slightly notchy front fork bearings fix
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
slightly notchy front fork bearings fix
I just got done changing tires on my 99 Softail Custom, and while I had it on the jack I checked the front fork fall away. It seemed a little notchy when straight ahead and moved right or left from there. Since it has never been greased at least for the last 24,000 miles I got a tube of fork grease from the HD shop and gave them a good greasing. It pushed out a lot of hardened old grease before the new stuff started coming out and when I finished the notchyness was gone. It feels very smooth from full left to full right. So if you have not greased your fork bearings for some time it might be a good idea to give them a good greasing.
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
I just used the grease gun on the zerk in the neck. I don't think it had ever been greased as it took quite a bit to fill up the neck before it started pushing the old grease out. It even feels better when I am riding, but that could also be to the new tires. It just feels more solid and smoother. I guess that zerk is there for a reason.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
I just used the grease gun on the zerk in the neck. I don't think it had ever been greased as it took quite a bit to fill up the neck before it started pushing the old grease out. It even feels better when I am riding, but that could also be to the new tires. It just feels more solid and smoother. I guess that zerk is there for a reason.
There was a hole but no fitting.
I was just curious how you did yours.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
Notchiness is also caused by a front end impact with something.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 282
Likes: 7
From: Southern MD
Make sure you use the correct grease if you fill the neck with the zerk fitting. Otherwise grease will forever drip down your front end.
Trending Topics
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
True! Checking again after a decent ride will be interesting, to see if the newly introduced grease has been pushed aside and the notchiness has found its way back.
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
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
I have ridden about 200 miles since I greased it and it is fine so far. I did use Harley's special neck grease and with the cool weather now I don't look for it to leak out till next summer. I still think it was from dried out grease in the bearings as the notchyness was almost imperceptible. Time will tell I guess.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 282
Likes: 7
From: Southern MD
All righty then!!???