2013 Road Glide - 17,000 miles - purchased used at 13,000 miles June '14.

Problem - When applying the rear brake a very deep "thud" sound comes from the rear area of the bike. It almost sounds like a deep metal to metal knock. It is not a clanging loud metal to metal knock.

The bike does not have an ABS brake system.

This sound does not happen when applying the front brake.

Checked - The rear brake assembly appears to be solid with no unusual movement or sounds. Rear brake lever moves as it should with no unusual movement or sounds.

When the rear pedal is applied, the bike does not pull left or right and the bike seems to stop as it should. It just gives a loud knock and slight jerk when the rear brake is applied.

Muffler connections are all tight with no movements.

Have owned 7 Harleys (RK/EG/RG/HST) over many years of riding, but have never heard or felt the knock as this bike does.

Any ideas or has anyone experienced the same type of issue?

Thanks in advance for any solid advice or if anyone has experienced this and can provide some feedback.

If this is not listed in the correct forum area, let me know and I will list where it should be.

Jeff

 

shock bolts tight?

bottle of soda rolling around in tourpak?

jeez, I wonder if the IDS cush drive?

any recent work done?

mike

 

No tour pak. Nothing in saddle bags. I will check on shocks in the morning and post in the a.m.

Much appreciation,
Jeff

 

rear brake bumper(44351-00) did that on my 07.

 

Loose rear wheel axle bolt?
Maybe loose caliper bolts?

 

My first thought too! Might have to remove the rear wheel to check it's condition.

 

I'd also check that caliper closer. Make sure the tongue on the swing arm is actually in the grove of the caliper itself. Easy to accidentally mount it with the caliper sitting high. Then it would thump hard into the swing arm when the rear brake is applied.

 

Have you jacked up the bike and applied the rear brake while rotating the rear wheel yet?

 

I would take off the bags and any racks and ride it again and check. Then lift the bike with a MC jack, check the rear axle, swing arm bushings, pully, shocks etc. Then tie it down and run it and apply the rear brake and listen for it. Don't get the wheel going to fast as when you hit the rear brake the front end will dip as the weight shifts. I would have a strong friend help. Also, keep your hands and fingers well away. Just check youtube for idiots trying to clean their wheels with the bike running.

 

Thanks for all the ideas.

I checked the bolts on shocks, rear axle, and caliper--all were tight. I did not see if they were torqued to spec, but they were all tight. Checked under and around the bike. Didn't notice any rubs or marks indicating steel moving or hitting metal to metal.

The rear caliper appears to be lined up and solidly mounted. Don't have a lot of experience on rear calipers, but will look at my manual to see if I notice anything unusual.

I haven't jacked the bike up to hand turn the wheel, but that is on tomorrow's list to do. I'll try to take a video and post to YouTube with a link. Thanks for taking a look if you get a chance.

Thanks,
Jeff