transmission case casting flaw

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Feb 26, 2020 | 07:31 PM

#21

Jack Straw

Thread Starter

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2010

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From: USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keithhu

A lot of HD parts are back ordered, the whole supply chain of the world is out of whack because of the Corona virus.

Every problem with a motorcycle is not a common problem, they're designed and manufactured by humans, things will break. They'll fix it under warranty and you'll ride happily away.

I hear ya, all very true. Hadn't thought about the virus. Just thought I'd check, thanks.

Feb 26, 2020 | 07:33 PM

#22

Jack Straw

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From: USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjwebb

sorry OP, RT has a habit of popping in from time to time to incite things..anyway, back OT..like Keth said..there's a lot of HD backorder stuff going on, coupled with the 2020s being out 6 months now and your problem being the first time recall hearing of this, think your suspicion of it being a larger problem is premature at this point anyway..hope it gets fixed soon

Yeah, it's probably not a larger problem. Just thought I'd check. It's a very small blemish in the casting, it would be hard to see during assembly. However, after 1000 miles, tranny fluid is getting through.

Feb 27, 2020 | 07:32 AM

#23

KrustyKush

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Joined: Jan 2016

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From: Menifee, CA

Maybe someone here knows how this works. I've wondered how a manufacturer like Harley (or any other automotive) does spare parts. Do they set aside a certain percentage for spares? The odd repairs, like a transmission case, few are needed and stocking parts would be expensive. Do they pull a part off the assembly line and ship to the dealer shop?

Feb 27, 2020 | 09:08 AM

#24

Keithhu

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2009

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From: SE Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by KrustyKush

When I had my first sumping failure (Sept 2017), they said they would pull an engine off the line, if that gives you any perspective.

Feb 28, 2020 | 12:47 PM

#25

Jack Straw

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From: USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keithhu

UPDATE. Swung by the dealership yesterday for a status report. Service Mgr reminded me that those tranny cases are stamped per VIN, that's why it takes a little while to get a new one. And yes, as you mentioned, with other major engine parts, they do pull from the assembly line. I had no idea. In any case, they called Milwaukee yesterday and were informed it should be ready by Monday.

This is still a big job on a brand new bike, which bums me out, but whatya gonna do. We looked it up while I was there, they bill it out as a 6 hr job for those wondering.

Keep On Truckin.......

Feb 28, 2020 | 01:07 PM

#26

TwiZted Biker

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Joined: Mar 2009

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From: Niles Canyon Ca.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Straw

2020 Ultra w/ 1000 miles. There's a casting flaw at the speedo sensor (VSS) just below the o-ring. It's leaking tranny fluid.

Dealership is replacing the transmission case. Fun times.

The case is back-ordered in Milwaukee, which tells me this might be a problem, and it's not just me.

Anyone else hear anything about this? Thoughts?

Casting inclusion during the pour, it happens with aluminum and sometimes it isn't visual till after machining or some use. I wouldn't be worried it's boogie man that's going to be a regular problem. And no QC can't catch it everytime, Telsa's use a LOT of major part castings, rejection rate for this very issue isn't small.

Mar 9, 2020 | 08:43 AM

#27

Jack Straw

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From: USA

Second Update: Took about two weeks to get a new, stamped transmission case from the factory. Mechanic replaced it in less than a day. Put about 200 miles on it - all good so far.

There is hope!!