Primary Chain Too Tight?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 1,281
From: Ky
Ive been hearing the automatic adjuster gets too tight and ruins the bearing in the transmission, Ive heard HD makes a Screaming Eagle manual adjuster, but I know years ago after market had a hydraulic adjuster that didnt get out of control.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,070
Likes: 5,321
Yeah, I've read about the dreaded HD automatic chain tensioner becoming too tight and I've always heard "a loose chain is a happy chain." Also, I believe a cold chain should have 5/8" to 7/8" free play. Mine wasn't exactly cold, but it wasn't hot, either. I don't know whether or not I should remove the primary cover and double-check the chain tension and get an exact measurement. I'm thinking I will.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 268
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
I put a Baker Attitude Adjuster manual primary chain adjuster in my '15 Limited the day I bought the bike. When I took the cover off with the bike dead-cold the chain was guitar-string tight (too damn tight!) pretty much just as I expected it to be.
The Baker unit eliminates this potential problem permanently. The auto adjuster adjusts at the "loosest" part of the chain and when the "tighter spot" comes around, there's no way for the OEM adjuster to compensate for it. It's been a total POS design ever since it was introduced on the Dynas in 2006.
I considered the SE manual adjuster but it has terrible reviews, so I went with the American-made Baker adjuster and couldn't be more pleased with its performance.
I do take the primary cover off once a year to check the adjustment, but it's always been fine so far. I'll probably go to every other year in the future.
The Baker unit eliminates this potential problem permanently. The auto adjuster adjusts at the "loosest" part of the chain and when the "tighter spot" comes around, there's no way for the OEM adjuster to compensate for it. It's been a total POS design ever since it was introduced on the Dynas in 2006.
I considered the SE manual adjuster but it has terrible reviews, so I went with the American-made Baker adjuster and couldn't be more pleased with its performance.
I do take the primary cover off once a year to check the adjustment, but it's always been fine so far. I'll probably go to every other year in the future.
Last edited by jpooch00; Oct 13, 2017 at 07:27 AM.
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 97
Likes: 5
From: Rockwall,TX
hi jpooch00 : I have 2014 FLHX , and after seeing your post I went to the Baker website , with that pop up window they use its very hard to figure out if the tensioner will fit 2014 touring ? would you happen to have a part number for yours ? amazon has the tensioner for around 100.00 less than Baker ? but I can not narrow down the part number . Thanks .
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 234
Likes: 9
From: ct
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 268
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
hi jpooch00 : I have 2014 FLHX , and after seeing your post I went to the Baker website , with that pop up window they use its very hard to figure out if the tensioner will fit 2014 touring ? would you happen to have a part number for yours ? amazon has the tensioner for around 100.00 less than Baker ? but I can not narrow down the part number . Thanks .
I would also purchase the bar-type primary locking tool suggested at the bottom of the page. You'll also need a new compensator bolt (cheap from any H-D dealer or online. Just make SURE it's genuine H-D), the #70 torx bit to remove/install it - be sure to get a top-quality bit for this, an accurate torque wrench with a suitable range, some blue and red Loctite and a new gasket and lube. Personally, I use plain ol' Formula+ with excellent results.
Also, there are great "How To" vids on YouTube if you need 'em.
If you have the tools and follow the Baker instructions and factory manual exactly, it's easy-peasy. Just be certain that you find the TIGHTEST spot in the chain and adjust to 5/8" slack (cold). I found that my chain on my brand new Limited varied by a full 1/4" of slack when I was finding the tightest spot.
Good luck and best wishes,
JP
Last edited by jpooch00; Oct 14, 2017 at 07:10 AM.
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 40,434
Likes: 3,567
From: N.E PA
I believe the one on Amazon is the older model. The new one is "ARMORED Attitude Adjuster". Call Baker and ask for Mark, he's always on the forum and I believe he offers a discount to members. I have the new one and it's a beautiful piece of work...almost a shame to hide it.
https://bakerdrivetrain.com/collecti...nt=39606989774
https://bakerdrivetrain.com/collecti...nt=39606989774