08 FXDF Front End Clunk
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
08 FXDF Front End Clunk
Before y'all refer me to the (previous and extensive) front end clunk discussion, I went to the dealership, told em that I was having the from end clunk. I identified the part number, even read them the installation instructions I saw on this site. They called HD HQ and were told the new washer was already in 08 bikes. Of course, I have the clunk AND I am willing to bet my bike was built in 2007. Any advice?
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
i have had a couple of dealerships (while on the road) do just that...but no lasting fix on the clunk...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 3
From: Chesterfield, VA
If you have a manual, follow the steps for the fall-away test. Re-torque according to the new specs.
I have a friend who experienced this and took it to the dealer twice for the fix. Second trip, he printed the service bulletin. A week later, he got the call his bike was ready and better than new. He picked it up and went on a long weekend ride to celebrate the new found stability expected of a quality front end set-up. 20 miles down the road the clunk return and to a greater extreme. He found his steering stem nut loose enough to turn by hand. This would not be likely possible if the 70 - 80 ft/lb torque spec had been achieved.
This is offered to suggest you not take the dealer's word as gospel. Verify things are as they should be as you diagnose your issues.
I have a friend who experienced this and took it to the dealer twice for the fix. Second trip, he printed the service bulletin. A week later, he got the call his bike was ready and better than new. He picked it up and went on a long weekend ride to celebrate the new found stability expected of a quality front end set-up. 20 miles down the road the clunk return and to a greater extreme. He found his steering stem nut loose enough to turn by hand. This would not be likely possible if the 70 - 80 ft/lb torque spec had been achieved.
This is offered to suggest you not take the dealer's word as gospel. Verify things are as they should be as you diagnose your issues.
Last edited by jmpancoast; Jan 30, 2009 at 05:54 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 5
From: long island.ny
dont trust the dealer. it should be a warrenty issue even if it has the new washer installed. you can check it for yourself just by removing the stem nut cover. if its a flat washer then its the the new type, if it has part of it bent to lock the stem nut, then its the old type. i changed mine just because i had the front end apart. cost $7. fall away is important also. get the manual and adjust that as well. or have the dealer do it. tell them that something is not right, and if they dont fix it properly, it could cause serious injury or death.lol
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
dont trust the dealer. it should be a warrenty issue even if it has the new washer installed. you can check it for yourself just by removing the stem nut cover. if its a flat washer then its the the new type, if it has part of it bent to lock the stem nut, then its the old type. i changed mine just because i had the front end apart. cost $7. fall away is important also. get the manual and adjust that as well. or have the dealer do it. tell them that something is not right, and if they dont fix it properly, it could cause serious injury or death.lol
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
Its a clunk when I go over bumps and a clunk when HEAVY breaking. Feels like the front end is loose, but handles fine.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 547
Likes: 2
I only ask this cause the issue I had did not deal with the washer since I did have the newer one already there. I used to get a front end clunk/chatter going over bumps and under mild front braking. This was all caused by the stock fork oil which is like water. Upgraded to the heavy duty fork oil and took it all away and made the front end not dip so much. Might be something to look at cause like I said, it fixed mine and other I know.