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Free Spirits Tensioner cause for concern.
https://ukbeg.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=11771
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Author:  Clepsydra [ 26 Jul 2011 22:15 ]
Post subject:  Free Spirits Tensioner cause for concern.

Recently fitted tensioner to my XB12. Alarmed to find after returning from my first ride out that the bolt holding it together at the pivoting arm was missing, obviously vibrating loose. Luckily the rear section that the bolt screws in to had not completely worked it's way out, and was just still in far enough to stop the unit completely falling apart. It doesn't take much imagination to picture the consequences of parts of your drivetrain coming adrift whilst riding.

Upon examining the remaining rear section it was clear that no loctite or similar had been applied, hence why it came apart.

I phoned Trojan Horse who wanted me to return the item for inspection. Something I considered a bit of a waste of time and postage, as all I needed was a replacement bolt, and to be honest if they had replaced or repaired it, then I would of taken it appart before fitting anyway, just in case a new one was the same, and to add loctite myself.... So I got an identical bolt from a local supplier, who gave it to me for free, now there's service....!!

I did e-mail Trojan to tell them I had sorted it but also suggested they warn other customers about the problem I had had. I have not had any sort of reply from them, so I guess they haven't. I am therefore taking it upon myself to warn you Buellers to check your nuts are secure before riding.

Pics below of the offending artical in the condition it was when I discovered it.

Image

Image

Author:  Maz [ 26 Jul 2011 22:45 ]
Post subject:  Re: Free Spirits Tensioner cause for concern.

Looking at those pix, you'll be losing the pulley bolt next (and chaffing the oil supply line) ........and there's no sign that you fitted the washers between the tensioner and engine block.....did you ?

Author:  Clepsydra [ 26 Jul 2011 22:52 ]
Post subject:  Re: Free Spirits Tensioner cause for concern.

Yep, spacing washers fitted. Pully nut is locking type and is secure as houses. The pully bolt is slightly short due to the dome cover I have over the bolt head which screws onto a thicker washer.

http://www.roundcaps.com/SSRC%20on%20W.htm

Locking bolt is reversed so as to grip and yes, longer bolt is on to do list.

Author:  daywalker [ 26 Jul 2011 23:09 ]
Post subject:  Re: Free Spirits Tensioner cause for concern.

Nyloc nuts are designed to work with the plastic bit near the end of the bolt and not like that (I have never seen one fitted like that before)

Author:  Maz [ 26 Jul 2011 23:32 ]
Post subject:  Re: Free Spirits Tensioner cause for concern.

It's not a nyloc ?.....looks like it has a spring washer ? which is why I mentioned the oil supply line.....even built up properly the nut can sometimes foul the oil line :idea:

Author:  Clepsydra [ 26 Jul 2011 23:50 ]
Post subject:  Re: Free Spirits Tensioner cause for concern.

Yes a nyloc fitted backwards which works fine, and as I said longer bolt is on to do list, required due to thicker washer on outer side of unit. Thanks for pointing out the oil line fouling, it's fine at present, and will check when longer bolt fitted.

Post was supposed to be about tensioner, seems to of got side tracked... :?

Author:  Maz [ 27 Jul 2011 00:04 ]
Post subject:  Re: Free Spirits Tensioner cause for concern.

That's standard procedure around here lOl
I like to bate new users :twisted: especially those that post in tech.....and especially those that give up function for form/bling :roll:

Author:  deepsix [ 27 Jul 2011 08:32 ]
Post subject:  Re: Free Spirits Tensioner cause for concern.

Maz wrote:
That's standard procedure around here lOl
I like to bate new users :twisted: especially those that post in tech.....and especially those that give up function for form/bling :roll:


There are plenty of Master baters here so don't worry lOl

Author:  Nutah [ 27 Jul 2011 08:35 ]
Post subject:  Re: Free Spirits Tensioner cause for concern.

always worth a few people looking & playing devils advocate
just to make sure it's safe
good to see you warned others too about a potential problem :yup: nice one

Author:  STEVERS3170R1 [ 27 Jul 2011 09:58 ]
Post subject:  Re: Free Spirits Tensioner cause for concern.

I asked for the tensioner to be returned to us so that we could inspect it for damage and to make sure that the pivot bolt was installed correctly (If you fit it too tight the pivot won't work and you risk breaking the tensioner!!).

You took it upon yourself to 'fix' it and I did contact you afterwards to tell you that this would void the warranty, but didn't hear from you again.

Both Free Spirits and us take any potential faults very seriously and are always willing to carry out warranty work if required. You decided not to take us up on that offer but then post here moaning about it.

This is NOT a common problem and we have discussed it with Free Spirits at length. Having sold literally thousands of these tensioners all over the world we are happy that the quality control is as good as it can possibly be with a moving mechanical object.

Matt
Adrenalin-Moto

P.S I can't post under my own sign in name as I am somehow blocked from signing in here for some reason :)

Author:  Clepsydra [ 27 Jul 2011 10:19 ]
Post subject:  Re: Free Spirits Tensioner cause for concern.

STEVERS3170R1 wrote:
I did contact you afterwards to tell you that this would void the warranty, but didn't hear from you again.



Nope, never heard from you I'm afraid and I have left it quite a while before posting to give time for this to happen. If I had heard I would not of felt compelled to post here.

... and where in my post am I moaning..??? I am just pointing out a fault I found with a commonly purchased item that could have serious consequences if failure occured when riding, which I consider a sensible thing to do....

Author:  albert666 [ 27 Jul 2011 18:50 ]
Post subject:  Re: Free Spirits Tensioner cause for concern.

daywalker wrote:
Nyloc nuts are designed to work with the plastic bit near the end of the bolt and not like that (I have never seen one fitted like that before)


oh i have, plenty of times :shock:
and on exhausts
exhaust=heat, heat +nylon hmm, wonder what will happen there ;)

Author:  rik [ 28 Jul 2011 13:18 ]
Post subject:  Re: Free Spirits Tensioner cause for concern.

albert666 wrote:
daywalker wrote:
Nyloc nuts are designed to work with the plastic bit near the end of the bolt and not like that (I have never seen one fitted like that before)


oh i have, plenty of times :shock:
and on exhausts
exhaust=heat, heat +nylon hmm, wonder what will happen there ;)



...and don't they smell vile when the inevitable does happen.... :D

Author:  airbraker [ 01 Aug 2011 22:25 ]
Post subject:  Re: Free Spirits Tensioner cause for concern.

Exactly the same happened on my xb9. I noticed it and the pully had worked its way out a little. I phoned up free spirit and they sent me a couple of replacement bolts. The bolts had a security end though like a alen key with a nipple in the middle. I had to go and buy a special set of do'er up'ers could'nt just buy one. If they are kind of delicate so you cant wind them up real tight. I watch the bolt all the time now.

Author:  kevmean [ 02 Aug 2011 22:56 ]
Post subject:  Re: Free Spirits Tensioner cause for concern.

Clepsydra wrote:
Yes a nyloc fitted backwards which works fine,


Remember though that if you fit a nyloc nut backwards you can not torque it up correctly as the piece of nut with the nylon insert in will deform ;) may work ok in a situation where no torque is required.

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