I know this is the wrong section, but here goes.

Is there a way to check the swingarm bushings for wear or damage? When I'm riding and hit a bump, I get a thump from deep under my seat. It doesn't do it all the time. But when it does it's a pretty good thump!
Bike is a 05 FLHTC, with 20,000 miles. I was rear ended in August of 08. The bike didn't do this before I was hit. When I got it back from the dealer I noticed it. I am wondering if the bushings could be damaged from the wreck and the dealer missed them during the repair?

Thanks!

 

bump for help

 

I don't have the answer for you, but I'm curious about this also. Is it possible that the bushings have just worn out. 20K miles isn't alot, but...

Is the swing arm an easy rebuild for the do-it-yourselfer, or a dealer/indy only repair?

 

I took my rear wheel off, took the shocks loose at the swingarm and could move the swingarm left to right over 1/4". No question (to me) that the bushings were worn. My bike had 75K miles on it when I took it apart. I never did notice any wierd movement, knocks or uneven tire wear when I was riding even with this much "Slack". I'm going back with the "Glide-Pro" system to try to "kill two birds with one stone" so to speak.

 

Any chance it's your shocks bottoming out? I was having issues with bottoming and getting some noise when it happened. I change the shock oil out with 10wt and the improvement was outstanding. I haven't bottomed out since and the ride is much more stable. The shocks actually 'absorb' the bumps now.

 

i agree with capt.my shocks were bottoming out as well.check the air pressure in them.they could be low as mine were.not saying it is the problem,but a good place to start.

 

I'm running more air in the shocks than I did before the wreck. Was running about 10 psi solo, and 20-25 psi fully loaded. Now I'm running 15-18 psi solo. Also, I had lowering blocks on the back that I took off to try and help the problem with no improvement. How do you change the oil in the shocks?
Thanks!

 

I have had the same noise. I do not think it is me bottoming out, as I seem to have travel left. I haven't checked yet but am wondering if it is my sidestand banging.
Really interested in the answer to this one.

 

Here is thread about my changing the shock oil. It has some links to other threads with pictures and better instructions than I can give.
Shock Oil Changing Thread

 

Thanks caveman,
I will change the oil this weekend and see what happens. I hope this fixes it. I will check for movement on the swingarm while I'm at it. I would really like to put my lowering blocks back on the bike. I think it handles better with them on.
Thanks!