clunking sound over bumps

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Apr 4, 2009 | 07:50 AM

pearlandhd

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 181

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From: Pearland, Texas

clunking sound over bumps

I keep hearing a clunking noise (kind of sounds like something hitting the front tins) everytime i go over bumps. it's really annoying on bumpy country backroads.

The bike handles fine and dosent seem loose. I've looked for a loose part in the forks but found nothing???

ideas??????????

Apr 4, 2009 | 07:56 AM

I8SMK4U

Tourer

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 322

Likes: 0

From: California

Mine was the tins, make sure all the bolts are tight. I have had problems with where the windshield would go. Also my riser cover cooming loose. Loc-tite is a necessity. Also if your front end is lowered, check the top of your front fender if its an FL. Learned the hard way. I hate noises too.

Apr 4, 2009 | 08:09 AM

lionsqrne

Road Warrior

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 1,533

Likes: 2

From: Nebraska

Might be the steering head nut is loose... I think it's called for in the service at 5k. But you can hear a clunk when those get loose.

Apr 4, 2009 | 09:10 AM

keno

Road Master

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 1,064

Likes: 4

From: Sierra Vista, Arizona

could also be the plastic headlight wiring connections banging around inside there. I zip tied mine where it couldn't hit anything and it hasn't done it since.

Apr 4, 2009 | 10:17 AM

WFA

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 301

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From: NORTH CAROLINA

Common problem according to many posts...including my softail. Must have been as hd provides a maintenance revision for it. Do a search for "front end clunk" and you'll find many opinions and a few solutions. I cured mine with torquing the steering stem nut to 70 foot pounds and resetting the fall away.

Apr 4, 2009 | 11:49 AM

pearlandhd

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 181

Likes: 0

From: Pearland, Texas

I'll do a search. Thanks for the tips.

If this is a common problem I'd assume it's a warranty item. That said, I'd preferr to fix it myself.

thanks again to all!

Apr 5, 2009 | 08:51 AM

WFA

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 301

Likes: 7

From: NORTH CAROLINA

So common hd adopted the 70-80ft pounds to the steering stem nut for 08 and earlier. I don't know if your 09 came torqued or not. They should check it out for you for nothing. Good luck!!

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Apr 5, 2009 | 11:35 PM

Jeff Brokenshire

Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 127

Likes: 3

From: Australia

Quote:

Originally Posted by pearlandhd

One other thing you may want to check is the pinch bolts that hold the triple trees together. They are behind the chrome cover that sits behind the headlight. On my previous 2 Fatboys they had broken. It is a heavy clunking noise, not a tinny sound. Very simple procedure to check. I am not saying this is your problem but maybe worth checking.

Apr 6, 2009 | 07:22 AM

#10

tk353

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 5,257

Likes: 6

From: Leander Texas

wow mine had that sound too. too 5 mechanics 3 hr to find it. it was a loose rear motor mount. caused the entire motor to move when you hit a bump or a small pot hole.