Clunking front end on FLSTC
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 16
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Clunking front end on FLSTC
Hello out there. Can anyone tell me how to find and fix the clunking sound on my new FLSTC? It sounds like metal to metal clunking
together when hitting sharp bumps. I know others have mentioned it on other softails but how do you fix it on FLSTC? My bike is only 2 weeks old with 370 miles on it. I love it except for that annoying clunking sound on sharp bumps. Makes the bike sound loose up front. What's the fix experts?? Any info would be appreciated.
together when hitting sharp bumps. I know others have mentioned it on other softails but how do you fix it on FLSTC? My bike is only 2 weeks old with 370 miles on it. I love it except for that annoying clunking sound on sharp bumps. Makes the bike sound loose up front. What's the fix experts?? Any info would be appreciated.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 711
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From: Bothell, WA
RE: Clunking front end on FLSTC
If your bike is only two weeks old, you fix the clunking noise by taking the bike to the dealer and complaining about it. This was a recent issue with some of the '05-'06 bikes and was cured by tourqing the fork head bolt to a higher setting. The dealer should have accomplished this during set up before delivering the bike to you. If they didn't, I would be concerned about the entire set up on the bike and would request it be repeated by a competant technician. You paid for it, make sure you get your money's worth!
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2006
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RE: Clunking front end on FLSTC
Hey thanks for the info....I will complain to the dealer. I believe they were in a hurry to close/leave when they did the inspection. Hopefully they will know the fix with this problem. Man, it sound like crap when you hear it! sound like the bike was put together in 1903! A rough road really makes it worse.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 23
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RE: Clunking front end on FLSTC
My 06 started to do the same thing. Tighten up the neck bolt and greased the neck bearings. I pumped the grease gun 20 times and still the grease did not start to come out the dust boots. Problem fixed though. Make sure you do not over tignten the bolt, I only went two flats and that seemed to be enough to stop the knocking.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,386
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From: Johnston County, NC
RE: Clunking front end on FLSTC
I had a clank in the front end of my fatboy as well.. turned out that the fluid in the forks went bad... WAY BAD. Apparently water got in it as some point and contaminated the oil. The dealer cleaned it out, replaced the seals, added fresh oil, and no problems since.
They said water must have gotten in at the factory but I am not so sure... Since I am on the preferred customer thingy at my dealer the bike gets inspected fairly regularly. I was kind of annoyed that this was not caught in one of the checks.
Either way... the fluid on mine was bad and the noise was the spring bashing against the housing.
They said water must have gotten in at the factory but I am not so sure... Since I am on the preferred customer thingy at my dealer the bike gets inspected fairly regularly. I was kind of annoyed that this was not caught in one of the checks.
Either way... the fluid on mine was bad and the noise was the spring bashing against the housing.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 879
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
RE: Clunking front end on FLSTC
This was a very common problem on the 05 & 06's but a simple fix also. Retorque fork neck bolt. Being your ride is only 2 weeks old I would have the dealer do and tell them to check the rest of the sh*t out that they're suppose to before they sell it....
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,386
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From: Johnston County, NC
RE: Clunking front end on FLSTC
Gave them cash money... =)
Basically I paid for the first three years of service up front. The only thing I pretty much have to pay for on the bike is the gas and accessories. If a light bulb burns out they replace it. Heck... even the tires are covered. If I wear out the tires in the first three years they replace them. Brakes too.
So far my dealership has been really cool about anything I have cared to b*tch about. Exactly what I look for in a dealer. =)
Now if only my car dealerships would be as good.... =)
Basically I paid for the first three years of service up front. The only thing I pretty much have to pay for on the bike is the gas and accessories. If a light bulb burns out they replace it. Heck... even the tires are covered. If I wear out the tires in the first three years they replace them. Brakes too.
So far my dealership has been really cool about anything I have cared to b*tch about. Exactly what I look for in a dealer. =)
Now if only my car dealerships would be as good.... =)
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 711
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From: Bothell, WA
RE: Clunking front end on FLSTC
I paid for the prepayed service, then cancelled it and asked for my money back after the dealership botched up my 1000 mile service. I am know the proud owner of a lift and I perform my own maintenance. The bike is happier and I am happier.