General Topics/Tech Tips Discussion on break in periods, rider comfort, seats and pad suggestions. Tech tips as they become available will be posted here.

Unsolvable problem

Old Sep 17, 2015 | 07:32 PM
  #1  
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bgenia
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Default Unsolvable problem

My soon to be uncle is having a problem with his 2014 Fatboy low. He has been to HD at least four times, and each time they "fix" it, only for him to get the bike back and have this noise happen again.


Mods: I believe all he has done is pipes and a tune. Noise started long after mods.
Miles: Approx 3500


What HD has done.
Replace rear rotor and pad
Inspected possible "air gap" between wheel and rotor, and filled with silicon
Inspected transmission and rear wheel bearing
Said everything was good each time...only for him to get the noise after riding for 20+ minutes.


Any ideas? They just picked the bike up for the fifth time, and he has been in contact with the regional guy...but figured I would post here to see if any of you have any ideas.




Hope all the links work.


Thank you in advance.
 
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Old Sep 17, 2015 | 09:30 PM
  #2  
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Wheel bearing?

Brake cylinder not bleeding off pressure after using the brake and or pads not retracting away from the rotor?

Do not use the rear brake and drive around to see if rotor or pads are getting hot indicating a dragging pad.

Use a infrared temp gun to see what the bearing hub or rotor temp is? Or just feel them after a ride.

Remove rear brake pads and go for another ride and see if it eliminates the problem? If you do this, do not use the rear brake! Use front brake only and only do this in a remote area for diagnostic purposes only!

Make the dealer take it for a 1/2 hour ride or however long it takes till the sound usually comes back before you take the bike back home. YD

Just some guesses as to what may be the problem. YD
 
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Old Sep 17, 2015 | 09:46 PM
  #3  
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bgenia
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Default

Originally Posted by Yankee Dog
Wheel bearing?

Brake cylinder not bleeding off pressure after using the brake and or pads not retracting away from the rotor?

Do not use the rear brake and drive around to see if rotor or pads are getting hot indicating a dragging pad.

Use a infrared temp gun to see what the bearing hub or rotor temp is? Or just feel them after a ride.

Remove rear brake pads and go for another ride and see if it eliminates the problem? If you do this, do not use the rear brake! Use front brake only and only do this in a remote area for diagnostic purposes only!

Make the dealer take it for a 1/2 hour ride or however long it takes till the sound usually comes back before you take the bike back home. YD

Just some guesses as to what may be the problem. YD

Thanks Yankee Dog.
They said the wheel bearing was good. I didn't think about checking the surface temp on the rear rotor. HD picked the bike up again today, and offered a loaner ride. When he tells me what the issue is...assuming HD finds out, I'll let you know.
 
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Old Sep 18, 2015 | 04:57 AM
  #4  
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What are the lemon laws in your state? You might have a case to have the vehicle replaced outright if the same problem was "fixed" 3 times in a row.

Contact the MoCo and tell them the issues with the repairs not fixing the bike.

Find a different dealer for the repairs.
 
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Old Sep 18, 2015 | 05:07 AM
  #5  
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I would take the pads out and try it on private land. That would or would not eliminate the brake issue ?

Dave
 
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Old Sep 18, 2015 | 06:56 PM
  #6  
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Belt tension?? My L/R belt will sing when too tight. Harley sets them too tight as far as I'm concerned.
Jack

And no problem is unsolvable, just needs more explosives.
 
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