Hi Guys, a few months ago I remember reading something about checking your cam chain tensioner. I have a 2006 Ultra and was wondering if I need to do this or is this for earlier model bikes. If I do then let me know if this is something I can do or should I take to the dealer. Thanks in advance.

 

You can do it yourself, although it's a pain to do as the exhaust system has to be removed to get to the timing cover the tensioners are under. It took me a couple of hours total to get everything off and everything buttoned back up after carefully checking the tensioners, but I also did a complete fluid change in the process. The outer is very easy to see, the inner takes a dental mirror and flashlight and odd angles but can be seen well enough. My local dealers said this is not a problem on 05 and 06 models but I wanted to be safe rather than sorry. At 36,000miles my tensioners showed minimum wear, they would easily go 100,000 miles unless the wear rate accelerated later. I understand a lot has to do with the way the bike is ridden and serviced. My 06 was primarily a tourer with few short trips on it and I changed the Mobil 1 oil every 3,000 miles filter every other oil change. I wouldn't bother checking it unless you've got 25,000 miles plus on the bike.

 

My dealer recommended checking the tensioners at 20k mi. I already had 40k and was worried so I had the dealer check it (bike is still on the extended warranty). They found the outer not too bad but the inner was wore out and cracked. Replaced on the extended warranty, I am hoping that the replacements will last till I am ready to upgrade.

That being said, I think you should check them between 30k and 40K if you ride distance mostly and more often if the trips are more local.

 

Thanks guys for your imput. Sorry for not responding quicker. I was away.