springer 20k rebuild
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 497
Likes: 187
From: Dallas area
I am the author of this tech tip. Thanks for the positive feedback!
I was going to post this elsewhere but no need for a duplicate. You can search for the keywords at the top of the tech tip or bookmark it to find it later.
Some clarifications - This was written for the 1997-2003 Heritage Springer (FLSTS) but it's probably good for most any Springer model. The FX (skinny tire) Springers may have a different fallaway and rebound spec. The service manual should have that info.
Some earlier Springers may call out for that "hole in the fender or plumb bob" fallaway adjustment. I think the posted method will work fine and it's easier to do but you'll have to translate that to the posted method. HD changed methods somewhere along the line and modern Springer front ends ('84-up) haven't really changed. HD - bringing you 1930's technology today! lol. I wouldn't have it any other way.
I was going to post this elsewhere but no need for a duplicate. You can search for the keywords at the top of the tech tip or bookmark it to find it later.
Some clarifications - This was written for the 1997-2003 Heritage Springer (FLSTS) but it's probably good for most any Springer model. The FX (skinny tire) Springers may have a different fallaway and rebound spec. The service manual should have that info.
Some earlier Springers may call out for that "hole in the fender or plumb bob" fallaway adjustment. I think the posted method will work fine and it's easier to do but you'll have to translate that to the posted method. HD changed methods somewhere along the line and modern Springer front ends ('84-up) haven't really changed. HD - bringing you 1930's technology today! lol. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 497
Likes: 187
From: Dallas area
I could do that, too! Nice job on saving the HS. I've been following your thread.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
I guess that I must be one of the lucky ones because my 05 Springer has almost 95k and I've never had to touch my front forks yet. Even when my Indy rode it, he said everything was working great, no need for him to do anything to it.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 103
From: St. Louis, MO
I paid my dealer $300 (three hours) to do this job, all seems well with it. I did it there hoping their tech, who they said was their springer expert, would be able to spot better than me if anything was out of spec. He said it was in good shape at 20k miles or so just needed a bit of adjustment which did stop the squeak I was having.
Next time I'm planning to do the service myself. I picked up the fallaway tool and rocker adjustment tool, they aren't very expensive.
Next time I'm planning to do the service myself. I picked up the fallaway tool and rocker adjustment tool, they aren't very expensive.
Stage III
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Washington, PA
going through the same
has anyone done their own 20,000 mile service on their crossbones or other FL springer (involving disassembly of front end, checking/replacing bearings, and rebuild)? the local dealership says it runs about 700 bucks... i have the service manual and at first glance the job seemed kinda intimidating. has anyone done this job themselves? was it a pain in the ***? would you bring it to the dealer? i am not a mechanic, i can do oil changes and simple stuff... just want to know if this is a big job to take on yourself or if its not as intimidating as it seems in the manual. thanks
i had steering head bearing problem when i bought the bike with 18,000
i replaced all the rocker bushings and bearings and seats.
in the springer front end, i changed the spring seats, bumpers, bushings. i also changed the steering head bearings. when i tried to remove all of the rocker bearings they was seized in the rockers and had to press them out with a ball joint tool. i also am replacing the steering seat and bearings with upgraded ones (all ***** vs. timken). ill let you know how it goes.