Fork Chatter advice needed
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Fork Chatter advice needed
I'm getting a lot of chatter over small bumps in my forks. Do I need to adjust them? This is not bottoming out. This is a used bike so is it possible someone did maintenance and left out a part? Thanks for the advice. The knowledge on this site is a real resource! 2007 Dyna Low Rider
Last edited by nfccrwr; Mar 17, 2009 at 09:26 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 3
From: Chesterfield, VA
There have been lots of issues with the front forks on the 06 - 07 bikes. The washer under the steering stem nut has been deemed too soft to retain the torque needed for proper seating of the fork neck bearings. Harley published a service bulletin about a fix for this condition.
Basically, this fix involves replacing this washer with a new hardened washer and new torque specs on the stem nut. Adjustment of the adjustment nut under the upper triple tree and a fall away test are also needed for this fix.
Here is a copy of the bulletin. Be aware, there may be revisions to this bulletin.
Several guys on this forum have taken their bikes to the dealer to have this work performed. Some experienced the same problem, even after the dealer said the work had been completed. If the dealer simply removes the steering stem nut, replaces the washer, then torques the stem nut, the problem will likely NOT be corrected. The adjustment nut must be properly adjusted and a fall way test done. Lots of instances of shortcuts by the service departments have been experienced.
Basically, this fix involves replacing this washer with a new hardened washer and new torque specs on the stem nut. Adjustment of the adjustment nut under the upper triple tree and a fall away test are also needed for this fix.
Here is a copy of the bulletin. Be aware, there may be revisions to this bulletin.
Several guys on this forum have taken their bikes to the dealer to have this work performed. Some experienced the same problem, even after the dealer said the work had been completed. If the dealer simply removes the steering stem nut, replaces the washer, then torques the stem nut, the problem will likely NOT be corrected. The adjustment nut must be properly adjusted and a fall way test done. Lots of instances of shortcuts by the service departments have been experienced.
Last edited by jmpancoast; Mar 18, 2009 at 06:08 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 547
Likes: 2
Have your fork oil changed to heavy duty. I am aware of the washer as well but that is usually a clunk sound. If you get the chatter under light front braking or over small bumps, it is usually the fork oil since stock is like water. Floating rotors are also a source of sound that some here but I'm still waging on the fork oil.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: West Palm Beach, Fl
Fron end chatter
I got it too on my 2008 Dyna FXDL Loe Rider. Took it to the dealer they test drove it and said it is normal. I have a friend with a 2009 and his does the same thing. I would worry about it.
Trending Topics
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,863
Likes: 21
From: Kennewick, WA
Loose suspension parts that make noise be it bearings, rotors or internal dampening parts aren't normal. Mine was quiet when I bought it and developed the "clunk" and the sound varied depending on road conditions. Any of the items mentioned can effect the handling and saftey of the bike so it is best to address the issue. Mine was the steering head bearings as most probably are. One thing to keep in mind is sound travels. It can start in one part of a vehicle and sound like it is coming from some where else.
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
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 137
Likes: 1
From: Louisiana
chatter
I have the same chatter on my 09 Fat Bob - trying to figure out source. If it's a clunk, the front stem bearing are loose. If it chatters, it's something different. There seems to be a couple possible chatters, one is the front fork topping out on the small bumps and one comes in with braking. I put brembos (HD touring take-offs) on the front and they work very well, but under strong braking it appears (visually) that the bottom fork legs are flexing back and forth, chatter could be from that (maybe?) or there is a chattering type noise that could be the fender twisting under tension under braking which maybe a fork brace could fix. In short, it's very hard to tell what the chatter is from, but if it's a clunk, its steering head bushing, if it chatters, it not the steering head bushing (from my experience)
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,763
Likes: 5
From: Minnesota
I'ld check every single bolt on the bike. I was going crazy with what I thought was a noise from my front end and when I couldn't find it I just started hitting every nut and bolt with the wrench, found a bunch of bolts that weren't tight, I locktited them and cranked em all down, clatter was gone.