Front End Clunk
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 5,627
Likes: 1,382
From: Monroe, North Carolina
I will check and put it on my stand tonight.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,787
Likes: 5,612
From: along the shore of Mishigami
Here's what I did to remove the dreaded clunk. Prior to loosening and retightening the stem nut, loosen the lower tree clamp screws, thump with a plastic hammer or something solid that won't leave a mark. Now do your stem nut tightening, as it tightens it's actually sucking up the lower tree a tee tiny bit and takes the play out. Now tighten up the lower tree clamp screws/bolts. Did this ten years ago on my 02 S/G and no clunks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,996
Likes: 417
From: Cranbourne, VIC Australia
Here's what I did to remove the dreaded clunk. Prior to loosening and retightening the stem nut, loosen the lower tree clamp screws, thump with a plastic hammer or something solid that won't leave a mark. Now do your stem nut tightening, as it tightens it's actually sucking up the lower tree a tee tiny bit and takes the play out. Now tighten up the lower tree clamp screws/bolts. Did this ten years ago on my 02 S/G and no clunks.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 8
From: Yorba Linda, CA
Tightened the tank bolts to the top of the torque range. Took a short ride this morning, and though not as bad, it did clunk three times on me. Strange. Am going to try the loosen bottom clamp and re-tighten steering head nut to see what happens. I wonder if I am just bottoming out as I cannot re-create the clunk just compressing the forks in the garage.
P.S. SeniorsuperglideE8: When you say to thump the lower triple tree is that just to loosen it up a bit? Thanks.
P.S. SeniorsuperglideE8: When you say to thump the lower triple tree is that just to loosen it up a bit? Thanks.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
I just did the steering stem bearing adjustment today. Loosening the lower tree is part of the procedure in the service manual. Thumping it is not, but I did that too. Just makes sense to this old wrench.
Just FYI for those who've not read the manual.
My adjuster was quite loose. Noticeable audible play at the the stem once I got the bike in the air. I had a clunk going over lower speed bumps like RR tracks and speed bumps. Haven't ridden it yet but I'd be surprised if that wasn't the culprit. I'll follow up tomorrow evening after my commute.
Just FYI for those who've not read the manual.
My adjuster was quite loose. Noticeable audible play at the the stem once I got the bike in the air. I had a clunk going over lower speed bumps like RR tracks and speed bumps. Haven't ridden it yet but I'd be surprised if that wasn't the culprit. I'll follow up tomorrow evening after my commute.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,840
Likes: 900
From: Philly Suburbs
Do you mean that the sound started after changing the motor mount, or that you changed the mount to address the sound?
i had the sound before i changed the mount, changed the mount still have the sound
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
I've got a couple hundred miles on mine since I tightened the bearings. I haven't heard a clunk and the bike is noticeably more responsive to small inputs. I DO notice now that my lowers need serviced. Noticeable fore/aft play when unloaded and a bit of wiggle on hard corners. Needs new bushings, I think. 16 years and over 50k miles, though, so I don't suppose that's too surprising. However it's just gonna have to be sidelined until I replace the whole front end this winter.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 508
Likes: 31
From: California
How do you tighten the bearings? I have a clunk too - tightened tank bolts, checked motor mount. I am also tracking very poorly, especially at speed. I found that both my tires were severely under inflated from when I picked up at the HD dealer (come on man!) and filling them to spec has helped tremendously, but I'm still wondering if my steering needs adjusting