99 Ultra
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,947
Likes: 5
From: Ontario, Canada
Every twin cam engine built before Dec 12, 1999 will have bearing failure on the rear cam bearing if they are ridden enough. Some go with less than 20,000 miles, some last a lot longer. So all 1999 bikes, and most 2000 bikes have been built with the problem bearings.
I't's important to note here, the engines that were built on Dec. 12 were installed in bikes in a different factory at a later date. So if you're close, you'll need to check with HD.
The problem can be fixed by changing the bearings to the newer style or by going to gear drivien cams.
If you use gear driven cams, you will be using an aftermarket cam which will help to increase power.
This setup also eliminates the spring loaded cam chain tensioners, so they will never need to be replaced, nor will they ever cause a problem on the road , leaving you stranded.
Also, "one more thing to watch out for now" is a really bad idea.
If/when the bearings go defective, the result may well be catastrophic engine failure as has happened to thousands of unlucky folks that either waited for the problem to show itself or just plain didn't realise there was one.
Best to address it now.
It's never a good time or place for a cam bearing failure!
I't's important to note here, the engines that were built on Dec. 12 were installed in bikes in a different factory at a later date. So if you're close, you'll need to check with HD.
The problem can be fixed by changing the bearings to the newer style or by going to gear drivien cams.
If you use gear driven cams, you will be using an aftermarket cam which will help to increase power.
This setup also eliminates the spring loaded cam chain tensioners, so they will never need to be replaced, nor will they ever cause a problem on the road , leaving you stranded.
Also, "one more thing to watch out for now" is a really bad idea.
If/when the bearings go defective, the result may well be catastrophic engine failure as has happened to thousands of unlucky folks that either waited for the problem to show itself or just plain didn't realise there was one.
Best to address it now.
It's never a good time or place for a cam bearing failure!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
Wally's info is on the money. The technical problem was that HD used roller bearings on both cams. The rear cam which carried the load of not only being driven itself but also drove the front cam. The roller bearing wasn't capable of carrying the load and was failing. HD replaced the roller bearing with a needle bearing thus eliminating the problem. Another option if not just installing the up-date kit is the SE hydraulic cam plate kit, http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 804
Likes: 1
From: Middle GA
Trending Topics
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,947
Likes: 5
From: Ontario, Canada
No,the build date for the bike is on it, but you need to contact the MoCo for engine build date.
In your case it won't matter though. If it's a 99', you've got the problem bearings, unless someone else has dealt with it.
How many miles on her?
In your case it won't matter though. If it's a 99', you've got the problem bearings, unless someone else has dealt with it.
How many miles on her?
Last edited by Wally; Mar 28, 2009 at 12:27 PM.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,716
Likes: 13
hd sent out letters to the original owners and in the letter the dealers/distributors were informed of a production change that occurred on December 14, 1999. The change they announced was from a ball style bearing to a roller style bearing in Twin-Cam 88 engines. The letter also outlined the Motor Company's intent to provide a extended warranty on this component. The warranty on the affected component was extended to 5 years/50,000 miles, whichever comes first. The warranty is intended to cover the rear outer cam bearing and any affected parts damaged if the bearing fails (Note: if you have performed any modifications to your engine it is questionable whether Harley-Davidson would have honored the warranty anyway).
Last edited by leohd; Mar 28, 2009 at 08:52 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 234
Likes: 1
Bigfokker, I also have a 99 ultra, same colors as your pic. I just rolled 22 thousand and no trouble yet but, I also was unaware of this issue. Crossing my fingers that the gentleman I bought the bike from who was a Shriner,( used it in parades etc) had this done under warranty. He was religious about his dealer service. I will be calling the dealer with my VIN Monday. If it turns out it was not done will Harley still warranty it? I ask because I had the bike in the shop last September for the famous "Tank Slapper" wobble and while there they said there was a TSB warranty on the main breaker and they replaced it.