2frmMI

Our Gates belt has been getting squeakier and squeakier over the last couple hundred miles of riding and today exceeded my tolerance. 1. Is there a cause?
2. Is there a fix?
Is there some sort of belt dressing/lube? Do I have an alignment issue causing this?
Data: center track belt, right side drive. 66 tooth rings.

vic303

You might call Charlie and Pat Jenkins of Texoma Bike Works. They own the bike shop and almost exclusively ride tandems (carbon Calfee and a Bamboo tandem, both belt drive). Great folks, super wheel builders, and hardcore randonneurs. I bet they could solve your squeeky belt problem.

Goldrush

I use silicon spray lube. Works every time.

vrooom3440

At the risk of stating the obvious... to squeak something has to be rubbing. Normally there really isn't anything here that rubs. How have you localized it to the belt?

1. Do the pedals spin smoothly and freely?
2. Is the belt tight?
3. Are the pulleys aligned or is the belt trying to walk?
4. I might wash the pulley and belt teeth using mild soap and water with a scrub brush. Be careful not to put too much sideways tension and rinse well.
5. Remove belt and drive chain and check the BBs for spin and smoothness.
6. Look for anything else that could be rubbing.

twocicle

In a previous thread it was mentioned to use auto timing belt spray. I've never had to do anything with our centertrack belt as it has been perfectly quiet.

Goldrush

My belt will squeak after riding in the rain. It stops as soon as I spray some silicon on it. You can also use Beeswax. For sure do not use any oil.

DoubleDiamonDog

As they say, the he squeaky belt gets the silicone spray...

DubT

Here is what Gates has to say: The belt can make noise when forced to run hard against the flanges on the sprockets. This can be due to sprocket misalignment, wheel misalignment, or run out in the drive caused by damaged components. Spraying water on the belt may quiet the drive for a few minutes, but the permanent solution is to correct the alignment or replace the damaged components. Another possible source of noise is a loose front sprocket. Using thread lock on the sprocket bolts alleviates this problem.

In some cases, the noise can occur when riding in dirty conditions, particularly when mountain biking if grit and water temporarily stick to the belt. This noise in no way indicates a problem with your Gates Carbon Drive. In most cases simply hosing off the belt and pulleys after a ride will end the noise. If noise persists, the solution is simple: spray the belt with water, wait for it to dry, and apply a thin coating of dry silicone spray to the tooth side of the belt. Dry silicone dries instantly, helps shed grit, and does not affect the longevity of the belt. We recommend this product.
https://www.amazon.com/CRC-05074-Sili.../dp/B000BXKZUG

2frmMI

Thanks Goldrush, DubT, and others. Indeed I do not know for certain that the squeak is from the belt, but, having diagnosed my share of noises over the years, I've stated my opinion and I'm sticking with it. I'll try Gates' solution (wash, silicone) and see if that solves it. I'm thinking we are getting close to 3k miles on the belt, if that matters.
Thanks all.

2frmMI

Indeed, squeaks and various and sundry noises are devilishly difficult to pin down and I'm no savant in that area. I'm only saying that with my level of experience and advanced years, I THINK it is the belt, until proven otherwise. And a silicone treatment will answer the question, will it not?

2frmMI

And indeed, light silicone spray solved it.