Chain Tensioner - please advise.....
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 654
Likes: 11
Chain Tensioner - please advise.....
Good mornin', guys.
I spent quite a bit of time reading the comments of the guys who purchased the new chain tensioner from SOHOTBIKES. Some provided pictures and with the input from many of the readers; installation didn't seem too hard.
I decided to order a new tensioner for my '06 FLHTCUSE.
I spoke to the supplier several times and in our conversation; different individuals told me a different part number was to be used on my scoot.
I sent them an email confirming my bike type and requested that they make sure that I receive the right unit.
I receive the "wedge 2" tensioner from them. It is a lot thicker that the existing chain tensioner and in no way will slide in place between the chain and the casing. Absolutely - no way. The instructions that I received with the unit had one instruction "blackened out". That instruction said to slacken the chain by about 1/2". If one would do this, then yes, the unit would side in place. I read the shop manual and no way do I feel qualified to "slacken" the chain, nor do I have the O-rings, gaskets and special HD tools required to do it.
I'm just wondering if anybody else with a '06 has suffered the same frustration as I and what was the outcome?
I spent quite a bit of time reading the comments of the guys who purchased the new chain tensioner from SOHOTBIKES. Some provided pictures and with the input from many of the readers; installation didn't seem too hard.
I decided to order a new tensioner for my '06 FLHTCUSE.
I spoke to the supplier several times and in our conversation; different individuals told me a different part number was to be used on my scoot.
I sent them an email confirming my bike type and requested that they make sure that I receive the right unit.
I receive the "wedge 2" tensioner from them. It is a lot thicker that the existing chain tensioner and in no way will slide in place between the chain and the casing. Absolutely - no way. The instructions that I received with the unit had one instruction "blackened out". That instruction said to slacken the chain by about 1/2". If one would do this, then yes, the unit would side in place. I read the shop manual and no way do I feel qualified to "slacken" the chain, nor do I have the O-rings, gaskets and special HD tools required to do it.
I'm just wondering if anybody else with a '06 has suffered the same frustration as I and what was the outcome?
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 2
From: DUNDALK,MARYLAND
It's not a big thing. Just a side cover and a couple bolts to change over. I like the way it worked on my other bikes. And have to put another one on this other 04 RG I have just bought. Easy job one step at a time.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,535
Likes: 15
From: Salem, Va.
I ordered one for my 09 and after recieving it I looked at it real close and decided not to use it because I didn't believe what they said about the hydralic action. From what I saw it was a spring loaded tensioner that sat in an oil bath. Sent it back to them and they refunded without any problem.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I can only suggest you phone them while with your bike and tensioner in front of you, so they can talk you through your problem. That way they should be able to tell if you have the right parts.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 73
From: MA
HUH? What came stock in '07's and up? The SoHot POS? Care to clarify?
Last edited by soos; Dec 8, 2010 at 05:43 PM.
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
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Update.
Thanks for the responses. I did talk with Roger from SOHOTBikes.
As always a simple omission in the installation instructions is the root cause of the problem.
One has to disassemble the backing plate from the wedge prior to trying to do the install.
Mount only the backing plate first then rebolt the wedge to the BP.
If those steps would have been included in the instructions; the job would have been completed last night.
Will let you know how things went to-morrow after the installation to-night.
Ride In Peace
Thanks for the responses. I did talk with Roger from SOHOTBikes.
As always a simple omission in the installation instructions is the root cause of the problem.
One has to disassemble the backing plate from the wedge prior to trying to do the install.
Mount only the backing plate first then rebolt the wedge to the BP.
If those steps would have been included in the instructions; the job would have been completed last night.
Will let you know how things went to-morrow after the installation to-night.
Ride In Peace
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,776
Likes: 2,607
From: san antonio
Totally agree. Have heard many stories about the hydraulic units tightening up on their own and causing problems. The regular pre '07 tensioner works fine; spend your money on something worthwhile.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
Yeah, they worked just fine until they fell apart without warning, leaving riders stranded by the side of the road. That's why there was an upgrade in '07.