Cam Tensioner Replacement Cost

K

Kool Aid

New member
I contacte the local HD to see about getting the CT's on my 05 Ultra checked. They charge 82.00 to check them and replace the gasket. If the tensioners are bad, then its right at 600.00 to replace them. Is this in line with what everyone else is charging. I am sure my indy will do it for less, but just want to check dealer prices.

joe
 
I just had mine replaced last week by a independent mechanic shop for $396.36. Front and back tensioners were $54.96 a piece and while he was in there he replaced the the stock cam bearings with S & S bearings for $49.99. The Labor was $45.00 an hour. A lot cheaper than taking it to the local dealer. The engine noise is gone now and the bike runs great.
 
From the price, I would assume you went with the original spring tension design tensioner. I was wondering how many miles you have on your bike and if you considered the hydraulic tensioner upgrade.
 
I would strongly consider the hydraulic setup, Andrews if you can afford it. Simple replacement just gives you another 30k miles; the hydraulic setup is almost permanent, and alot cheaper than gear drive. HD makes one that uses the old cams and the old style inner chain, it's cheaper; Andrews uses all new chains, cams, and tensioners. Any decent wrench can do it themselves. You'll have to buy a few special tools. Found the best deals on Ebay, next best price is Georges Garage. See Herko for the best kit prices.
 
No way would I pay $600 to put in new spring loaded cam tensiners. You're just kicking the can further down the road. I paid $700 for a complete gear drive cam kit with cams, gears, lifters, adj pushrods, bearings, and gaskets. You can buy the hydraulic upgrade kit from the discount dealers for $350. If you're not into turning wrenches, I'm sure you can find a good indy that will charge a fair labor rate to install either of these, and your bike will be forever improved.

just my .02
JR
 
As I stated in an earlier post, I have over 70,000 miles on my 05 Ultra. I hear no unusual noise, notice no difference in the engine performance. I am wondering if mine are bad, or maybe the previous owner might have upgraded them. What are the signs of the tensioners failing.

Joe
 
The SE tensioner upgrade was not available 3 years ago. Unless the previous owner put gears in, you still have the stock tensioners. If the previous owner put gears in you might be able to hear a slight whirring sound from the gears. If it were me, I'd open the chest and check. You can certainly do that yourself, especially with help from here. That is the easy part. If you don't feel comfortable changing them, then have a dealer or indy do it. 05's were famous for leaking/faulty valves so if yours is running strong with no valve issues and on the stock tensioners you certainly are lucky.
 
I converted my 2001 SERG in 2008 to the new hydraulic style and used the Andrews 37N cams. I ordered the cams and special tools from Dennis Kirk and all the HD stuff from Zanotti. I also installed new inner cam bearings, new lifters, new adjustable pushrods, all chrome fasteners. Parts were right at $800 with the 20% discount and tools were $200. So if you had someone do this that had done it before you would be right around $800 + $400 labor but that is a guess on labor as it took me alot longer than my estimated 8 hours at $45/ hour + shop supplies. Either way it is not cheap but if you can do your own work it will save some $.
 
Dawg, thanks for the info. I guess I must have gotten a good one. As stated no noise other than what other HD riders tell me is normal. Nothing out of the ordinary as far as performance,etc. Check the oil last time real good for any metal(used a strong as magnet to pass around in the drain pan, absolutely nothing on it. Again thanks for the help. Will check with my indy.

Joe
 
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