when to replace primary tensioner
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 88
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From: Columbus,Ohio
when to replace primary tensioner
I have an '05 Road King w/24.500 miles. I have a friend saying that I have 'high mileage' and should replace the primary chain tensioner. Also some other tensioner. The manual says NOTHING, anywhere saying that at some specific mileage, I should be replacing these items. I can understand if they showed some sort of wear (what ever that mark might be) but replace at some mileage? for those that have worked on HD for years, your thoughts and suggestions? Is there something I should be looking for regarding wear? if there some magic number of miles? thx
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: MA
I have never heard of such a thing as changing out the primary tensioner due to high mileage and 25K certainly isn't high mileage. Many change it out to an automatic tensioner which eliminates a manual adjustment. I don't see the point of the automatic application personally. I check and and adjust mine at the end of every riding season when I change out my primary fluid. The adjustment takes all of 20 minutes. I just check the pad for wear.
The other tensioners that you bud is referring to are the cam chain tensioners. They should be checked at least once a year for wear and many DO change those out to the new hydraulic tensioners.
The other tensioners that you bud is referring to are the cam chain tensioners. They should be checked at least once a year for wear and many DO change those out to the new hydraulic tensioners.
Last edited by soos; Mar 13, 2011 at 07:23 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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are u talkin cam tensioner shoes? friend just took his 04 in to have them checked,they did need replace at 40,000 but when the wrench opened it up he found the inner cam bearing was also shot and had already done major damage.some have had cam shoe"s go as early as 20,000 but that is rare, i will have mine check or replaced every 30,000.
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Columbus,Ohio
Thanks all for your comments. trying to learn to wrench on my bike so want all the knowledge I can muster from anywhere possible. Folks here have gotten me thru a few other projects on the bike and been great help. @Soos, I'll look into the hydraulic cam tensioners for end of this season (if it ever gets here).
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,575
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From: N.E. OHIO
Cam tensioners is what some guys worry about on some of the little bit older models. Some change them out early, 25000 -35000 mi., to be safe. Some guys just run'em and keep their ears open, which I don't agree on. I think I'd try and go 30000 or so and change them out. Everyone has differendt opinions. Do a search here, lots aout them. They can be looked at/checked, kind of hard to see though.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Vermont
When it needs it.
For the cam tensioners (which I'm sure he was referring to) check them within the next 10k miles.
For the cam tensioners (which I'm sure he was referring to) check them within the next 10k miles.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Texas
My primary chain tensioner has 100,000 miles on it and it still looks good.
The cam chain tensioners were replaced once and I just replaced the old style cam plate with the late style and Andrew conversion cams. The outer tensioner looked OK both times I had it apart and the inner one was shot.
The cam chain tensioners were replaced once and I just replaced the old style cam plate with the late style and Andrew conversion cams. The outer tensioner looked OK both times I had it apart and the inner one was shot.
