Clunk from primary case
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Mount Vernon Oh
Clunk from primary case
Hello
I bought a 2009 softail and hear a clunk coming from the primary case. I will try and explain in detail. This happens hot or cold and only when barley moving. Costing under 1mph in first gear pull in the clutch, let the clutch out to move more and clunk. It sounds like the slack in the chain is being taken up by letting the clutch out. It usually happens when maneuvering at low speed. Going down the highway no noise or vibration. I have put about 400 miles on the bike. Is this normal with the auto adjustment? I searched the forum before posting and didn't find anything like I am talking about.
Thanks
I bought a 2009 softail and hear a clunk coming from the primary case. I will try and explain in detail. This happens hot or cold and only when barley moving. Costing under 1mph in first gear pull in the clutch, let the clutch out to move more and clunk. It sounds like the slack in the chain is being taken up by letting the clutch out. It usually happens when maneuvering at low speed. Going down the highway no noise or vibration. I have put about 400 miles on the bike. Is this normal with the auto adjustment? I searched the forum before posting and didn't find anything like I am talking about.
Thanks
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,029
Likes: 449
From: Michigan
I would pull the Primary cover off and see what it looks like inside. How many miles are on the bike? Could be a number of things, but the tensioner is one of the easiest to fix. If it's the compensator it isn't a big deal, the only issue is finding a torque wrench that goes to 160 Ft Lbs...... Just got done having to take my whole primary off to do my trans sprocket. Probably could have done the whole thing in an hour or hour and a half if I didn't have such an issue getting the trans pulley nut off. Luckily I wasn't in a big rush as I was waiting on parts.....
If you have to take the primary apart, these come in handy:
Been using mine for years with no issue.
Good luck with your project....
If you have to take the primary apart, these come in handy:
Been using mine for years with no issue.
Good luck with your project....
Last edited by MCSarge; Oct 17, 2022 at 10:00 AM.
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Mount Vernon Oh
I would pull the Primary cover off and see what it looks like inside. How many miles are on the bike? Could be a number of things, but the tensioner is one of the easiest to fix. If it's the compensator it isn't a big deal, the only issue is finding a torque wrench that goes to 160 Ft Lbs...... Just got done having to take my whole primary off to do my trans sprocket. Probably could have done the whole thing in an hour or hour and a half if I didn't have such an issue getting the trans pulley nut off. Luckily I wasn't in a big rush as I was waiting on parts..... Good luck with your project....
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Mount Vernon Oh
Ok I took the primary cover off and I can't find anything wrong. The chain has no slop in it and I can not move the clutch drum back and forth. Everything seems tight. I did jack the bike up off the ground and tried to move the rear tire. In 2nd gear I can move the rear tire back and forth about 2 inches. Is this normal or is my problem with the transmission ? Seems too much play to me.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 611
Likes: 204
From: Long Island, NY
Sounds like it could be the compensator. There is a spring pack behind it that press's on the ramp, if the spring pack is weak it could be creating the clunk you hear which is the compensator ramp hitting the compensator because it's not up tight against it. It's not like you can see or feel this with the cover off.
My ramp broke in three places and when that happens... there is no go at all...stuck on the road. The compensator ramp is actually a wear item and could also be worn a bit. I'd Utube it because there's a lot of information about it and aftermarket stuff to replace it with. The aftermarket stuff is pricey so I just went back to the factory piece.
My 2 cents
Steve
My ramp broke in three places and when that happens... there is no go at all...stuck on the road. The compensator ramp is actually a wear item and could also be worn a bit. I'd Utube it because there's a lot of information about it and aftermarket stuff to replace it with. The aftermarket stuff is pricey so I just went back to the factory piece.
My 2 cents
Steve
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Mount Vernon Oh
Changed the compensator and still have the clank or metal to metal sound. It happens when coasting at slow speeds and letting the clutch out, it sounds like there is slop in the trans or drive train. I have attached a movie of the play in the drive. This is in gear, it doesn't matter what gear the movement is the same. When I move the rear wheel back and forth , none of the drive components move. Could there be that much free play in the transmission. Is it normal ? Any help would be appreciated.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,864
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From: OH
Ok I took the primary cover off and I can't find anything wrong. The chain has no slop in it and I can not move the clutch drum back and forth. Everything seems tight. I did jack the bike up off the ground and tried to move the rear tire. In 2nd gear I can move the rear tire back and forth about 2 inches. Is this normal or is my problem with the transmission ? Seems too much play to me.
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