Front Fender Lock Plate
Front Fender Lock Plate
Had front fender on my 08 Street Glide replaced under warranty last fall do to flaking paint. They did not install the lock plate on the bolts that mount fender. Well yesterday I was at dealership and questioned this. Was told they do not use the lock plates and replace with red loctite and lock washers? Told them I did not accept that and wanted them , that lock plates were far safer and Harley put them there for a reason.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 2,446
From: Eastern NE
Guess you could go either way w/this one...red locktite/lock washers is pretty solid mount process, but the plates work well too. If they already did the locktite w/your fender then it might be best to leave things alone b/c you could damage paint on new fender just trying to break them loose...JMO.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
I had 2 of the bolts let loose and drop the fender on one of my bikes.
luckily the other 2 bolts kept it from jamming the front wheel, while i got to the side
lockplates would have prevented that
mike
luckily the other 2 bolts kept it from jamming the front wheel, while i got to the side
lockplates would have prevented that
mike
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,171
From: SE Michigan
Any advice for bending the tabs into place when you put a new one on, without taking the wheel off?
I tried the long screwdriver method, but that doesnt work on the tabs that face the back of the bike, there's really no way to get to them.
The parts guy at the dealer suggested using a pair of pliers, he said thats how the techs do it to save, time, I've yet to try that.
Has anyone used pliers to bend the tabs into place?
I tried the long screwdriver method, but that doesnt work on the tabs that face the back of the bike, there's really no way to get to them.
The parts guy at the dealer suggested using a pair of pliers, he said thats how the techs do it to save, time, I've yet to try that.
Has anyone used pliers to bend the tabs into place?
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
Any advice for bending the tabs into place when you put a new one on, without taking the wheel off?
I tried the long screwdriver method, but that doesnt work on the tabs that face the back of the bike, there's really no way to get to them.
The parts guy at the dealer suggested using a pair of pliers, he said thats how the techs do it to save, time, I've yet to try that.
Has anyone used pliers to bend the tabs into place?
I tried the long screwdriver method, but that doesnt work on the tabs that face the back of the bike, there's really no way to get to them.
The parts guy at the dealer suggested using a pair of pliers, he said thats how the techs do it to save, time, I've yet to try that.
Has anyone used pliers to bend the tabs into place?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,171
From: SE Michigan
I used a long chisel from the opposite side to release the tabs, and you can use a small heel bar to lock them down, Ive done it numerous times and no issues. I cant believe anyone would use red locktite on such a small bolt going into aluminum, next time it comes apart the threads will come out with it and your lower fork legs are useless.
) I assume thats ok - ?I'll try to use a heel bar on it, but the problem is you cant see whether you were successful or not. I have a dental mirror, maybe that'll work.
Last edited by Keithhu; Mar 4, 2012 at 11:56 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
Blue would be the lessor of the two evils. The lockplate acts as a washer and clamps the force evenly, and since there is not much room between the fender and tire the lockplate works better than a washer.