SE Compensator
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,453
Likes: 2,840
From: Oklahoma
My understanding is that the comps have been unchanged for many years. The folks who built their engines bigger than stock were the first to find the old comps inadequate, hence the SE comp. With the 96 ci engine becoming standard, the upper limit of the old comp had been slightly exceeded but it took until the '11 year to put the beefier comp on as standard equipment. Undoubtedly there was no coincidence that the 103 predominated the stock engines that year also and would have vastly overpowered the old comps. Almost anything with a factory 96 engine will likely need the beefier comp at some time.
I've had both issues.
The wheel bearings showed up when I changed tires at 15000 miles, and following the shop manual, I could not freely spin the bearings with my fingers. They were virtually froze up. I haven't had the problem since. I suspect the failure was due to the fact that the axles were over tightened from the factory. I really had to stand on the wrench to break the axle nut loose. I used the factory torque from then on.
As for the compensator, here recently, 25,000 miles, I started getting the banging on warm start-up, vibrations and primary noise. The compensator put it back to new. I disassembled the old compensator, and there were grooves cut into the sides of the compensator housing, and that's where the discs were hanging up.
If you change the compensator, read previous threads so you don't go through the hassle of removing the inner primary and starter, just shave the inner primary a little. It will save time, heartache and money.
The wheel bearings showed up when I changed tires at 15000 miles, and following the shop manual, I could not freely spin the bearings with my fingers. They were virtually froze up. I haven't had the problem since. I suspect the failure was due to the fact that the axles were over tightened from the factory. I really had to stand on the wrench to break the axle nut loose. I used the factory torque from then on.
As for the compensator, here recently, 25,000 miles, I started getting the banging on warm start-up, vibrations and primary noise. The compensator put it back to new. I disassembled the old compensator, and there were grooves cut into the sides of the compensator housing, and that's where the discs were hanging up.
If you change the compensator, read previous threads so you don't go through the hassle of removing the inner primary and starter, just shave the inner primary a little. It will save time, heartache and money.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 11
From: Mass/NH
Don't mean to hyjack the thread...but...
Wheel bearings already? This is my first HD bike...is there a known problem that the wheel bearings need changing at 15-20K? I got almost 10 on my 12 Limited...
Oh yeah...since am I am asking dumb questions already...what exactly does the compensator do? I know it is in the primary... I do not think my other bikes had a compensator...or maybe it was called something else...
Wheel bearings already? This is my first HD bike...is there a known problem that the wheel bearings need changing at 15-20K? I got almost 10 on my 12 Limited...
Oh yeah...since am I am asking dumb questions already...what exactly does the compensator do? I know it is in the primary... I do not think my other bikes had a compensator...or maybe it was called something else...
Stage II
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: btown
My 02 heritage was making clunking noise, thought it was a rod bearing, judging by the sound and area of sound origin. I tightened compensator sproket according to manuel specs. Now my engine just purrs like a heritage should.Took 3/4 hrs to fix. worth the time invested.
Have an 09 Classic and had the front bearings replaced at 18,000 mi and the comp changed out to a SE at 21,000. Was getting the big bang startup and generally sloppy driveline feeling. Have only been able to put on a 100 or so miles since the change but can tell you that there is a big difference. Feels nice and tight and alot quieter. Was done under ESP with no additional charge for the SE. Service said that is the replacement part now.
Last edited by Rico Rose; Dec 9, 2012 at 05:40 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, FL
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Mine were dealer replaced because of the Extended Service Plan. If I had to do it myself I would have gone aftermarket for the bearings.