OMG! What an operation!

I was told at the Honda dealer to remove the CVT covers and blow out all the dust due to the fact that my Swing is a 2005 and I bought it in January. It only had 4600 mi., but was six years old.

I took this to task today and now appreciate why they want $200 to replace the variator belt. There are lots of bolts.

Well, things look pretty good. There is a little glaze on the top of the belt, but no cracks that I can see.

I am glad that I took everything apart and removed all of the dust and cleaned the housing and covers, but am planning on having the Honda dealer replace the belt when it is time to do so.

Jeez, you've already done the tedious part. Why pay the dealer $200 (+ the belt cost) to do the next step?

Tim

Yup, with Cosmic on that one!

Apart from the variator tool the job is a proverbial doddle, (easy), after removing the cover!!

Go on - do it yourself - you know you want to.

It's time to take a trip to the local DIY store to make a variator tool.

I made one a few years back and have used it on a Reflex for the Koehler mod, a 400 Bergman for a Malossi clutch swap and the Silverwing for the Dr Pulley slider swap.

http://www.leroybeal.net/motorcycles/silverwing/articles/drivepulleytool/VPT.pdf

trouble1100 wrote:

It's time to take a trip to the local DIY store to make a variator tool.

I made one a few years back and have used it on a Reflex for the Koehler mod, a 400 Bergman for a Malossi clutch swap and the Silverwing for the Dr Pulley slider swap.

http://www.leroybeal.net/motorcycles/silverwing/articles/drivepulleytool/VPT.pdf

What does Honda charge for this tool?

Waspie,

I do love to take things apart and put them back together.

I made one for less than ten bucks.

The tinker built variator holder in the picture is not the one in my tool box, but is damn close.





Here is a link to the Honda tool.

http://www.powersportsplus.com/parts/detail/honda/HP-07725-0030000.html?gclid=CMXZo5nL-KcCFRG4KgodCE3yqA

Thanks Trouble1100!

WOW!!!! I am not even sure it took me an hour to change my drive belt!
I bought one and changed it anyway since I was worried that it was 7 years old even though the bike didn't have 16k on it.

I rest easier knowing its new and a spare is now under my seat!

I have the metal, (sheet), to make my tool, it's even marked out. Need to talk my local workshop to cut the metal into strips so that I can assemble and finish off the part.

I have over 6 -8K miles so no dire rush. (yet!!!!!!!)

I have a small electric impact wrench that did the job easily. I was concerned that due to it being an 2004 with only 6000 miles on it when I got it - that the rubber might be rotted and ready to snap. My Qlink Legacy belt did snapped, and I now see it this way... you can either have a spare belt and piece of mind for less than the cost of a tow truck bill.

FWIW The DIY Variator Tool shown in Ron's photo has longer 'pins' (bolts) than the Honda tool. Using the Honda tool requires a third hand to hold the tool to the variator due to it's very short pins. Using the DIY tool you are able to remove & reinstall the variator without needing a 2nd person --even if using a 'old school' torque wrench.

Leroy Beal's inexpensive DIY tool works well too, but it lacks the 'adjustability' to fit other applications.

Tim

trouble1100 wrote:

I made one for less than ten bucks.

The tinker built variator holder in the picture is not the one in my tool box, but is damn close.





Here is a link to the Honda tool.

http://www.powersportsplus.com/parts/detail/honda/HP-07725-0030000.html?gclid=CMXZo5nL-KcCFRG4KgodCE3yqA