clunk/grinding when hitting bumps
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Stage III
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
From: Webster,NY
clunk/grinding when hitting bumps
1998 Dyna Low Rider
just picked this bike up made clunk when hitting bumps, originally thought it was the kickstand (weak spring) did a 300 mile memorial ride this past weekend and the clunk got worse and now i hear a slight grinding when hitting bumps as well. Also grinding when hitting rear brakes with clutch out. i have done oil and filter also popped primary cover and checked for anything loose or signs of contact from primary chain and checked chain adjustment. nothing there as well. went for a short ride last night and now (not sure if it was there before and didnt notice it) that the cam sensor has brown goo melting off of it. any help on figuring this out is greatly appreciated. I want to ride but afraid of catastrophic failure right now
just picked this bike up made clunk when hitting bumps, originally thought it was the kickstand (weak spring) did a 300 mile memorial ride this past weekend and the clunk got worse and now i hear a slight grinding when hitting bumps as well. Also grinding when hitting rear brakes with clutch out. i have done oil and filter also popped primary cover and checked for anything loose or signs of contact from primary chain and checked chain adjustment. nothing there as well. went for a short ride last night and now (not sure if it was there before and didnt notice it) that the cam sensor has brown goo melting off of it. any help on figuring this out is greatly appreciated. I want to ride but afraid of catastrophic failure right now
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,014
Likes: 739
From: Northern California
Check your rear suspension, belt tension, belt guard. Also, how is your charging system performing? Good to confirm the brown gew isn't from the connection between the stator and regulator. Also good to take a close look at the engine mounts.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
Clunk is usually loose neck bearings or tank mounting bolts. Possibly worn fork slider bushings.
The other noise...first try to identify by sound if it's metal/metal or rubber/metal or other. Then try to isolate it to general area...front/rear/left/right...Then look in any appropriate areas for signs of contact (rub marks, shiny spots, scratches, etc.)
The other noise...first try to identify by sound if it's metal/metal or rubber/metal or other. Then try to isolate it to general area...front/rear/left/right...Then look in any appropriate areas for signs of contact (rub marks, shiny spots, scratches, etc.)
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,515
Likes: 887
From: Upstate New York
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 251
From: Belle River Ontario
If the bike is new to you, you need to go through the whole bike...change all fluids, check all battery cables and the battery itself. New plugs and wires are always worth while, wheel bearings are another area to address....
infact a bike this age might want to replace all bearings including the swing arm ones....but especially the steering head ones....
youve bought a bike that is going to need some attention , it’s 20 yrs old and depending on what has been done to it and maintainance preformed you might need to sink some serious money into it....
infact a bike this age might want to replace all bearings including the swing arm ones....but especially the steering head ones....
youve bought a bike that is going to need some attention , it’s 20 yrs old and depending on what has been done to it and maintainance preformed you might need to sink some serious money into it....
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 120
Likes: 4
From: California
This is gonna sound crazy, but 3 people ive come across with the same problem promptly shut their mouths when that was it. Including myself...
straddle your bike, or stand beside it grab the full tank on either side and try to lift it. Your front tank bolts are probably loose. I had a friend rebuild his entire front end, seals and all. When that was the problem. He was grateful but pissed lol. Its happened to me twice. I was much more keen the second time. Let us know what you find.
straddle your bike, or stand beside it grab the full tank on either side and try to lift it. Your front tank bolts are probably loose. I had a friend rebuild his entire front end, seals and all. When that was the problem. He was grateful but pissed lol. Its happened to me twice. I was much more keen the second time. Let us know what you find.