I just had the SE compensator installed in my 08 FLHX, under warranty. Now I have a new problem? 500 miles after replacement I started to get a loud grinding sound coming from somewhere "around" the compensator area only when I give the throttle a "blip" on decel. I took it to the dealer for an inspection. I was told that the cush drive is worn out and needs to be replaced, and the sound I was hearing was because of the "slack" in the rear wheel. The service tech showed me that when the bike was sitting on the lift you can grab the rear pulley and rotate it forward and back about a 1/4" of free play. Of course they have to order the parts and was told it would be fine to drive, just dont "blip" the throttle. This kinda worries me should I be concerned ? Any thoughts?

 

So are you blipping the throttle with the clutch out? If so that probably explains why it is worn out. If you are blipping the throttle with the clutch in then what affect would that have on the drive line? Seems kinda strange.

 

Aren't those just the rubber pads behind the pulley? It that is the case, then that is not a major repair.

 

I should make it more clear, if I decel , then accel hard, at that point is when I hear almost a lot of slack being taken up inside the primary an a loud grinding noise. Guys beside me can hear it.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about it, as long as you take it really easy until it's fixed.

 

I have my rear wheel off waiting on a new set of tires. ('08 RG with 25,000+ miles) I also have replaced the compensator w/SE version. I have no grinding noise, and there is no play in the pulley/hub assembly where the rubber cushions are. My .02, it is not the rear wheel. Have they taken the primary cover off and checked ? Who installed the comp.? Good luck.

 

Sounds like your chain maybe hitting inside the case, better take it easy till it's fixed.

 

If you are concerned that you have a loose primary chain, here is an easy way to check. Pull your left passenger footboard off, then make sure the bike is sitting as level as possible. Remove your derby cover (the big round plate on the primary, with 5 screws). Use a flashlight and look at the top of the chain. You have to do this at an angle looking to the left inside the hole. Once you see the chain, using a long thin screwdriver, rod, whatever, flip the chain up and down. If it has no more than approximately 1" slack then its ok. If it is really floppy, like it can hit or nearly hit the top of the housing, then possibly the automatic adjuster is not working right.

 

sounds like the play is related to the compensator work. you have an 08 so you probably do not have much time left on your warranty. I would leave it in the shop and let them do the work correctly.

 

How many miles on the bike? How many "blips"?