Steering Head
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Arkansas
Steering Head
I have a 2012 dyna switchback with 7450 miles on her. I am getting a clanking sound when I hit bumps coming from the steering head . As per manual , I need to adjust for fall away . My question is this . If i jack up the bike and float the front end , then start snugging the star nut on the bottom or tighten or do I need to loosen the stem nut on top first and then tightened the star nut.. Also why should this not be covered under warranty. Thats crazy. If I bought a new car and the front end started falling out , I sure it would be covered. The moco servive warranty is a joke. Sorry about the rant , just had to vent a sec. Now should I still adjust for fall away or just snug the star nut to remove the slack between bearings and race . Thanks for any info . I did a search and found some good ideas on setting the fall away. But don't know if I need to do that.
Devil's Advocate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,070
Likes: 36
From: Alberta, Canada
Did you check the front gas tank bolts? If loose, it causes a clunk on bumps and seems to sound like it is coming from forks or steering. Mine did not feel loose but when I grabbed the front of the tank and pulled straight up, I had movement.
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From: Arkansas
Thanks for your help
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From: Arkansas
I will check that .... Thanks
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Out on Deranged
Excuse me but everything is under warranty on that bike for 2 years, except oil, filters and tires. marknett you seem like you want to do your own minor work and later maybe more, get a manual and read up. the steering head adjustment is outlined to a tee in the book, and some you go by feel and how you like it. I think you will do fine. Check that gas tank first to see if it's loose. If you read the manual it says jack her up remove anything that might put the front end off balance like clutch cable , windshield and what not, loosen the two lower triple tree torx bolts , loosen the steering head nut and then turn the star nut clockwise to tighten. In This adjustment the star nut should only move like 1/8th to 1/4" re-tighten the steering head and do the fall away.
Do a search at the top type in "front end clunk" this has happened to a lot of guys here, including gommee
Those guys are right though they won't adjust it for free.
Do a search at the top type in "front end clunk" this has happened to a lot of guys here, including gommee
Those guys are right though they won't adjust it for free.
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 571
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From: USA
Yes you are and you are welcome. The owners manual tells you when to check it. It's before 7500 miles.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: IN
I had the same problem on my Switchback. And I was told the same thing about steering head adjustment: it is NOT covered by warranty as it is normal maintenance.
Get the bike in the air, loosen lower pinch bolts then the stem nut. Adjust the star nut per your preference. Tighten stem nut, the torque pinch bolts.
Get the bike in the air, loosen lower pinch bolts then the stem nut. Adjust the star nut per your preference. Tighten stem nut, the torque pinch bolts.