front wheel scraping noise
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6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2005
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front wheel scraping noise
Hey Fellow riders. I just got my 99 Softail Deluxe about 2 weeks ago and I notice after I've been ridin a few minutes, enough to get her warmed up, there is a scraping noise coming from the front wheel. It kinda sound like the brakes but more metalic. There is plenty of pads left and the rotor is nice and smooth. Any suggestions? I have the service manual on its way.
Jim
Jim
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2005
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RE: front wheel scraping noise
More info please:
Does the sound go away when applying breaks?
Does it get better or worse with speed?
Does it get better or worse when leaning in to corners?
My Fatboy has always seemed a little loud as far as the breaks go. If I kill the engine and coast in to the driveway I can hear the break pads rubbing against the rotor. I never really noticed it until after I put a windshield on. Once I put the windshield on I heard all kinds of new sounds.... My bros Heritage makes all the same noises.
Does the sound go away when applying breaks?
Does it get better or worse with speed?
Does it get better or worse when leaning in to corners?
My Fatboy has always seemed a little loud as far as the breaks go. If I kill the engine and coast in to the driveway I can hear the break pads rubbing against the rotor. I never really noticed it until after I put a windshield on. Once I put the windshield on I heard all kinds of new sounds.... My bros Heritage makes all the same noises.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From:
RE: front wheel scraping noise
It does change a bit when I apply the brakes, but the brakes seem noisey too. It doesnt act like a warped rotor such as a car, meaning there is not a pulsating action when I apply the brakes. I really just want to make sure its not a bearing problem. That would be a bad thing.
Jim
Jim
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: front wheel scraping noise
Get the front off of the ground and see if there is any slack in the bearings. If you have a dial indicator you can check the axle end play. It should be between .002 to .006". I don't remember what year they started sealed bearings in the Softails, but if you do not have the sealed bearings, this end play is critical to handling and bearing life.
Another thing I have done is ride the bike for a mile or two and stop the bike without using the front break so you don't create any heat. You can then feel all around the front hub and see if there is any heat build up in the bearings.
Both of the bikes at our house have a little scraping noise in the front brakes. It is especially noticeable when backing out of the garage without the engine running.
Regards,
Bill
Another thing I have done is ride the bike for a mile or two and stop the bike without using the front break so you don't create any heat. You can then feel all around the front hub and see if there is any heat build up in the bearings.
Both of the bikes at our house have a little scraping noise in the front brakes. It is especially noticeable when backing out of the garage without the engine running.
Regards,
Bill
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