Another steering head clunk thread!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Qualicum Beach, B.C. CAN
Another steering head clunk thread!
I have done lots of work on my WG, and she handles great now.
But I still have a clunk over big bumps.
I have taken it apart, and my guess is that the hole in the triple trees is too big for the steering stem, and no amount of pressure between the adjuster nut and the steering nut on top will stop this play (back and forth).
I have added the HD hardened washer and torqued to 75 lbs. But it just doesn't seem like the solution.
Has anyone ever made a bushing to fit in the triple tree hole to reduce this clearance issue? To me it would make sense, and even allow for factory torque on the steerer nut.
Any ideas?
But I still have a clunk over big bumps.
I have taken it apart, and my guess is that the hole in the triple trees is too big for the steering stem, and no amount of pressure between the adjuster nut and the steering nut on top will stop this play (back and forth).
I have added the HD hardened washer and torqued to 75 lbs. But it just doesn't seem like the solution.
Has anyone ever made a bushing to fit in the triple tree hole to reduce this clearance issue? To me it would make sense, and even allow for factory torque on the steerer nut.
Any ideas?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Palm Harbor fl.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,699
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From: Qualicum Beach, B.C. CAN
I have seen that and it makes sense.
I asked about the bushing because I greased the bearings, set the fallaway, tightened the steering nut to 40 lbs, and drove it in my parking area. When I hit the front brake hard at about 20 I could physically see the triple trees move under the beauty cap. Tightened it up to 70, didn't move as much, but on the way to work today it had the clunk again.
I think the steering nut's purpose should be to hold everything on the bike, not to apply pressure to prevent the sheer force from fork leg movement.
35-40 lbs should be plenty.
I asked about the bushing because I greased the bearings, set the fallaway, tightened the steering nut to 40 lbs, and drove it in my parking area. When I hit the front brake hard at about 20 I could physically see the triple trees move under the beauty cap. Tightened it up to 70, didn't move as much, but on the way to work today it had the clunk again.
I think the steering nut's purpose should be to hold everything on the bike, not to apply pressure to prevent the sheer force from fork leg movement.
35-40 lbs should be plenty.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
Did you loosen the lower fork pinch bolts prior to tightening the stem bolt, and then retighten the pinch bolts when your done? Front wheel in the air of course. This a step in the 02 service manual under steering head bearings.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Qualicum Beach, B.C. CAN
here's the link:
http://www.kenandjudy.us/Harley%20Pi...lunk/index.htm
http://www.kenandjudy.us/Harley%20Pi...lunk/index.htm
I looked at the link again, and saw the feeler guage idea.
The gap on mine was way too big....
Took everything apart, TURNED THE ADJUSTER NUT "UPSIDE DOWN"
problem solved! There is a shoulder on the adjuster that fits through the hole in the triple trees..
This problem probably came with the bike
or no more beer when wrenching.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,699
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From: Qualicum Beach, B.C. CAN
Thanks for that link by the way.
I never could figure why the steering nut only caught 1/2 the threads, but chalked it up to the thicker washer.
Rode this morning and things are all good!
I never could figure why the steering nut only caught 1/2 the threads, but chalked it up to the thicker washer.
Rode this morning and things are all good!
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