I removed the front tire today for replacement. It's my first time working on a bike. Got the service book as well. I removed the axle nut and washer and went to loosen the 2 screws holding the cap on the other side and noticed that once I loosened the front one, the back one was loose and I screwed it out by hand. With me me loosening one would the other get loose at all. Bike was 100% stock before I got it and nothing was removed or change that I know of. Does the cap make a complete seal to the fork like a main cap would in an engine?
08 fxdl

 

I think I found what I was looking for, but if the rear got loose with the front bolt undone, that means the gap was in the back but my 08 book says the gap should have been in front. In doing a search I see conflicting thoughts on which side the gap should be. Is there a definitive answer?

 

The manual I have for my 2010 FXDF says that gap should be at the back. Ironically, when they show the graphic, they specifically have a callout noting a gap at the front. Don't be fooled by the graphic. When properly adjusted, the gap belongs at the rear.

See thumbnails attached.

 

Did anything change in 10? I'm torn on how to put it back on.

 

Perhaps someone with a similar year bike will chime in. I noticed that the torque on mine is inch/lbs and yours is ft/lbs. Maybe something HAS changed. Doesn't make sense...

 

Anymore suggs before I put it back together?

 

Sorry to bring this back up but I hope this helps others. I installed it opposite what the book says and what I had when I removed it. Drove no problem but we went to the dealer today to look around and All the new bikes have the air gap in front with bolt showing and solid mount in the back. I asked the service guy and he said they switched it in 10-12 to keep the airgap in the back he thinks and now it's back to having the air gap in front. Something about safety now he said and all the bikes that come in they set it up with the air gap up front. So I came home and switched it lol.

 

That is odd. If I think about it, I'll check it next time I'm at my local dealer and see what they say.

 

When I took my front wheel off my 09 bob, both bolts were loose. My buddy has an 08 fatboy and the cap had fallen off at some point. Check these bolts regularly.

 

For mechanical fastening, I seriously doubt it matters where the gap is, front or back. But if you think about having the gap in front, and all the wet and road grime that would pack in there.... and then probably start corrosion... could weaken the bolt, unless you put some nice stainless in there... even then... yeah, gap in back... IMO.