Hi everyone. New to this forum and need some help. I've read some of the posts in this tread on primary noise but haven't seen anything similar to my problem. When I crank up my 2008 Ultra Classic in neutral, I hear a kind-of scraping noise or like a dry chain noise coming from the primary area. As soon as you put it into 1st gear the noise stops. But as soon as you take off in 1st gear and subsequent gears the noise comes back. Its pretty loud. Can be heard over the pipes. I've pulled the primary cover off and inspected the chain, chain tensioner, compensator, and clutch and they all seem to be OK. I refilled with new primary chain oil and the noise is still there. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

Sounds like your clutch is touching something. Is the noise gone when clutching? If so, it's one of two things, of there is something between the plates, that touch etch other, or when released, it's not completely released (still touching)

 

Sounds like your inner primary bearing may be toast. Better take it in to a shop or dealer if you arent up for that type of job. Drain your transmission oil and see if there is any metal flakes in the oil or on the drain plug magnet.

 

Thanks for the reply. When I'm idling in neutral the noise is there. When I place it in 1st, the noise goes away. If it was the primary bearing, wouldn't the noise be there constantly?

 

My 2010 Ultra with 19,000 miles started that in Panama City Beach last week. Same description as you got, makes noise in neutral, shift into 1st and it stops. Made it back home, 600 miles, and dropped it by the dealer. Sure was making a big racket by then. I think mechanic said it was the bearing on the front of primary, said he had seen several. Will let you know for sure when I get it back.

 

As KB said, it is the primary bearing.

When the engine is idling, in neutral, the mainshaft is spinning and you hear the noise.

When you drop it in gear, the mainshaft stops spinning, noise goes away.

As you release the clutch and start going, the mainshaft starts to spin again, and the noise comes back.

 

Thanks guys. After tearing into it, it was the inner primay bearing. Replaced it and its good as new.

 

Thanks for the update.

 

I think Harley needs to rethink the type of bearings they are using for the IPB position and use one that is not so sensitive to misalignment or axial or thrust loading. They are having way too many failures on that bearing. OR possibly designing a flange in the trans case casting that the inner primary case fits into that prevents any misalignment of the trans/clutch system. More dowels might work as well.