full turns each (1 on the right side and 1 on the left side)

    • Note: turn reverse threaded nuts clockwise to loosen

  • Loosen the four inward facing 6mm tension bolts 1/4 turn (2 on the left side and 2 on the right side) 

3. Adjust the belt tension:

  • Tighten the 2 rear-facing 5mm tension bolts 1/4 turn (1 on the right side and 1 on the left side)

    • Note: Bolts on the left and right side should be screwed in to approximately the same depth, in order to ensure proper alignment of the rear wheel

  • Check belt tension. If still loose, tighten the 2 rear-facing 5mm tension bolts another 1/4 turn (1 on the right side and 1 on the left side) and re-check tension. Repeat as needed until desired tension is reached.

4. Re-secure the tension system:

  • Once desired belt tension is reached:

  • Tighten 10mm reverse threaded tension nuts so they fit snugly against the frame (1 on each side)

    • Note: turn reverse threaded nuts counterclockwise to tighten

  • Tighten 4 inward facing 6mm tension bolts (2 on each side)

5. Confirm rear wheel alignment:

  • While sitting on the bike with the brakes disengaged, pedal forward slowly and ensure rear wheel spins freely, the belt holds tension, there are no odd noises or obvious friction, and the rear brakes are functioning normally.

  • If you notice any issues, set the bike aside and contact the pro shop (for rentals) or ops@fairwaybikes.com (for fleets and personal bikes) for further assistance.