Cam chain tensioner bearing

dsrtrat · 08-18-2018, 12:16 PM

I recently did my cam chain tensioner extenders. I was wondering if someone could explain the purpose of the bearing and spring? I know what the tensioner does but to me, it goes in, u loosen the retaining bolt and the tensioner and everything clicks forward. Wouldnt the spring be enough? WHat does the bearing do?

Just curious

DragonLady58 · 08-18-2018, 01:44 PM

It centers things, allows frictionless out travel, so the spring allies all its tension to the cam chain follower/cam chain rail....
In laymans terms.....it reduces drag on the plunger....

dsrtrat · 08-18-2018, 03:06 PM

So does the plunger retract at certain points in the rotation of the chain and then plung to its max allowable by spring pressure at other times or does it extend to one notch and stay fixed until the next notch is reached with chain stetch?

redjay · 08-18-2018, 03:39 PM

The plunger moves forwards as the chain stretches. The chain might not stretch enough all in one go for the plunger to make it to the next notch so the spring keeps constant pressure until the tensioner assembly makes it to the next notch. Correct terminality is a ratchet and pawl. The spring is there to control backlash.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratchet_(device)

08-18-2018, 12:16 PM	#1
dsrtrat Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 221	Cam chain tensioner bearing I recently did my cam chain tensioner extenders. I was wondering if someone could explain the purpose of the bearing and spring? I know what the tensioner does but to me, it goes in, u loosen the retaining bolt and the tensioner and everything clicks forward. Wouldnt the spring be enough? WHat does the bearing do? Just curious Login or Register to Remove Ads
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08-18-2018, 01:44 PM	#2
DragonLady58 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Somewhere South of Alaska.... Posts: 2,351	It centers things, allows frictionless out travel, so the spring allies all its tension to the cam chain follower/cam chain rail.... In laymans terms.....it reduces drag on the plunger.... __________________ --------------------- Don't start no schit, there won't be no schit.... My Sarcasm is directly proportional to the amount of Stupidity involved --------------------- VBA#03239 VROC#37400 VRA --------------------- 2014 Vaquero 2001 Nomad FI 2003 Street Glide (sold) 1500 Meanie, fresh rebuild (sold) 90s BUBF Bobber (sold) 2001 UltraCycle FatPounder (Sold) 1975 HD ElectraGlide (Sold) 1982 Kawasaki Z1 Chopper (Sold) Suck It Up & Ride!
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08-18-2018, 03:06 PM	#3
dsrtrat Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 221	So does the plunger retract at certain points in the rotation of the chain and then plung to its max allowable by spring pressure at other times or does it extend to one notch and stay fixed until the next notch is reached with chain stetch?
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08-18-2018, 03:39 PM	#4
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,927	The plunger moves forwards as the chain stretches. The chain might not stretch enough all in one go for the plunger to make it to the next notch so the spring keeps constant pressure until the tensioner assembly makes it to the next notch. Correct terminality is a ratchet and pawl. The spring is there to control backlash. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratchet_(device)
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