drivetrain clunk over bumps

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Jun 19, 2014 | 08:25 AM

07 deluxe

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From: NY

forget it...

I found something but didn't cure all.

Last edited by 07 deluxe; Jun 21, 2014 at 08:35 AM.

Jun 19, 2014 | 06:12 PM

Sgt_Jim

Stellar HDF Member

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From: Central Jersey

oh good. well share with the rest of us in case someone else runs in to the same issue

Jun 21, 2014 | 08:30 AM

07 deluxe

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From: NY

well actually...

"oh good. well share with the rest of us in case someone else runs in to the same issue"

The drive belt was too tight but it wasn't the total fix after all. I put new tires on and then started with some other stuff. The bars, black legs, progressive mono tubes, etc. I thought I checked everything but maybe not. When all is said and done I still have a secondary bounce or clunk over sharp bumps. Not dips but raised bumps. I I have tried adjusting the SS to a spot where it won't happen but no luck. I'm gonna pull the SS and go back to stock to see if there is any difference. I had a bounce issue when I first installed the shock but guess convinced my self to look else where for the problem. If I was to hit a series of sharp small bumps while trying to stop, with some rear brake applied the rear tire would go into a crazy bounce. Forced me to stop using too much rear brake but this extra bounce is still there. Starting to think this is a characteristic of the air shock. Not liking it so much.

Last edited by 07 deluxe; Jun 21, 2014 at 08:45 AM.

Jun 21, 2014 | 08:33 AM

07 deluxe

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From: NY

And after adjusting the belt, the tension changes as the shock is lowered and raised.

Jun 21, 2014 | 09:13 AM

KumaRide

Grand HDF Member

Joined: May 2008

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From: Newcastle, Ca.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 07 deluxe

"

...I still have a secondary bounce or clunk over sharp bumps. Not dips but raised bumps. I I have tried adjusting the SS to a spot where it won't happen but no luck. I'm gonna pull the SS and go back to stock to see if there is any difference. I had a bounce issue when I first installed the shock but guess convinced my self to look else where for the problem. If I was to hit a series of sharp small bumps while trying to stop, with some rear brake applied the rear tire would go into a crazy bounce. Forced me to stop using too much rear brake but this extra bounce is still there. Starting to think this is a characteristic of the air shock. Not liking it so much.

Check the SS mounting bolts that go through the cross member. The bolts on my shocks required a washer as the bolts bottom out into the shock before the bolts would quench the rubber mounts. With a 3 to 1 ratio of the swing arm, just a 1/16" washer equals ~1/4" if free play for the swingarm to travel without any shocks. This could make the clunk noise and cause the rear wheel to jump around.

Jun 24, 2014 | 08:17 PM

tccarl

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From: ida, michigan

Is it possible you don't have enough rebound air in your SS? when you have too much compression and not any rebound air in it , the tire jumps all over when braking. (At least on mine). The clunking you hear could be the shock smacking inside the cylinder because there is no cushion of air behind it. Just my .02 from having the same problem when I first put my SS on.

Jun 26, 2014 | 08:37 AM

07 deluxe

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From: NY

Already have washers on the mounting bolts at the cross member. No visible play with the bike on the jack and lifting the rear from under the tire. All looks and feels solid. The rebound setting does make a difference but I can't adjust the bounce or clunk out completely. Motor mount maybe? or swing arm bushings? Still can't rule out drive train slack. I've been trying to pin point it for a while and just when I think I got it figured, I don't. If I ride it lower than stock softail height it s at it's best, but two up is another story completely. Almost feels as if something is loose. Dips are fine as I said it's those quick sharp bumps one after the other , real close that send it clunking or bouncing.