Sounds from the Forks
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,949
Likes: 150
From: South of Mordor
Sounds from the Forks
Lately I have been hearing some creaking from the forks when comeing to a stop or taking off. I don't get the noise when riding, just stopping of launching. When I am sitting still, I lock my front brake and rock the bike back and forth and the creak happens when the legs are compressed completely and then decompressed or fully extended and then returned to natural state. It sounds like walking on the floors of an old home with wood floors and the wood creaks. ANuone have any idea what could be causing this, I have just over 25K on the bike and its a 2010 Street Bob.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 97
From: Northern VA
My forks made a sort of old mattress noise after installing the intiminators in them. .it quieted down some once the oil lubricated the springs after a few rides. Maybe look for signs of fork oil leaking at the bottom of the tubes.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,949
Likes: 150
From: South of Mordor
I can see where your going Priest, but as I said, it makes the noise when I push the forks in and out while holding and locking the front brake, so the wheel isn't moving to rotate the bearings.
Matt, I haven't noticed any oil leaks on my forks, I will have to take a closer look.
I have noticed that the sound happens more often when my detach wind screen in on the bike. But, it does happen when the screen is both on and off.
Matt, I haven't noticed any oil leaks on my forks, I will have to take a closer look.
I have noticed that the sound happens more often when my detach wind screen in on the bike. But, it does happen when the screen is both on and off.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 17
From: Central FL
Have you had your front wheel off lately? If it was reinstalled without putting a rod in the hole on the axle to get the correct measurement, your forks could be binding up. When done properly you will have a small space between the spacers on the forks. This will allow them to travel without binding.
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,949
Likes: 150
From: South of Mordor
Have you had your front wheel off lately? If it was reinstalled without putting a rod in the hole on the axle to get the correct measurement, your forks could be binding up. When done properly you will have a small space between the spacers on the forks. This will allow them to travel without binding.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 97
From: Northern VA
There's a procedure in the SM where you insert a drill bit or similar tool into the through hole in the axle on the right side of your bike's front wheel. You then torque down the axle nut and it keeps the forks aligned. Without the tool in the hole, the right fork becomes drawn toward the left fork as the axle nut is tightened down which is no bueno. What you end up with is misaligned forks.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 17
From: Central FL
There's a procedure in the SM where you insert a drill bit or similar tool into the through hole in the axle on the right side of your bike's front wheel. You then torque down the axle nut and it keeps the forks aligned. Without the tool in the hole, the right fork becomes drawn toward the left fork as the axle nut is tightened down which is no bueno. What you end up with is misaligned forks.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: southeast PA
It's a long shot but you still might want to take a look at the front wheel bearings. If they are shot it's possible that they could have worn a groove in the axle which could make a noise even if the bike is not moving.