HD Primary Tensioner Shoe
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Joined: May 2009
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HD Primary Tensioner Shoe
Hey everyone, I have a 03 Softail with 25000 miles on her and I'm about to do the typical service again and have a simple question. Has anyone replaced the tensions shoe through the inspection cover? I'm trying to decide whether to do it or pull the whole primary cover and put a auto adjusting tensioner on it. Any help is appreciated.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 330
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From: Old Hickory TN
There's a article in this months Hot Bike mag about cam tensioner shoes. Its called "Old Bike Fresh Heart". The guy went 60,000 miles without looking at them and they were metal to metal and bits of plastic were now circulating around internal parts and oil passages. Cost him a new lower end. The article says The motor co. recommends they should be inspected every 20,000 and replaced if wear exceeds 0.080-0.090. (about half the shoes thickness. they've seen them go bad at 20,000 and go as far as 45,000.
JP
JP
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Hey luvtoride and xxxflhrci, thanks for the info. I’m pulling the covers off tomorrow and I will check it out. I’m pretty sure the wear isn’t that bad so with luck I’ll just be changing fluids, adjusting the primary, and gettin back on the street.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Arkansas
I put an automatic on mine not too long ago and it seems to run a little tight. Made quite a bit of noise initially but has gottin quieter as the shoe wears in. I saw an article someplace that said someone makes a hydraulic one that doesn't run tight. I'd rather be tight than loose but just right would be better.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Green Country,Oklahoma
Just pull the inspection cover off when you check adjustment on the chain.25,000 is nothing for the shoe in there,it will show a little wear. That's why I don't like the new setup that you can't look in there to see what is going on without pulling the whole cover.
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Yeah the auto tensioner seems like the way to go. So I will most likely upgrade when I have to replace it. Everyone I know who has added it has had good results. I will let y'all know what I find when I open it up tomorrow. Thanks again for all the help!
