PRIMARY CHAIN TENSION SHOE

Energy One
B

BubbleHead

Big Dog Biker test account
ANYONE KNOW IF THIS PART IS PROPIETARY TO BIG DOG ONLY? IS THERE A HARLEY MODEL THAT WILL WORK OR IS THE SAME PART. I HAVE 15,000 MILES ON MINE AND IT'S STARTING TO SHOW SOME WEAR. ALSO DO I NEED TO REPLACE THE CHAIN AS WELL AS THE SHOE? I HAVE A 2007 CHOPPER
 
Sparks

Sparks

Chopper Junkie!
I'm not sure about the 07 models as for the tensioner, but I would say in general it's time to replace the chain when you can no longer adjust out the slack or it's showing signs of extreem wear/damage.
 
W

woodbutcher

Mr. Old Fart member #145
Staff member
BigBlueDog said:
ANYONE KNOW IF THIS PART IS PROPIETARY TO BIG DOG ONLY? IS THERE A HARLEY MODEL THAT WILL WORK OR IS THE SAME PART. I HAVE 15,000 MILES ON MINE AND IT'S STARTING TO SHOW SOME WEAR. ALSO DO I NEED TO REPLACE THE CHAIN AS WELL AS THE SHOE? I HAVE A 2007 CHOPPER
Click to expand...
BBD, something is wrong somewhere. Ray just replaced his before sturgis at 55K+ and, if i remember reading right, it was only the shoe.
 
Raywood

Raywood

The Pirate
Staff member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
As Wood stated I had over 52,000 miles on mine before replacing and it was worn but as long as you keep it tight (adjusting the tension) it sould be okay. I replaced mine with a stock replacement show I got from Nelson and I thing they are stock HD replacements but don't hold me to that.

If your's is worn then you may have let your primary chain run loose to long. It's only $8 bucks so an easy replacement.

How is your clutch doing?

:flag:
 
B

BubbleHead

Big Dog Biker test account
Ray my clutch is doing fine. The main nut is still tight. Plates are showing no real signs of wear. The shoe only has a very slight groove in it. I did leave the chain unadjusted for about 12,000 miles. I first adjusted it at 2500 miles and then not again untill today at 15,000. I'm thinking I better keep a closer look at it and check it at every oil change. It still has about another inch of adjustment left in the adjuster travel. I heard a knocking sound for the last couple of days and I thought I better check the primary and low and behold, it had about an inch of freeplay. I adjusted it to 1/2 hot. It's quiet now and no noise coming from the primary. Funny thing is it wasn't lurching or jerking before I adjusted it, just noisy.
 
Fibersnake

Fibersnake

Banjo Playing PsychoBilly
BBD,

The shoes will show some wear over time but are easy fixes. If the chain is still in good shape and should be, no need to replace it. Just adjust as per the O&M and you should be good. Be careful not to get the primary too tight though, if I recall right 5/8-7/8 at the tight spot.

The 1/2 may be too tight. I know on mine, that there seems to be a perfect spot of the notches of the adjuster, one down and it too loose, one up and it is too tight. Overall a PITA to get it perfect.

Oh a good time to check out that clutch cable and do the maintenance on it and inspection-Take my word on that one. Not fun shifting the old match the RPM method!!!!!!
 
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G

Gas Man

Cool isn't cheap
Calendar Participant
Fiber... hold your roll... rider weight on the bike... WHY? Its not going to change anything with the primary chain...

key word primary chain not final drive belt....

Maybe another drink bud? :cheers: I'll buy!
 
Fibersnake

Fibersnake

Banjo Playing PsychoBilly
GasMan,

Can not hold my roll since right now the Mastiff is not rolling due to broken clutch cable. Good point on the seated rider though. Not sure what I was thinking, will go back and check that again!

Maybe it was not drinking before posting!!!!!

Update: Sorry GasMan, corrected the original and not sure what the hell was going through my mind. It must be this recent thing called work that is throwing me off. Either that or got Alz and start to show symptoms going from talking abotu primary and moving to drive belt!!!
 
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G

Gas Man

Cool isn't cheap
Calendar Participant
:cheers: Fiber... I have been there bud!

Sorry to hear the scoot is only rolling by push...
 
lee

lee

Well-Known Member
I'm with Al on the Hayden

RRRUFF - the chain tension will not be equal all the way round if you turn the rear wheel. Same with the final drive belt I believe.
 
Mad Dog

Mad Dog

ValueTeck Enterprises
Sounds like the same recommendations for my HD. 5/8 cold on the tight spot while turning the rear wheel. 36K on mine and although the chain is worn down into the shoe somewhat with proper tension dealer says it has a lot of life left. If the edges of your chain are higher(most are) than the center then it is normal for the edges to wear in.
 
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