Anyone fix the front end clunk? - Help!
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 477
Likes: 0
From: The Beach
RE: Anyone fix the front end clunk? - Help!
Another thing to check is the steering head bearing adjuster nut. I changed out the washer and torqued it to 75-80 ft-lbs and took it for a test drive and still had a little bit of the clunk or rattling. I came back and jacked the bike to check the fall away and quickly realized the adjuster nut was way too loose. I tightened it a little and buttoned everything back up and test drove it again and all is now good. The steering feels more solid, with no rattle or clunk.
Also, torque spec for the new washer is 75-80 ft-lbs and the old spec is 45 ft-lbs, so I think that has something to do with it. Everything is a little tighter now.
Also, torque spec for the new washer is 75-80 ft-lbs and the old spec is 45 ft-lbs, so I think that has something to do with it. Everything is a little tighter now.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
RE: Anyone fix the front end clunk? - Help!
OK?...never heard of this "clunk" problem being discussed before? What is it? I'm pretty sure I don't hear any clunk noises on mine? Can someone fill me in on this from the very beginning? Thanks.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 477
Likes: 0
From: The Beach
RE: Anyone fix the front end clunk? - Help!
OK, check out this thread and the one it references and you will get the full scoop.
https://www.hdforums.com/m_2806355/tm.htm
The parts guy at my dealer printed out the instructions for me and I just ordered the $1.00 washer. He saved me $5.00 by giving me the instructions, because that is the only thing that comes in the kit, the washer and the instructions.
As I stated earlier, replacing the washer and adjusting the steering head bearing nut fixed the problem for me. It's a very easy fix. To do it "by the book" you really need jack so can check the fall away. That is how you will know if your bearing adjuster nut is loose, which mine was.
https://www.hdforums.com/m_2806355/tm.htm
The parts guy at my dealer printed out the instructions for me and I just ordered the $1.00 washer. He saved me $5.00 by giving me the instructions, because that is the only thing that comes in the kit, the washer and the instructions.
As I stated earlier, replacing the washer and adjusting the steering head bearing nut fixed the problem for me. It's a very easy fix. To do it "by the book" you really need jack so can check the fall away. That is how you will know if your bearing adjuster nut is loose, which mine was.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 47
Likes: 4
RE: Anyone fix the front end clunk? - Help!
OK, can anyone tell me exactly how to get to the steering nut. I've tried everything to pop the crome cap that covers it off but it isn't budging. Any tricks...or proper techniques...that I should be using. I don't yet have the service manual but do have the the clunk and I want to get this fixed. HEEEELP!!!
Scrams
Scrams
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 224
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From:
RE: Anyone fix the front end clunk? - Help!
Just got back from testing for the noise after doing nothing more than tightening the nut. Final torque number was 100ft# to make go away.
There is no binding whatsoever and I can still lock the nut down and never have to worry about it backing off.
As far as drop down with the front end lifted I had none to start with. Even if the bearing is to tight I cant see it hurting anything, after all its not like its spinning like a wheel?
There is no binding whatsoever and I can still lock the nut down and never have to worry about it backing off.
As far as drop down with the front end lifted I had none to start with. Even if the bearing is to tight I cant see it hurting anything, after all its not like its spinning like a wheel?
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RE: Anyone fix the front end clunk? - Help!
I had the clunk on my Fat Bob. Just took into the dealer for it's 1000 mile service. They did something to fix it, but they also ordered new seals so I have to take it back for that. When I take it back for the seals I will get some more info on what the deal was.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 477
Likes: 0
From: The Beach
RE: Anyone fix the front end clunk? - Help!
ORIGINAL: Scramboogie
OK, can anyone tell me exactly how to get to the steering nut. I've tried everything to pop the crome cap that covers it off but it isn't budging. Any tricks...or proper techniques...that I should be using. I don't yet have the service manual but do have the the clunk and I want to get this fixed. HEEEELP!!!
Scrams
OK, can anyone tell me exactly how to get to the steering nut. I've tried everything to pop the crome cap that covers it off but it isn't budging. Any tricks...or proper techniques...that I should be using. I don't yet have the service manual but do have the the clunk and I want to get this fixed. HEEEELP!!!
Scrams
You definitely need to get the manual ASAP. It will save you a lot of money and headaches. If you can't get the steering head cap off try a strap wrench. You can get one just about anywhere for $7-10. If you need to adjust the steering head bearing adjuster nut this is how I did it referencing the manual:
1. Remove steering head nut
2. Loosen top triple tree pinch bolts
3. Slide upper triple clamp up about 1/2"
4. Lightly tighten pinch bolt to hold triple clamp up and out of the way
5. Take a flat head screwdriver and place in one of the grooves of the bearing adjuster nut and lightly tap with a hammer to either loosen or tighten the nut.
6. Slide triple clamp back down into place and tighten pinch bolts
7. Tighten stem nut and torque to spec.
8. Check fall away
You have to have the bike jacked up to test the fall away of course. I also have to disagree with BlueBob about just torquing down on the nut until the clunk goes away. If you tighten those bearings too much it can cause them to wear prematurely.