Noisy front end
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 625
Likes: 125
From: Reading, PA
Noisy front end
Hey, is this normal? My '07 low rider really rattles over bumps, its a metallic, loose rattle, not a clunk, coming from the steering head or somewhere out there in front.I had the steering head bearings adjusted by the dealer last week and he said I should feel a difference, but nope, it still rattles, especially over prolonged, bumpy road surfaces. I told him about the service bulletin for replacing that washer but I don't think they did that.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 916
Likes: 3
From: Mauldin, SC
RE: Noisy front end
It's not normal, there shouldn't be any rattling. Check your tank mounting bolts, heat shields, kickstand bumper, dash, front fender and anything else you can grab with your hand and see if it's loose. The rear brake pedal and rod rattled on my FXDC and I shimmed them with thin washers. You can buy the steering stem washer for a couple bucks and do it yourself if you want it done. You may have to take the handlebar off to get at the nut with your pullback risers, but it's not a big deal.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,007
Likes: 159
From: Mount Laurel, N.J.
RE: Noisy front end
My '07Street Bob had the front end clunk over the bumps. Had the dealer replace the steering head nut and washer, clunk gone. At first, while riding away from dealer, ran over manhole covers, heard clunk, then realized that the covers were making the noises.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 625
Likes: 125
From: Reading, PA
RE: Noisy front end
thanks guys, I will give everything shake-able (on the bike) a shake or two, if I can't reproducethe soundI think I'll take it back and let the dealer techs take it for a test ride themselves.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,706
Likes: 7
From: Woodstock, Ont , Can
RE: Noisy front end
Don't rule out the gas cap and the headlight when you're smacking things around to find the noise. My softail was the headlight bottoming out inside on the rubbers.
Ron
Ron
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
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RE: Noisy front end
sounds like my 06 Bob. My rattle is the tank. I had a tank lift took it off and now I have a close but not close enough diameter bolt in there. I'd try shaking the tank up and down when the bike is parked and see if that is the sound you're hearing.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
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From: Out on Deranged
RE: Noisy front end
When I got my bike with detachable backrest I was hearing rattles each time I reved the engine or hit a bump. It was the mounting lugs.The dealer told me it was normal.I said WHAT? He sid those were the original and only parts made for this assembly. I ended up putting electricians tape around themounts to take up extra girth'