Fork Cap Torque-Critical?
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Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Oregon
Fork Cap Torque-Critical?
I just swapped out my cowbells for some color matched ones, which require pulling the forks. I have a manual and it calls for 60Ft-lbs of torque on the fork caps. On my 09 FLHX the bars are in the way that prevent getting a regular socket on the top to get at the correct torque. I used a wrench to snug it up to what my non calibrated hand says is about 60ft-lbs. Overall a pretty easy job, easier then on my KTM anyway.
My question is, how critical is that torque? The cap pushes down on a rubber washer so I am guessing it is not super exact, but does need to be tight. Through the search function I found this tool. Anyone ever used it on a batwing bike without having to remove the bars or radio? What size wrench is it for? 1/2 or 3/8?
Thanks!
DAVE
My question is, how critical is that torque? The cap pushes down on a rubber washer so I am guessing it is not super exact, but does need to be tight. Through the search function I found this tool. Anyone ever used it on a batwing bike without having to remove the bars or radio? What size wrench is it for? 1/2 or 3/8?
Thanks!
DAVE
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
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From: Decatur, Alabama
I've set a few nuts to around 60 ft/lbs with a torque wrench. It's what I call pretty frickin tight. I would set the fork caps nuts using both arms until my eyes were bulging out of their sockets by about 1/8" inch. That should do the trick.
I'm with you on the critical factor. Not critical but you want those pups tight.
I'm with you on the critical factor. Not critical but you want those pups tight.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 120
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Well, apparently it's not THATcritical (KIDDING!) 'cause I found mine LOOSE when I just did my oil change! Yeah, sixty lb.s is kinda tight, but not too bad. But FINGER F---IN loose is TOO loose in my book! And I don't think it was a case of loosening up over time.
So I'm kinda pissed at the MOCO for letting what I think is a fairly critical fastener/plug loose.....
So take that for what it is....me whining, or a safety factor??
So I'm kinda pissed at the MOCO for letting what I think is a fairly critical fastener/plug loose.....
So take that for what it is....me whining, or a safety factor??
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,207
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From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Tighten them up good, exact torque is not critical.
It shouldn't take both arms and your eyeballs bulging out to get to 60ftlbs unless your not using a wrench.
It shouldn't take both arms and your eyeballs bulging out to get to 60ftlbs unless your not using a wrench.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,597
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From: South Jersey
I don't think the torque on that bolt is that critical (just my opinion) but Matco makes a few Harley tools. I bought one which is the fork bolt socket. It works good and will get you into tight areas, On some bikes you don't have room to get a socket and ratchet in there.
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