Cam Chain Tensioners
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 333
Likes: 1
From: Northfield, NH
Cam Chain Tensioners
When do I need to start thinking about cam chain tensioners? I have heard different people having them fail anywhere from 15 to 60 thousand miles. To anyone that has replaced them, did you stay with the Factory parts or aftermarket? Do you just change the tensioner or gears and chain too? Anyone using gear drive and which do you like better? Are gear drives noisy? Anything else I need to know??
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,036
Likes: 65
From: Earth
If you are changing just the tensioners then the only option is the HD replacement parts. There is a new updated hydraulic set up that is the way to go. Now if you want to go to gear drive, and be done with it, and to answer your question you can. But need to make sure your crank run out is within spec and IF set up properly you will not have but the slightest "whine or whirring" noise. Which I thinks sounds good as I have them in my 06.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Sorry on a iPhone can't see the sigs. Anyway 2007 up have the new upgraded hydraulic cam tensioners. Don't have to worry about the old spring loaded ones. Just as good as gear drive and quieter.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 9
From: Southern Illinois
Did mine at 13000. Went gear drive and haven't really noticed an more noise than usual. Had an exhaust lifter collapsed and tensioners were 50% wore so for piece of mind made the change. The new hydraulic upgrade was not available or may have went that way.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 872
Likes: 20
From: Niagara Falls Canada
mine wore a bit in 12000 mile
I had 19000 km which justyt under 12000 mile when i did a engine upgrade and the outer shoe had small lines in it. the inner cam shoe was fine. I just finshed the winter build up on my motor this winter, 2 winter build up and replaced my compensator at 35000 km or 22000 miles and my shoe for the primary was stsrting to wear, i replaced it since I was in there. think the cam show was $45 usa and primary was $93 usa. I live on border so i get part in usa since they are marked up way to hiigh in can.
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Road Warrior
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