How To Harley Davidson Road King Compensator Repair

How To Harley Davidson Road King Compensator Repair. This will show how to remove and install Harley Davidson Road King Primary cover. This ended up being a loose compensator bolt on the Spring pack. This is where all the noise was coming from.
The tools needed and what to look for.
Tools Needed.
Hard rubber wedge.
3/16 allen head
11/2 socket
Any questions just ask.
#harleydavidsonfix
#harleydavidsonrepair

[@knobs1951]

I just bought my first Harley. I'm 70 years old and I run across your videos on Harley Maintenance. I just want to say you should be a maintenance instructor. Your clear and understandable presentations are fantastic. You've helped me tremendously in my ability to work on my Harley myself. Thanks so much for what you do in helping inform us viewers on Harley maintenance.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Good luck with your new ride. Thank you for watching and your sub Dave. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@juanruiz1260]

I’m in the process of purchasing an older bike and have been enjoying your videos. So far you have been the only tack that really explains step by step and clear as daylight on everything you do. Your not like other tacks that speed up the video so you really can’t see what their doing. Thank you! For taking the time to help other bikers.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Juan. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@patrickostrom2762]

Enjoyed your do it self video! Slow with detail and short cuts and fully understand procedure,thank you!

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Pat. Let us know how this works out. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@lamarcusware312]

Thanks for this post its a life saver. just finished building my 97 Road King and heard the noise and was sick then found this video "THANKS AGAIN"

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Lel'Marcus. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@ehrend2010]

Thank you. My bike was doing the same thing. 2006 Road King . Followed your steps got it fixed.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help, Any questions just let me know. Thank you for watching and your sub Ed. Ride safe and have a great day

[@daniellshine7971]

Glad you were able to avoid that loose nut coming off and arrive home safely and also save on the part return . Great info to avoid big problems

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Thanks 👍

[@roadtaco3924]

Thanks again for sharing so much knowledge. Can’t explain how much more comfortable i am working on my 05 RK. Please ride safe. And thank you sir. 🙏🏽

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub.Michael. Ride safe and have a great day

[@eriktoole9215]

Thank you so much for the video. I’m confident that I can fix mine now.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Any questions just ask. And you definitely can do it. Thank you for watching and your sub Erik. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@cmmhelmond]

Great stuff Rocco 👍 Thanks for the video and also the inspiration to tackle these jobs myself 🙏👍

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Any questions just ask.. Let us know how it works out. Thank you for watching and your sub. Chris. Ride safe and have a great day. Stay warm..

[@haroldwiser2641]

Thanks for the video Rocco and that is one gorgeous bike!

[@TwoWheelRocco]

I love that bike. Thank you for your Sub Harold. Any questions just ask. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@ridermotorman1320]

Brother Rocco you are very good at what you doing and very organized and clean 👍👍👍👍

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Thank you for your Support. Ride Safe and have a great day. Any questions just ask.

[@eguyntx1812]

Excellent diagnosis and fix thanx for another informative video!

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to Help. Thank you for your Support.

[@FIREMANDAN586]

excellent video, i had just changed the gasket behind the inner primary. 2 months ago. im getting the same sound, 06 road king classic. ride it far and hard. Your video gave me hope that i have the same issue. Going to go get a new torch wrench. Broke the last one during the work i was doing. Thanks again and ride/stay safe.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to Help, Let us know how it works out. Thank you for your Sub Dan. Any questions just ask. Ride Safe and have a great Day.

[@FIREMANDAN586]

It worked out great, bought a new tork wrench and back to normal. Riding hard and living life. It was the compensator nut.

[@onOnewheel_jay]

every problum ive had with my bike you have had a video with a solution thank you rocco

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Young maple. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@maxheadflow]

Couple of things.. 1 you should have removed the nut, cleaned the threads and used some red loctite on the threads before torquing. 2. While I'm not too fond of the locking block and prefer a jam bar, you should remove the tensioner before torquing the nut or you'll either bend it or crack the shoe.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Thank you for the input, Noted. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@francoparchamento5363]

Thank you very much for sharing your video. I have learned something from you. Franco from Sacramento, CA.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Franco. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@jimoltersdorf9238]

GREAT JOB ROCCO! THANKS!

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for all your support.. Have a great Holiday.

[@Neverendingadventure]

Thank you for doing these videos! You have helped me on several occasions.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub George. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@AlfaKenyBody]

At the original dealer, just parking your bike there, 200 bucks. Thank you for always posting great content and glad nothing happened in your way back from Daytona!!

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@ronaldwaddell3135]

Well done, I always wanted a road King.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

I love them. Great all around Bikes. Thank you for your Sub Ronald. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@edgreenman661]

Thank you for your help. Going out now to check mine. Making the same noise it seems.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Ed. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@carlwinwindom6076]

BROTHER! Thank you for sharing! That's EXACTLY what happened to me! This video may have saved me a BUNCH OF TIME 😊

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. I'm happy everything worked out. Thank you for watching it all your support. Carlwin. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@30pvfd]

Thanks rococo I have a 05 ultra classic tc88;you just saved me 600 bucks!,,,

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. . Thank you for watching and your sub Chief Pvfpd. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@PrettyCrafty310]

I wish I saw this video before I just took my bike to HD for this very problem! I found your video doing exactly what you recommend, knowing your bike.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. It seems that compensator is a weak link. To replace mine on my King last week.. Thank you for watching and your sub Meghan. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@ablehome2003]

Knowledge is power. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Any questions just ask. It's very rewarding when you don't have to pay a shop to do the work. Thank you for watching and all your support ablehome. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@chrisdonnelly5932]

Thanks for posting this Vid Rocco! I have been looking for a swivel hex key similar to the one you used in the video. I haven't been able to find one with the type of play yours has on the end. I have check harbor freight, lowes, and Home Depot but no luck. Thanks again for making these great videos.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

No problem 👍. Take a look at this page. www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=swival+ball+allen+3%2F8+sooket+set&_sacat=631&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=631&_odkw=swival+ball+allen+bit+set. Hope this Helps, Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Chris. Let us know how this works out. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@mikeburton1703]

great job of showing us this

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Mike. Ride Safe and have a Great Day.

[@edgreenman661]

Just a FYI, read that Harley had a fix for that put a .60-.70 thousand shim between nut and compensateor and lock tight on threads. Reason is compensateor nut bottomed out and isn't fully tight.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. That happened in 2020 all I did was re-torque. and has never given me a problem. Thank you for tip and your sub Ed. Ride safe and have a great day

[@danlocke6213]

Thx man! Great help! Tate into tomorrow!

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Dan. Let us know how this works out. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@eurotest938]

Perfect, just perfect explanation(s), thank you very much...

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Any questions just ask. It is an easy fix. Thank you for watching and all your support. Ride safe and have a great day

[@charlesmobley2289]

That is so surprising. Mine was loose the same way. Thanks for the video.😊

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Very common problem. Thank you for watching and all your support Charles. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@dennydaniels8622]

Wow thank you thank you! helped so much and what a beautiful bike. The video was so detailed. I love my bike and it heartbreaking when you hear that noise not knowing what it is. Mine has that noise but intermittent so fingers crossed it’s simple. I just turned 10k on my Electra Glide ‘06 88 so here goes…..AWSOME VIDEO NEVER THE LESS

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Denny. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@goodboyringo9716]

I would have removed and checked it for wear. You didn't put lock tight on it either. You also should have checked & adjusted the chain tension . These Harley compensators are junk, Harley changed them a few time but somewhere around 2014 they built a good one.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your comment Ringo. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@alexkrim1880]

Thank you sir. My bike is making the exact noise. You probably saved me a ton of money.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Very popular problem. Thank you for watching and your sub Alex. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@alexkrim1880]

@@TwoWheelRocco my compensator nut was stripped. Had to order a new one. It dug into the primary cover in that had to be replaced too. Everything's running like a Swiss watch now though. Thanks again for your help

[@TwoWheelRocco]

@@alexkrim1880 happy to read all is well. I was surprised to when I seen mine. I have heard of many people with the same problem and it cost them a lots of money to replace good parts. Thank you for sharing. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@harleyrider8085]

Hey Rocco as always great videos! As a friendly suggestion you should just keep the compensator as a spare you never know when you might need it. For me at that price and genuine Harley part can't go wrong

[@TwoWheelRocco]

I have to agree with you.. I did not send it back. Thank you for your Sub and comment. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@kpusa3278]

You got to recognize this guy as a thief who buys used parts and then Returns His broken ones so he has no moral values just a cheap ass it's an adventure screw over someone else's day when they buy the parts off of eBay that he returns

[@Leroy-dm4bc]

You got real. Lucky there. I'm glad for you and I like your videos. I'm from Delaware Leroy

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. I agree I got very lucky. made it home. That thing was chatty. Every time I pulled off it would loosen and get ugly but they designed it so that bolt can not work its way off. Thank you for watching and all your support Leroy. Ride safe. Have a great day. Love those Road King..

[@harleydavidsonbeginner5428]

This is an excellent video. I really hope this helps me fix my rattle. My bike has also only covered 3,000 miles on a Twin cam 2004 Fatboy. Many thanks,

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub. Let us know how this works out. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@harleydavidsonbeginner5428]

Yes, i took the cover off. I had exactly this issue. Brilliant. thanks

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy all went well. Back on the road...

[@grumpymf8913]

Good video, glad you got it going. In addition to applying locktite I'd have put an automatic chain tensioner in.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

I agree. Money is a little tough these days. But thank you for your comment and your sub John. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

@@TwoWheelRocco The manual tensioner works great. Its the Harley auto tensioner that causes damage.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Thank you for your insight..

[@glenmclendon9209]

2002 softail is making a noise from my primary . Hopefully that's the problem . Have a 2001 roadking classic . Better check it too .

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help, any questions just ask.. Thank you for watching and your sub Richard. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@maxheadflow]

One other thing. Depending on how long it was loose you might want to check the splines on the alternator rotor. They can wear out from rattling on the motor shaft.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Thank you for your comment. If she start to make some odd noises I will keep that in mind. She is running like new. Great Ride. Love my Road King. Ride Safe and have a great day Max.

[@timsullivan5328]

Great video! Thank you sir

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Tim. Let us know how this works out. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@exupakias]

Thanks a lot for this video.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub exupakias. Ride safe and have a great day

[@William1987GTA1]

Great video. Thx man!!!

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching lawyer support well. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

Did the same job on my 2010 Superglide C. Used a Baker compinsator & Haden auto chain tensioner. Worked out great. This should be a recall repair.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Thank you for your input I will keep that in mind. Harley sucks and I really do hate to say that. But they need to step up to the plate. We spent serious money on these machines American. This is why it's a must to work on your own machine. Thank you for your supportJim. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

@@TwoWheelRocco I agree! Until Harley takes a serious look at how they design and manufacture their bikes it will be the only Harley i ever buy. If there's any other probs, other then regular "wear & tear" with mine it will be traded in for a Rocket 3, or a V-Max.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

@@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234 I truly hope they do figure it out, they're losing a Lotta young customers. Ride safe and have a great day

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

@@TwoWheelRocco And to you sir!

[@matthewpfitzner3848]

There is a tsb M-1170 from May 27, 2005

[@DIESELFUMESS]

The reason why your compensator nut worked loose was due to the springs being fatigued. Harley had a problem with that design, and the other problem they had is the nut itself is too long. So no matter how hard you torque that , you're just tightening the nut and not the compensator . Well known issue. Some guys milled some off. I didn't like that. So, I found a perfect washer . Then, when I got it home, I upgraded the compensator itself

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Thank you for the insight. I haven't had a problem with it since but it does make a little noise. Which would be a little play. That washer would cure or milling that nut.

[@alkuerbis5712]

Good day good evening just ran across your ad or you’re filming on the compensator and do indeed it sounds like the same thing with the noise it’s making on mine. I could see it being a problem, but I’m gonna takeoff the inspection cover and see if that changes loose or the compresses sprocket is loose and furthermore, if it is then I know that I’m gonna have to tear tear part and tighten up the compensator big as it sounds like the same thing comes and goes especially idling

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. It's a very popular problem. You will have to take the primary cover off, to really get a look, Thank you for watching and all your support. alkuerbis. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@georgejanz1313]

Rocco, hello. I am assembling a '75 Super Glide. Yes, older bike for sure. Since you have a great vid here describing diagnosing a compensating sprocket issue. Mine is similar - when I assemble the compensator sprocket and torque it to 150 lbs, I can still turn the cover with my hand. The cover contains the spring, like on your Road King - so although older, basically the same. I went ahead a acquired a cover/spring - that's where I suspect the problems is. Would appreciate any insights or enlightenments. Thanks

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Hope this helps. 1979 harley davidson shovelhead compensator. Let us know how that works out. Thank you for watching and your sub George. Ride safe and have a great day, patience with these old bikes I'm working on one myself.

[@daniellittle3228]

Love your videos man, they’ve helped me out a lot. I was hesitant in working on my 06 road king classic, but watching your videos kinda kicked me in the ass and gave me the confidence to wrench on my own bike and save tons of $. Thanks! Stay safe out there! Slainte!

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy To hear that., Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Daniel. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@robertglancy4474]

Thanks for the info...now I know if I have the same noise on my Road King pull the cover off first and make sure everything is tight before I buy the part.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. absolutely I've done a few they will be loose. Easy fix just take your time and be patient. Thank you for watching and your sub Rob. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@Ozplatelickerscovidcon]

Good instruction thank u

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and all your support Oz. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@carlgilmore9821]

I see you using 20w 50 motor oil in primary. Do you use it in all 3 holes? Any problems doing that? I just changed oil before putting my FLH up for the winter and used Mobil 1 syn v- twin 20w 50 in all 3 holes. Just wondering your experience. Thanks Rocko - another great video. Always look forward to them.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

I was a big Mobil 1 fan. I started using Lucas MC synthetic 20/50 and I feel a noticeable difference. Try it and let us know what you think. Thank you for your Sub Carl. Any questions just ask. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@Larry-ze9xi]

Hey Rocco, A while ago I posted a question about a 2005 sporster with a knock in the primary. You advised to check the compensator nut, it took a little bit to get gaskets sent to me, but today, sure enough, I opened up the primary to find the compensator nut was loose enough I could turn it by hand. I will thghten it up and recheck for noise. THANK YOU!!! Also can you advise a torque setting, I read 150, 160, 160 plus 40 degrees, 210, 250, my local harley shop won't share these specs. Also Red locktite? Thank you so much I really appreciate it!! Thank you again!!! Larry

[@TwoWheelRocco]

HD Service Bulletin MD-1170 - Compensating sprocket torque procedure. 150-160 ft/lbs is compared to the new torque procedure. I lubed the sprocket nut up with oil under the head, tightened to 75 ft/lbs, then 160 ft/lbs. The nut only moved about 10 degrees past the 75 ft/lb mark. I have no idea what I tightened the nut to in ft/lbs, but I did get it to go the 45-50 degrees specified in the service bulletin. No locktite. Hope this helps, Thank you for your Support Larry. Let us know how this works out. Any questions just ask. Ride Safe and have a great day. I tighten to 175 ft./lb in 3 steps, job done, No locktite. Harley try to make things complicated.

[@dbaker3264]

272 loctite on the comp center bolt with the threads de-greased on it and the shaft threads, or the bolt is going to loosen up again.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

You are right, I figured I'd revisit it but it never loosen and the compensator is not acting up. But it is in the back of my mind. Thank you for your insight and Sub. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

@@TwoWheelRocco any problems with it loosening back up yet?

[@TwoWheelRocco]

@@whatyoumakeofit6635 not at all not even not even the slightest problem. I was a little surprised myself. Thank you for watching D. Ride safe and have a great day

[@rocconido2192]

I liked the video felt like i was hanging with one of my buddies in the garage

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your sub Rocko. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@roccohall714]

@@TwoWheelRocco thank you very much and that was my problem it was Lou again thank you

[@TwoWheelRocco]

@@roccohall714 Happy to read all went well. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

right..lmao. Rocco's the man, would love to buy him a drink and go ridding, with him,eh.

[@badsanta518]

maybe if you had buddies...

[@blackjack7733]

Thank you.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Support. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@philp1072]

Hey great video very informative! I'm going to ask a dumb question as a new Harley owner how do you convert foot-pounds to inches and vice versa

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Foot pounds into inches divide foot pounds by 12 will equal inches as 12 inches to every foot. Thank you for watching and all your support Philip. Ride safe and have a great day. I love Road King great machine.

[@robertchapin3683]

Lucas Oil is good oil but I prefer Red Line full synthetic. They make a specific oil for the primary and another for the transmission.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

I agree Red line is in my primary it is the best product out there. Lucas is right there.Can't beat the price AutoZone 20/50 MC synthetic oil $10 a quart. Thank you for watching and your sub zaquery. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@jerryking1434]

Does the compensator become loose to down shifting...like you would a car or a truck...???

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Well that should not be a problem. If all is well. Hope this helps. Thank you for watching

[@dags6439]

Gday Rocco great looking rk what type of seat is that and how is it on trips?

[@TwoWheelRocco]

2002 CVO RK Seat. Harley part. And it is not to bad. It is a bucket type seat. It does have the slot for you driver backrest. I love that seat. Hope this helped. Thank you for your Sub. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@saintanthony7718]

Just wondering after running bike for awhile was noise suppressed , you ran it in video for a few seconds.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Yes all is well, that is my bike. I ride it everyday. Thank you for watching have a great day.

[@roccohall714]

I'm having the same problem right now myself I got it tore down where you are at but I did not check and see if that was Lou I'm getting ready to pull it off if I'm going paying the primary chain anyway but I am going to go check and see if that's loose cuz it is making the Racket and I do have the same play if you did not already spend that back maybe I can purchase it off you I have the same your motor is on a Heritage Softail 02

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Clean the threads put Loctite retighten the compensator nut and that's what fixed mine I don't know about yours but if it's just loosened up there's a good chances you don't need a new one. How many miles? Any questions just ask. Thank you for your sub Rocco...By the way, Great Name. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@redskool8498]

awesome rocco ... glad it was nothing big harley would of $$$$ well you no .. have a good one .. †

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Thank you for your Support. Yes that would of hurt for sure. Stay Safe my good friend. And have a great day.

[@look_its_cp]

Tha ks soooo much! Mine sounded like yours...but worse. But same thing, need new compensator. Bolt will not tighten.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to Help. Let us know how it works out.. Thank you for watching and your sub Clint. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@thomaschurch8383]

hey rocco. I had same problem on my 2004 night train. I bought bike brand new. nut came loose at around 2500 miles.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. It's a shame, That it is a bad design. Harley designed this stuff for shop service or trade ins. Make sure you do oil changes and your bike will last a long time, Great motors in those 2004 night trains. but you will be always wrenching something. That's my experience. Thank you for watching and your sub.Tom. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@pop4725]

had the same problem with my 2005 FLHT

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Scary sound....I thought she was going to blow.

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Hey bro...what size link chain you running on that? i got a 82 and its all the way ( looks like you have a 76 link ,loving all that adjustment space,damn it!)I am 1 knotch away from full adjustment? ,full adjustment gave me banjo tight...so i took it down to (tightest spot of chain, warm engine, 1/2 inch. ) btw, bro,i did put a new comp spring pack/cover kit, and i used a small .o70 washer after the comp nut, so it doesnt bottom out. the problem is, i DID NOT change the chain,10,000 miles on it. And i still have this deisel clapping sound, radiating through the engine, with vibration,( but i still have an inch more of adjustment) if that helps any.... did notice variable tight/loose spots in the chain, but then again, chain will stretch.... while doing correct adjustment, second time. seen my clutch basket teeth a little SQUARE, not pointy ,normal??? 30,000 on original clutch assembly. so in conclusion, sorry for ramble...must be a piston drop/warped crank, or bad cam bearings,primary bearing/race walk!! dont know.....gettting to the point, of giving up...please help,ty in advance, Rock! hope you and the family are well/safe. peace and hair grease.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

You got a lot going on there. These motors are very tough. All I did was inspect and torque comp bolt. I just put back together adjust primary chain and it ran great. The teeth are slightly squared that is normal. Keep it simple. Hope this helps.

[@backstreethero8173]

Nice film. Please take care of your bike, starting it on your liftstand! I noticed that you're bike moved when you start it. I tell you this because I see you love your bike 😅👍🏼 keep up the interesting movies.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Thank you for watching it all your support Back Street. Ride safe and have a great day. Thank you for the comment.

[@joegary3349]

Is the bike in N or 1st ? Want to check mine out. Should I try to move teeth while in nuetral or 1st gr

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help, the bike was off the ground and in first gear. I don't think it would matter in this case.. Thank you for watching and your Sub Joe. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@fredaustrinojr8186]

thanks man my flst was doing the same . not till after i watched your viedo did i no what it was well i get the parts next week so i cant wate to put the compensator on thanks an be cool. FAJ.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Let us know how it works out. Thank you for watching and your sub.Fred. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@philp1072]

Thanks for quick reply. Where did you get the wedge and what is it officially called? could you paste the link here?

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. I bought that on eBay. I will send you the link. Thank you for watching all your support Philip. Rides safe and have a great day. .www.ebay.com/itm/265356576745?fits=Make%3AHarley-Davidson&hash=item3dc87c07e9:g:uVoAAOSwmhphY~F7&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAABAA4up56L0LxL%2FhYKg8Dn6p0sM5cWNMpvXH%2FjuT1Zz%2Fm0Gm3mOngnQPJSCwEXeeVAlzhKJosCI16rClNnHtQDMKOehQcSVP25lbmOe7paGdZTYCEl%2Bi1xUprouyNBXT8ltC%2BIwko%2FtKSCcJKR0u2ix9HL1bAC5mhhcCPIpztr0iovECMQ3y9Fi9IA%2BCGWPK5209kbEgZ4td%2BuYQ9v%2FUlawSNVOwKNC3F6Dziq%2Bpjw8398HClm%2BYP8zJVOFVB4LBjK6JIoQjJe1Fsa7TQwrm0yDems7k%2B3XLexHmNpnV%2B2oK9gFku4gpP2vi%2Fl8o2yE%2BOer7OGnDnJ5KHA1gZGAiPTsUw%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR46q_qypYw. Hope this helps

[@kenmacleod9589]

Great vid, thanks so much. My friend has a 09 SG. When he starts the bike it makes a hell of a racket then it’s fine. Would this be a compensator issue as well?

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. That's a hard one, in time, he'll be sure. Pull the primary cover and see if the compensate is loose. Thank you for watching and all your support Ken. Let us know how it works out. I wish I could have more for you. If you want to send a video to my email [e-mail]. On start up, that is a major tell. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@kenmacleod9589]

I will do that. I may be inheriting this bike as well so wanted to ask. Thanks again TWR!!

[@bpland508]

Ur the man°!!!

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Any questions just ask thank you for watching and all your support Dpland. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@terryclay6668]

Thanks, that was a great indepth video. I think I have the same noise going on. I'm going to get into it tomorrow.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. It's very common for the compensated not to loosen up. Let us know how it works out. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and all your support Terry. Ride safe and have a great day. Have to love these Road King..

[@user-ki3ik5ie9n]

what' s size compensator bolt socket?

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy To Help, Any questions just ask Thank you for your Sub. Ride Safe and have a great day. Tools Needed 3/16 allen head 11/2 socket

[@CarlosGarcia-ls4hn]

Rocco, do you have any idea what causes those clunks in the compensator?

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help I believe most times they're loose, retighten use some red Loctite and see what you got. Thank you for watching and all your support Carlose. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@tonyguide11]

Rocco I enjoy all of your videos. I have started working on my 2003 Road King because of your videos. My question...I herd a noise coming from my bike. I don't hear in one of my ears so it is difficult knowing exactly where it was coming from. I took the bike to a tech that does engine and Dyno testing. He listened to the bike with a stethoscope and told me it was my clutch. So they replaced the entire clutch and basket but the noise did not go away. They then said it was the cam and tensioners, (even though I had the original Harley tensioners replaced 3000 miles earlier at a different garage)so they replaced the tensioner's with the hydraulic ones and did the cam plate ect. I now don't have a noise but I cannot get into neutral when the engine is running. When I watched your compensator video that made me think it could be the compensator. Sorry for the long message but what do you think?

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Harleys just make noise, How many miles?

[@tonyguide11]

Two Wheel Rocco 39,000

[@liv4music]

Bravo!

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Brian. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@ronaldmol4533]

What’s the engine more shaking white the nut loose?

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. It will be a lot noisier when that nut loosens up. shaking yes but the primary will be loud clanking compensator. You will know something isn't right. Any questions just ask. If you watch the video you will hear the sound, ugly. Thank you for watching and your sub Ron. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@TheMakarov9]

What's the name of that rubber tool you used to keep it from rotating? I'd like to order that

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Primary Drive Lock Tool with Step Harley OEM# 41214 Locking Wedge, Hope this helps. www.ebay.com/itm/Primary-Drive-Lock-Tool-with-Step-Harley-OEM-41214-Locking-Wedge/262566166159?_trksid=p2485497.m4902.l9144.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Thank you for that tip. They all help..

[@Sole-Survivor]

For years I've found your posts to be informative - I especially love the Honda posts, unfortunately for me you haven't highlighted a Honda in a long time - this is not a complaint because all of your posts are informative but merely to ask that you occasionally spotlight the unique features of the Honda.Repeat: This is not a complaint!!!

[@TwoWheelRocco]

You got it, Thank you for your Support. Any questions just ask. Next Honda I will do some Videos. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@exupakias]

I had the same problem but with damage.The compensator destroy completely my stator and and the magnets.Needs to pay 500€ for second hand parts.At this time i am checking this nut every 3 months.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

I don't blame your brother. Some scary noises. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@my2wheels]

Thinking about getting a used “VRod” anything I should look for?

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Low Miles, Indoor stored Beauty. Let us know how it works out. Thank you for your Sub. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@my2wheels]

Thanks for the reply back, but do they have a major problems?

[@TwoWheelRocco]

No they do not, Great running Bikes. You will love the ride.

[@stevekwall925]

What's the name of that rubber locking device ?

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help, Thank you for watching and your Sub Steve. clutch looking tool. Take a look www.ebay.com/itm/Primary-Drive-Locking-Tool-Lock-Hub-Nut-Twin-Cam-Evolution-For-Harley-Breakout/224125673630?hash=item342eee609e:g:24kAAOSwphNfPkUR. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@aulishakala7401]

Thank you, that’s the sound my bike has too! How much do I have to taten the big nut that was lose? Nice Work bro! I have a Roadking Classic 2006! Biker huggs! Aulis Hakala, Sweden Scandinavia

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. There's many different ways. I just torque it to 180 ' lbs. Use some red Loctite. Thank you for watching all your support Aulis. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Hey Rocco how you doing pal Richie from Queens thank you for the video I have an 05' five fat boy anniversary, how do you get your chain so tight? mine is at its last adjustment all the way at the top. 30,ooo miles on stock chain? I rebuilt my bottom end ,new crank /37 Andrew's cams/gear Dr, fueling cam plate (7o81 billet aluminum), high flow oil pump,my compensated bangs all the time!!

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

PS... Had to put a new s&s crank in, that was the knocking noise, crank was out .012 " peace bro

[@TwoWheelRocco]

@@-MrRichBiker1967 Ride safe and have a great day.

[@awedihdaira2786]

Thanks for the video , I got 2012 103 roadking classic making 2-3 clunking sound everytime I switch igintion off , absolutely fine when it start & ride .. it just when I switch the engine off, and the clunking sounds on the left where the clutch are same side with yours ... Do you think this is the compensation too ? Thanks

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to Help. Your compensator is the weak link on the left side bottom. That's where I would start. Open it up and inspect it. Let us know how it works out. Thank you for watching and your Sub Guatembak Lu. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@awedihdaira2786]

@@TwoWheelRocco thank you sir I will check it tomorrow 🙏🏻👍🏻

[@awedihdaira2786]

@@TwoWheelRocco quick update , I've checked those clank noise & exactly same like your case here , loose compensator bolt ! I've tightened up & noise is gone ! Thanks for the video again 👍🏻🙏🏻

[@TwoWheelRocco]

@@awedihdaira2786 Happy to read all is well. I know you're happy. Ride safe have a great day and thank you for watching.

[@rastroyfyah5630]

I would hold on to that part

[@TwoWheelRocco]

It has been over a year no problems. Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub RasTroy. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@donaldcook6997]

why did nut get loose?? nobody is showing WHY it backed off.. should it be checked at every oil change? Have not heard anything about it..does this happen often?

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. It happens with mileage. Usually 15 20,000 miles. Thank you for watching and all your support Donald. Ride safe and don't worry about it. It will give you a warning, odd sounds.

[@RonEngelen]

whats the wedge tool called or link to it on ebay if handy

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Hope this Helps, www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=harley+primary+wedge&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=harley+compensator+wedge. Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Ron. Let us no how this works out. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@markprivate_67]

Im hearing a similar sound with a top end tap as well

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help, what year what bike?. Thank you for watching and your sub Mark. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@markprivate_67]

@@TwoWheelRocco 1990 Fatboy #1313 of 4,400

[@markprivate_67]

@@TwoWheelRocco I put a link to a video of the noise Im hearing ii has since worsen to a louder tap when at operating temps 190- 210

[@boss9311]

c0uld this be the pr0b with my 2005 tc 88ci wide glide same n0ise?

[@TwoWheelRocco]

How many miles? If you want video the sound and send it to my email, ERocco [e-mail]. Happy to help any questions just ask. Thank you for your sub. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@boss9311]

@@TwoWheelRocco thx but it was the pr0bn als0 the chain was a little l0se as well. but thx again f0r the great vide0 sir

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to read all is well. Thank you for your update. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@arnoldpadilla6471]

Thanks for the video. It helped me with my troubleshooting. Did yours hold up? I could not find a torque specification. My manuel has instructions. 75ftlbs. Then turn the nut 45° to 50° more. I barely got it to about 42°. It was all good for about 5 rides. Now I'm experiencing the hard start when warm syndrome. Starts awesome cold. After a 5 mile ride. The starter chatters to start. Many say the starter clutch is bad. I think it's related to the compensator. Perhaps, I didn't get it tight enough. Thoughts?? Thank you.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. Mine held up. How many miles is on your bike? Thank you for watching and your sub Arnold. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day any questions just ask.

[@arnoldpadilla6471]

@Two Wheel Rocco so history on my bike. 2006 Street Glide. Did a SE 95in kit at 6k miles. SE211 cams. High compression. Rode it with no issues up to 20k miles on the bike. That would be in 2015. Stored it in a barn until 5 months ago. Changed all the fluids, cleaned the AIC. Started to ride it. Felt great for the first couple rides. Then the compensator went loose. Now my starter is acting up. Brand battery all so. The bike was well stored.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

@@arnoldpadilla6471 I would recheck your compensator. Before going down the road with the starter. Let us know how it works out. And happy you could do your own work. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

take a look www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-glide-models/475936-tightening-the-compensator-nut.html

[@arnoldpadilla6471]

@Two Wheel Rocco thank you for your response and input. I agree with you. I believe the compensator is still an issue. I've read in many forums. That they tend to only last 10k to 15k miles. Since I add a little more torque and horsepower. And got 20k, maybe I should count my blessings. I'm going to order a new one. Thanks a bunch.

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Thank you so much for the video, similiar, if not exact situation, im having, my ol' friend. jjust unwrapped my bike,( 2005 95' cu fatboy 15 anniv. silver) from winterizing, went to kick it over, and it felt like it locked up, stopped dead in its tracks. sounded/felt as the starter/comp, just locked. so i gave it 20 min, dropped the oil, and filter, with LUCAS 20W-50 MC oil. and it kicked over, nice a quitely/quiclkly, but then..THE DREDDED ROCKS IN A JAR/ GROWLING metal compensator sound? I DIDNT take the cover off yet, but what do you think? i prob, loosened the nut by the "starter lock up sound",eh. Now everytime i start it, it growls lightley but enough to hear it, esp if you put your ear to it. I was just hoping the fluid was still thick, yet...but after i let it run, shift back in forth in my garage for 10 min, the "rocks in the jar", were still audible. luv your channel. please give me a hint, my good man, ty

[@TwoWheelRocco]

I know the sound. Dreaded sound. But it's not that bad compensator loosened up as the bike starts it tightens up as a decelerated loosens up take it apart put some blue Loctite and reinstall let us know how it works out. Thank You for watching and your sub Rich. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

@@TwoWheelRocco Hey Rocco...you think it could be loose primary chain? i have the ol' self adjuster type, with the 9/16""' ,like you have. Im goin drop the fluid, and check tension, before ripping off the cover.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

@@-MrRichBiker1967 You will need to remove your primary cover to inspect the compensator or chain adjuster. Compensator bolt will be loose if that's your problem. you can watch the video you'll see where I show how to test the compensator sprocket. You should not be able to move compensator sprocket when properly tightened. Remove the cover and it will be clear, I hope this helps. let us know how it works out. Thank you for watching Rich.

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

@@TwoWheelRocco Ok..ty for taking the time. Rocco. it means alot, brother. Ride hard-die fast!

[@TwoWheelRocco]

@@-MrRichBiker1967 Only way to go. Let us know how it works out. Have a great day.

[@johnmacneil7262]

did you get the part from ebay???

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Yes I did. actually the compensator nut just loosened up so we reinstalled and everything's been fine. this is my personal motorcycle. If you have any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub John. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@ToddEdmondson]

Thank you. The test to see if the chain slack goes back and forth is a key point. Also, I love your attitude. Love it! Did you have any engine vibration at all or just the scary noise from that area?

[@TwoWheelRocco]

No vibration I just happen and I got loose as you see in the video scraping the primary cover. But I got to it and we figured it out. Hope this helps. Any questions just ask. Ride safe and have a great day

[@ToddEdmondson]

I took primary off and chain was a little loose so put to 5/8-7/8. The compensator was tight and seemed like it was tight to sprocket. I’m gonna torque to 150 (had to buy the 1 1/2 socket but I’m worried that I’ve found nothing that is causing the vibration unless it was the chain? Perhaps cranking that will tighten springs. Gonna do that, put all back together with new gasket and fill with Syn3 and see how smooth. Oil inside primary didn’t have much metal at all but it was filthy. Hope new oils helps too. Thank you for this video - makes life so much easier to do these things when you can see what’s coming. Harley when looking into this last year said Harleys vibrate but you need new brakes. ☹️ 2000 Fatboy

[@TwoWheelRocco]

@@ToddEdmondson Happy to help. How many miles on the motor? Thank you for watching and your sub. Todd. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@ToddEdmondson]

@@TwoWheelRocco about 60k I bought bike used in 2009 and it had lots of upgrades to it: stage 2, cams and I was surprised to see chain tensioner was still like new. I will put a pic of Motor on here and include link

[@TwoWheelRocco]

@@ToddEdmondsondoes the vibration change when you pull your clutch handle in?

[@petermessi9968]

I have an 02 Road King also.

[@petermessi9968]

I love maintaining my own bike too.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Great Bikes....Easy to work on.. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Peter. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@ericrhinehart5434]

Yeah, I sorta agree with the loctite suggestion. On my Motorcycles I use blue on EVERYTHING and red where it's engine grenade potential. Harley would have taken you for three to six weeks downtime and thousands. Mechanics are paid by the hours called out in their manuals, so replace everything every time!

[@TwoWheelRocco]

I agree with the Loctite. But I haven't had a problem with it. Besides the fuel pump. Thank you for watching ride safe and have a great day and do all your work, only way to do it. Thank you for your support Erc.

[@brendamcdaniel1958]

I’m surprised you didn’t clean and red locktite that compensator nut, it will probably come loose again, but next time you will know what that sound is. Do you have a service manual? Ride safe

[@TwoWheelRocco]

20,000 miles still waiting. I agree with the red. I did not think it would be such an easy fix. Figured I'd be replacing it with a new one I was wrong. Nice surprise. Thank you for watching and your sub. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@martinwall7297]

nice work,tks. but you should have flushed out or wiped out the inner primary of the casting debris from outer primary where the shit compensator rubbed.

[@TwoWheelRocco]

All went well, But you are right. Thank you for your Sub Martin. Ride Safe and have a great day.

[@liamcampbell7231]

Tks Rocco u 2

[@crspcritter]

Mine came loose on my 03 . After a few thousand miles it making noise in neutral and when clutch in . Well some guy said the nut bottoms out and you need to take .060 off end of nut or .060 washer on nut . 🤔 🙏✊🏻

[@crspcritter]

03 - 06 models 😁

[@TwoWheelRocco]

Happy to help. That makes sense. That is spring loaded. Thank you for your comment and all your support crspcritter. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@crspcritter]

@@TwoWheelRocco your welcome. After 60000 mi . Chain has stretched unevenly. Roll the chain and it’s snug in some places and 1” deflection in others . I have noise when clutch is in or in neutral. Tossing the Harley auto tensioner and getting the hot bike hydraulic tensioner from Southern Oregon choppers . This devise only applies enough to keep chain tension firm yet allows give on uneven stretch. Much like a spring loaded belt tensioner on automotive belt . Makes sense and allows for uneven stretch in chain . Ok ; I’m done 😁✊🏻👍👌

[@TwoWheelRocco]

@@crspcritter Thank you for your update. And let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.

[@crspcritter]

@@TwoWheelRocco will do ; you too sir - ✊🏻👍👌