Sounds Like Front End Is Loose -- Feedback Please?
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,145
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From: New York
Sounds Like Front End Is Loose -- Feedback Please?
My 2013 FXDC is making a new sound. When I go over things like small potholes and slightly raised manhole covers (which causes the front suspension to contract abruptly) I hear a noise which sounds like something is loose on the front end of the bike. I would equate it to what a fork mounted tool bag would sound like if it wasn't fastened to the bike tightly.
Is it possible it is coming from inside one of the fork tubes? Anyone experienced the same?
Thanks for your feedback in advance.
-Antonio-
Is it possible it is coming from inside one of the fork tubes? Anyone experienced the same?
Thanks for your feedback in advance.
-Antonio-
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: nyc
My 06 sounded like the front end was a bucket of loose bolts only when going over bumps while going slow down a side street. Chased that noise for 2 riding seasons. Finally did the fall away procedure as described in the repair manual and all quiet. Has stayed good for the last 14,000 miles. Worth a try since it doesn't cost anything but a little time.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,145
Likes: 2,955
From: New York
My 06 sounded like the front end was a bucket of loose bolts only when going over bumps while going slow down a side street. Chased that noise for 2 riding seasons. Finally did the fall away procedure as described in the repair manual and all quiet. Has stayed good for the last 14,000 miles. Worth a try since it doesn't cost anything but a little time.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,165
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From: Doghouse... mostly
If you want to start adjusting things such as the fall-away on your bike you should really purchase a shop manual for the procedure as it is not something you can just "knock out" in a few minutes. It's not all that complicated but you should have the manual on hand for reference because of the steps involved and if not done correctly you could end up possibly killing yourself while riding.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
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Likes: 2,955
From: New York
If you want to start adjusting things such as the fall-away on your bike you should really purchase a shop manual for the procedure as it is not something you can just "knock out" in a few minutes. It's not all that complicated but you should have the manual on hand for reference because of the steps involved and if not done correctly you could end up possibly killing yourself while riding.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 263
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
There should be a section for steering head bearings. In that section is a detailed instruction on checking fall-away. Mine is section 1.18, probably different in yours since they're 2 years apart.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,174
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From: Northern CA
Google or youtube or look in your manual for steering head bearing adjustment. Basically tape a pointer (pencil or similar) to your front fender sticking out from the center of the fender while the bike is on a jack, and everything that could cause any kind of drag or hinder the front end from turning freely removed like your clutch cable etc. You set a yard stick on a stool so the pointer is aiming at any number you pick while the front end faces exactly forward (straight ahead). You should be able to push your front end left or right for 1 to 3 inches before the front end falls to the left or right side. Back off the steering stem nut and tighten or loosen the steering stem adjuster as needed. May sound confusing---probably because of my crappy description but its very simple once you see it done on you tube.
I assume you checked the torque on the tank bolts?
I assume you checked the torque on the tank bolts?
Last edited by fskitch; Jul 12, 2015 at 10:42 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Detroit
My 2013 FXDC is making a new sound. When I go over things like small potholes and slightly raised manhole covers (which causes the front suspension to contract abruptly) I hear a noise which sounds like something is loose on the front end of the bike. I would equate it to what a fork mounted tool bag would sound like if it wasn't fastened to the bike tightly.
Is it possible it is coming from inside one of the fork tubes? Anyone experienced the same?
Thanks for your feedback in advance.
-Antonio-
Is it possible it is coming from inside one of the fork tubes? Anyone experienced the same?
Thanks for your feedback in advance.
-Antonio-