Loose Steering Head Bolt

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Aug 29, 2009 | 08:45 PM

#11

Heritage123

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 158

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From: Southern Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by WFA

Hey HERITAGE123...I looked at an 07 softail shop manual today at my local dealers shop and it specifically states 35-45 foot pounds of torque to the steering head bolt. But you still should read my previous remarks . You be the judge!!!

I appreciate the heads up. I have an 08 manual (that's what they gave me when I went to buy one (said it was exactly the same for an 07 as for an 08 - he said the bikes did not change any). I see where it says to torque the upper fork stem pinch bolt 25-30 ft-lbs. But I don't see anything about torquing the fork stem bolt. It does say to torque the stem bolt to 70-80 ft-lbs on the FXST, FXSTB, FXSTC, FSCW/C, but I the FLSTC.

Aug 29, 2009 | 08:58 PM

#12

oct1949

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Joined: May 2007

Posts: 145,895

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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..

probably another thing that services on the bike didnt get done..

Aug 29, 2009 | 10:42 PM

#13

JoeFLHX

Tourer

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 485

Likes: 8

From: FLA

Had trouble after I lowered the front end. Found most of trouble was because the steering head nut was finger tight. I tighten to about 70 ft lbs. I read somewhere 100 ft lbs was now recommened but that just seemed to tight as I was tightening it.

Aug 30, 2009 | 06:17 AM

#14

jimmers1817

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2007

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From: NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heritage123

I assumed WFA was referring to the Shop Manual, not the Service Manual we can buy. Hopefully he'll clarify.

Aug 30, 2009 | 10:38 AM

#15

av8or

Road Master

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 1,052

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Quote:

Originally Posted by mike06train

You guys that use the fall away method, what do you use as a fixed pointer on the floor?

I use a homemade pointer on a srting, held up by a step ladder. I put a piece of masking tape on the front edge of the fender and made a center mark with a sharpie. I hope this helps. It is really a very easy job to do after you get your set up the first time.

Aug 30, 2009 | 02:03 PM

#16

WFA

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Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 301

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From: NORTH CAROLINA

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmers1817

i assumed wfa was referring to the shop manual, not the service manual we can buy. Hopefully he'll clarify.

My info comes from a service manual. Is a shop manual different? The one i looked at was borrowed from the hd tech. I really couldn't see a difference between the 07 manual and my 06 manual. I didn't look at an 08 manual so you are one up on me there.

As previously stated in my first response, HD service bulletin uped the torque specifications to 70-80 foot pounds for the steering head bolt/nut. That's where I run my 06 without a problem. (sb #m 1215) per instructions, I torqued first to 75 ft pounds...then set the fall-away...then lubed. I personally use lucas "red sticky #2" from auto zone. It stays put. Having said that, I'm reluctant to say more because of our bike differences. Good luck!!

Last edited by WFA; Aug 30, 2009 at 02:10 PM.

Aug 30, 2009 | 02:47 PM

#17

jimmers1817

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From: NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by WFA

I have the 2008 Service Manual and I find no torq specs for the steering head. Rather it uses the fall away method which is a PITA to do with my Heritage because of drag from the cables. Seems to get an accurate measure I'd have to disconnect all of them.

My dealer adjusted mine when I took it in for a possible wobbling problem at high speed. They said it wasn't a warranty issue and charged me $42. I doubt they used the fall away method for adjusting them. More likely they have a torq spec or do it by feel.

Aug 30, 2009 | 05:41 PM

#18

WFA

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Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 301

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From: NORTH CAROLINA

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmers1817

i have the 2008 service manual and i find no torq specs for the steering head. Rather it uses the fall away method which is a pita to do with my heritage because of drag from the cables. Seems to get an accurate measure i'd have to disconnect all of them.

My dealer adjusted mine when i took it in for a possible wobbling problem at high speed. They said it wasn't a warranty issue and charged me $42. I doubt they used the fall away method for adjusting them. More likely they have a torq spec or do it by feel.

Jimmers...I believe your heritage is like most other softails. That means the fall away method don't work for crap. I adjusted mine where it felt good...not binding or clunking either. But the key remains to torque the steering head bolt to spec. In my case 70-80 ft pounds. I have a friend who has been a certified hd tech in excess of 30 years and he does the fall away just as I do, period. If your hd shop did the fall away for $42 that's not a bad deal imo., especially if they cured your wobble/clunk. You can pretty well bet they used our method.

Ironically, I hang out at the hd shop with my buddy a lot but have never had them work on my bike...except state inspection. (I do solicit a lot of free advice...an occasional drink.) Fortunately, I have the ability and desire to do all of my own maintenance...so far.

Later!!

Last edited by WFA; Aug 30, 2009 at 05:48 PM.