Originally Posted by djl;[url=tel:20457531

20457531[/url]]The OEM inner cam bearings do not have the history of failure that the OEM tensioners do and there are thousands of Harleys with high mileage without failure for the OEM inner cam bearings. However, it is common practice to upgrade and replace the OEM inner cam bearings with the full compliment Koyo replacements if the cam chest is open which is usually to install performance cams and in that application upgrading the inner cam bearings is just part of the total upgrade. The Koyos are a superior bearing, cheap and easy to replace so, why not as part of a performance upgrade? I understand the OP is not changing cams but replacing tensioners and upgrading to CYCOs but is considering leaving the OEM INA bearings in place; not sure why. If the OEM inner cam cage which holds the rollers is damaged in any way during the R/R of the cam plate, failure is likely. I think anyone looking at a cutaway of both bearings can see the advantage of the full compiment Koyo; more rollers and no cage. An upgrade is an upgrade to me and IMHO, replaceing the inner cam bearings with the Koyo replacement makes sense but a "dealers choice".

If there is anyone that has responded to the OP and has changed tensioners without removing the cams, please post the tool(s) used and how the job was done; I have never done that. Using the CYCO tool and following the CYCO instructions to the "T" is important as well.

Originally Posted by brakeless;[url=tel:20457571

20457571[/url]]Reference my post #9. This tool will remove the inner tensioner without having to press out the camshaft.

Originally Posted by GOGOBECK

I reached out to the manufacturer, they discontinued the tool in December 2020!

Originally Posted by brakeless;[url=tel:20457592

20457592[/url]]GOGOBECK, You sound OCD just like me! LOL! Try not overthinking this. If it's simplicity you want the stock oil pump will work just fine.

Originally Posted by brakeless;[url=tel:20457595

20457595[/url]]Oh? I just bought mine a month ago. Maybe it was a last one on the shelf deal....sorry. Still, I'd do a broad search for one like it.

Originally Posted by GOGOBECK

So you’re the guy that got it!

Originally Posted by GOGOBECK

I want to not remove the cams, I’ve never heard that the roller bearing or the ball bearing in the cam plate are an issue… bike only has 17k on the clock.
I have heard many online posters recommending replacing the inner cam bearings “while you’re in there”. I don’t know if those opinions are based on the belief that the KOYO full compliment needle bearing is just superior to an oem caged bearing, or real knowledge that it is a superior bearing in this application! What I haven’t read are accounts of these bearings failing… maybe I just haven’t read enough! I do know that caged bearings don’t need as much oil to lubricate them… I think that’s their advantage, I believe also that caged bearings don’t tolerate as much lateral force as a full complement needle bearing.

I am only trying to do a bit of pm on known points of failure. In talking with a local indie wrench, he claims to have never seen a failure with the cam bearings, on either end on a TC88… but says he’s seen many an EVO suffer from the stock needle bearing failure.

Do you have first hand experience with any of these cam bearings failing?

Originally Posted by GOGOBECK

Thanks for the input.
I’ve been reading everything I can on this subject, a couple of thoughts that have me scratching my head… there are those that believe the caged bearing, in the TC88, is a better choice, due to it running cooler or needs less oil to keep it lubricated. Then those that believe the KOYO bearing is just a better bearing. I really hadn’t considered the possibility of tweaking the bearing on R/R… something else to consider.

I have further read, that bearing failures in the TC88 are generally associated with tensioner shoe wear (not necessarily failure).,the material sloughing off the shoes restricts oil flow. Many recommend replacing the oil pump with a high flow unit… I’ve seen high flow pumps from Fueling, Screaming Eagle and V-twin recommended.

I think I’m more inclined to worry over the oil pump than the bearings!!

Piece of mind can get pricey!

Originally Posted by djl

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If there is anyone that has responded to the OP and has changed tensioners without removing the cams, please post the tool(s) used and how the job was done; I have never done that. Using the CYCO tool and following the CYCO instructions to the "T" is important as well.