Motorcycle Repair: secondary belt adjustment, box wrench, pulleys


Question
I have a shop manual for my 2002 FLHTCI Electra Glide Classic and read several times how to adjust the tension for the rear belt drive secondary. Every time I attempt it the cam washers turn with the tightening. Finally I hit them into place with a hammer flattening the cam a bit. Still unsure if its going to ware the belt which I know wares the primary and secondary pulleys. Is there a trick?

Answer
Harley has a useless toolkit which has a flat metal box wrench (like a big bicycle wrench) which fits behind the mufflers so you can hold the axle head while you tighten the nut.  Belts rarely need adjustment.  Leave it alone until it's so loose that it chirps when you downshift.  A little loose is better than too tight for the reasons you mention.