Front end wobble

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Nov 25, 2011 | 06:28 PM

#11

bulldog82098

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 420

Likes: 6

From: Dayton, OH

I was going to check the steering head bearings first. I am betting this is the problem. I have a manual for a Dyna that uses the fall away method. Is the procedure for adjusting the Dyna the same as for the Softail? It appears that you tighten the star nut to remove the play, but what sort of wrench to you use? If someone has the Softail Service manual maybe they can check and see if the procedure is the same.

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Nov 25, 2011 | 10:44 PM

#12

oct1949

Club Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 145,895

Likes: 821

From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..

Check air pressure.
Check spokes to see if any loose.
Check tires to see it dry cracked or need replaced from old age.
check neck bearings TQ.
check wheel balance...
Check Pinch bolts.
one or several of these are prob U issue.

.

Nov 27, 2011 | 07:51 AM

#13

tbonetony06

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 3,492

Likes: 19

From: Illinois

At the risk of looking ignorant, what is "fall away"? My 2006 Deluxe had a VERY SLIGHT vibration/front end wobble at certain speeds. I got a set of progressive monotube gas dampners to use and replace the front stock suspension system. I swear this thing is like riding a new bike, a dream bike! I can tell the differance like night and day, ZERO front dive too!

Nov 27, 2011 | 08:00 AM

#14

Jackie Paper

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 38,309

Likes: 6,328

From: Honah Lee

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbonetony06

Best answer is it's how you check the steering head bearings on most Harleys'. Different makes call for slight different methods of what you loosen and how you adjust but search Harley fall away on youtube for a basic outline

Nov 29, 2011 | 11:51 AM

#15

jada3058

Intermediate

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 29

Likes: 0

Might also check the rear fork (swingarm) pivot shaft nut and bearings.

Nov 29, 2011 | 02:16 PM

#16

colonelangus1

Road Master

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 762

Likes: 1

From: mission bc canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by watchluvr4ever

Your neck bearings probably need adjusted. A lot of people are having this problem, me included. If your bike is still under warranty I'd take it to the dealer and get them to fix it.

x2 i had same problem ..neck bearings were loose dealer did it with 8k service required for warrenty

Jun 21, 2013 | 05:01 AM

#17

abbysdad2006

Advanced

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 78

Likes: 4

From: maine

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bikenator

First, you should make sure the tire pressures are where they belong according to your Manual. Then check the torque on the steering head bearings. If they are loose you might hear a slight click on hard braking...they will cause strange handling and steering issues as well if they are loose enough. After torquing them down, grease them well. There's a Zerk fitting in the center of the steering head housing meant for it.

I have a 2012 Road King and I'm getting that wobble below 40-45 mph and that click from the front when I brake hard. I have 4900 miles on it. I'm going to have the dealer look at it when I take for my 5k service.

Jun 21, 2013 | 11:15 AM

#18

Can't Ride Them All

Stage III

Joined: Jun 2013

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

From: Southgate, MI

Oct1949 has it pretty much covered on what to check. My '03 Softail developed a slight wobble at around 8,500 miles. Retorquing the neck bearings and a new front tire took care of the problem.