Front End Wobble Help!!!
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Brandon, SD
Front End Wobble Help!!!
I apologize up front for this as I did search and didn't find my answer. I also posted it on the chassis / suspension section and I really need some help. My '06 RKC has developed a wobble at 70 mph to 80. It's so bad that you feel that if you dont hang on tight it could get away. I ride solo, bought the bike new and its never been wrecked, the front and rear have been lowered 1". I run screamin eagle heavy fork oil in the front. It has 8k miles on the original rubber which are still in pretty good shape and I keep the air pressure checked.
When I searched the forum on this topic, I found instructions to adjust the steering bearings as others claimed to have a similar problem. The first thing you do is lift the bike and tighten the nut on the triple tree to set the bearing preload. Well mine is so effing tight that it will not tighten even with a breaker bar. It will loosen, but seems to be extremely tight.
I really want to fix this myself, as I dont like going to the dealer.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Joechief
When I searched the forum on this topic, I found instructions to adjust the steering bearings as others claimed to have a similar problem. The first thing you do is lift the bike and tighten the nut on the triple tree to set the bearing preload. Well mine is so effing tight that it will not tighten even with a breaker bar. It will loosen, but seems to be extremely tight.
I really want to fix this myself, as I dont like going to the dealer.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Joechief
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
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if your bottuming out the nut id say the bearing is worn beyond tightening.also look for missing wheel wieghts.if the tire is getting old i would also think about replacing it i always seem to get slight wobbles when the front starts to wear.
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Brandon, SD
Yes, the big nut in the center. It has a locking tab. The way I understand it is you lift the bike, take the pressure off the front end. Tighten this nut until the bars have resistance. Move them back and forth until the free up. At that point losen the nut and re-tighten to 9 to 15 ft. lbs. Mine is already tight, much more that 9 to 15 ft. lbs. What am I missing?
Joechief
Joechief
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Cruiser
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From: Brandon, SD
That bearing couldnt be worn beyond tightening and 8k miles could it!?! I dont see any missing wheel weights and this has been gradually getting worse for some time.
Joechief
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From:
you have to loosen the pinch bolts on the lower tree so the forks can move. then you have to tighten the star nut between the upper tree and the frame neck. check for loose rear spokes if you have them.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Idaho
I have no idea where those instuctions came from. The adjustment nut is actually tucked up under the top triple tree. You loosen the big nut on top, loosen the lower tree pinch bolts on the forks, then move the adjustment nut to tighten the bearings. The nut is tough to reach. I use a modified long screw driver and tap lightly with a hammer to move it. Doesn't take much of a turn to change bearing adjustment. Before you even try adjustment, have you done the swing test to see if the bearings need adjustment? Different model years have different test results.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Brandon, SD
I have no idea where those instuctions came from. The adjustment nut is actually tucked up under the top triple tree. You loosen the big nut on top, loosen the lower tree pinch bolts on the forks, then move the adjustment nut to tighten the bearings. The nut is tough to reach. I use a modified long screw driver and tap lightly with a hammer to move it. Doesn't take much of a turn to change bearing adjustment. Before you even try adjustment, have you done the swing test to see if the bearings need adjustment? Different model years have different test results.
Joechief
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 348
Likes: 7
From: Idaho
Jack the bike off the ground so it's level. Handlebars full left and let go. Count the number of times the forks stop and swing in the opposite direction till it stops completely. Depending on you're model and year, the forks should stop after a certain number of swings. My 09 is 1-2, while my 03 was 3-4. If your bike is an 09 or 03 I can tell you how many swings you should have. If not you'll need to get that info elsewhere.