The tensioners failed at about 55K on my 99 UC. They were covered under warranty along with the cam bearings and plate. I checked and replaced mine again at 110,000. They were not too bad yet, but since I was there anyway, they got changed. I bought the special tool to hold the sprockets while torqueing the bolts. A buddy's went out at 35K on an 03. see ya Ken

 

well i got 27 k and 10 months left on my warranty so ill find out. i get a ticking on the left side after riding bout an hour-occurs when i let off the gas . sounds like a lifter.

 

defintely time to change. My tech, who worked for the factory says between 20k ans 25k max. Maybe earlier

 

I think checking them at the mileage is the standard. No need to replace them if they are not worn that bad.

 

Mine has 32k and no noise yet, nor any sign of a problem in the oil filter, and last time I looked the outer tensioner looked pretty good. But, for me it's time for a change, so my geared cams, lifters, pushrods, etc. are at the local UPS waiting for delivery to my door next Monday. No sense worrying about tensioners any more.

 

If you hear the tensioners, it's too late. They're already worn into metal and it's being ground into little pieces headed for the oil pump. Most don't worry much about them since they trade before it's an issue. For the ones who keep their bikes, 30K is a reasonable mileage to at least have a look. Good oil, meaning synthetic, is a good preventative, if you plan keeping the bike. As for gear drive cams, they are a very expensive alternative. They can make additional engine noise which is why HD didn't do the same. Nothing wrong with the chain drive setup - just another maintenance area.

 

These things are all over the board as far as wear issues go. A friend of mine has over 83,000 miles on his '00 Road Glide, which has never had the cam chest opened up - all original! Go figure!

 

Bad thing about tensionsers: unlessyou look, you really don't know what's going on. And unless you pull the cam plate and look at the inner tensioner, you still don't know for sure. Too bad there's not a sensor that would give some warning, since it's such a PITA to check.

 

I may have to tear into it. Just replaced the head gaskets in April. It had the graphite ones on & started to leak, replaced with SE MLS. Where is the best place to get gear drivin & what brand? Might as well go with adjustable push rods while I am at it,what is the best brand for those as well? Thanks

Toby

 

I haven't found where HD says it's an inspection item. I've got 25K on my 06 now and 3 more years of extended warranty. I just don't see why I should be paying for the inspection cost. And if they are out of spec I also pay the replacement costs. Doesn't it make sense to not worry about it and just let the sucker blow up?