Front end clunk
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2005
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Front end clunk
When pulling off the road and bumping over the edge of my driveway I notice the front end has a clunk. Any idea what i should be looking for or checking. And if you have a suggestiion also include how to fix it if you know how.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2005
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RE: Front end clunk
Should this be covered under warranty. Also I see there is a grease nipple way up in nowhere land. Is there any hope that a grease gun may take care of this issue and if so what comes off to get access to grease it...I do not have torque wrenches and manual gets into something thatmay feel more at ease having a expert adjust.Thats the neck bearings I mean..Or is it simple. Whats the harm in putting up with this. Hurting anything right away..Also anything else it could be.?
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2006
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RE: Front end clunk
Yes, it should be covered under warrantee.It's something that can be done by someone that knows how to work on bikes so it's done correctly. It's not difficult but a bit more than the average person would like to do.
The grease fitting , you can unscrew and put a 90*angled fitting in it's place so you can grease it. Angle it towards the back so you can get a grease gun on it. You can get in there with a socket or wrench to remove the stockgrease fittingwith a little patients without removing anything.
Greasing itwould make little or no difference in the clunking. Have the dealer do it.
I wouldn't put up with it too long as it is hammering the steering head bearings if that is what it is and can make small flat spots in the bearing race if left too long.
The grease fitting , you can unscrew and put a 90*angled fitting in it's place so you can grease it. Angle it towards the back so you can get a grease gun on it. You can get in there with a socket or wrench to remove the stockgrease fittingwith a little patients without removing anything.
Greasing itwould make little or no difference in the clunking. Have the dealer do it.
I wouldn't put up with it too long as it is hammering the steering head bearings if that is what it is and can make small flat spots in the bearing race if left too long.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
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RE: Front end clunk
Careful about saying it would be covered under warranty - how many miles on the bike? - have you ever had it serviced before? - the steering head bearings don't normally become loose overnight and the bearing "play" should be checked at the normal service interval. The adjustment is just that - not a warranty issue - just like, perhaps, the clutch free play adjustment (also not a warranty item). On the other hand, if the bike has been serviced by your dealer and then you notice the "clunk", you now have a dealer issue that needs to be addressed by the dealer, not HD. If the bearings are defective, is it because they weren't properly adjusted? Warranties and issues relating to the warranty are like opening the can of worms.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
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RE: Front end clunk
If you hear the clunk/rattle coming from your forks. yes, it is COVERED under warranty. Not many HD dealerships know about this problem, very few in fact. I recently had my forks reassembled at EastCoast Harley [VA] and the wrench brought it to my attention. Apparenty, there is a part that if not properly installed by the factory, it will come loose inside the upper fork stantion. This will make a clunking noise. It is not a safety issue as I was told. The dealer replaced my stantion tube, seals, oil and re-assembled them for free- UNDER WARRANTY. Again, not many dealerships know about this. Contact East Coast HD for further info.
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Banned
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RE: Front end clunk
While you are having the dealer do the repairs / service required, have them change the grease zerk to a 45 or 90 degree one so you can get on it with a grease gun.
the standard straight nipple from factory is almost impossible to get on to.
the standard straight nipple from factory is almost impossible to get on to.
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Tourer
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RE: Front end clunk
ORIGINAL: choochoo
While you are having the dealer do the repairs / service required, have them change the grease zerk to a 45 or 90 degree one so you can get on it with a grease gun.
the standard straight nipple from factory is almost impossible to get on to.
While you are having the dealer do the repairs / service required, have them change the grease zerk to a 45 or 90 degree one so you can get on it with a grease gun.
the standard straight nipple from factory is almost impossible to get on to.
Now I have to switch the grease-gun fittings to service both bikes. I still have the origional fitting that came with the '00 FLHT and am planning to re-install it.