need help with swing test for steering bearing
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2006
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need help with swing test for steering bearing
I tore apart my front end (again) to tighten the steering head bearing. As some of you know, I was experiencing a severe "wobble" on deceleration when ever I let loose of the bars. Mostly from 40 MPH down. I had about 3 swings prior doing the swing test. After tightening, the HD dealership told me the "new" standard is two swings. I tightened the bearing about 1/4 turn and got two swings. (one full and one very slight) Trouble is after I tightened the top steering nut, it went to one. Basically I let her swing and it goes to center and stops. I think I have it too tight? Good news is, I took her for a ride, AND NO WOBBLE! My concern is, is this dangerous? Too loose can cause a wobble (like I was experiencing) but they say too tight can cause A "WEAVE". I have no idea what that means, or if I am too tight. I tried, but I had trouble getting it to turn 1/4 turn tight, and I could not get it to back off at all. Anyway, Am I safe? Does anyone here have any input on if I need to worry about this? No wobble now, I love that.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 570
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From: New Mexico
I think the weave would be caused be the wheel not wanting to go straight if the bearing is to tight. The bearing could hold the direction the wheel is pointing slightly. I think you are good to go.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Central, Ca.
It's a vague adjustment spec for such an important bearing. I got mine the way I like by trial & error, the top nut presses down on the adj nut decreasing clearance, hard to get correct, I don't like a loose feel to the bars
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Simi Valley, CA
You didn't say what kind of bike you have. The specs are different for different models.
That said, I have an Ultra Limited (Batwing) for which the spec is 3-4 swings. That is way too loose in my opinion. I've adjusted mine to just slightly more than 1 swing, similar to yours, and I'm happy with the way the bike handles. Your bike is perfectly safe at 1-2 swings.
As for the difference between a weave and a wobble here's how I would describe them... A "weave" and a "wobble" can feel somewhat similar (especially to the average rider) and can be misinterpretted. I would distinguish them like this...
A wobble is a little more violent, or at a higher frequency, than a weave. A rapid shaking of the bars so to speak.
A weave would be less violent and at a lower frequency. More like a slight wandering while riding down the road.
I'll take a slight weave over a wobble anyday.
If any of you are interested here's a link to another thread that has some good discussion on this topic... https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-wobble-4.html
That said, I have an Ultra Limited (Batwing) for which the spec is 3-4 swings. That is way too loose in my opinion. I've adjusted mine to just slightly more than 1 swing, similar to yours, and I'm happy with the way the bike handles. Your bike is perfectly safe at 1-2 swings.
As for the difference between a weave and a wobble here's how I would describe them... A "weave" and a "wobble" can feel somewhat similar (especially to the average rider) and can be misinterpretted. I would distinguish them like this...
A wobble is a little more violent, or at a higher frequency, than a weave. A rapid shaking of the bars so to speak.
A weave would be less violent and at a lower frequency. More like a slight wandering while riding down the road.
I'll take a slight weave over a wobble anyday.
If any of you are interested here's a link to another thread that has some good discussion on this topic... https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-wobble-4.html
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: USA
Fwiw, the metric bikes don't make it nearly this complex. Generally the instructions are to tightening until there is no play. If there are any problems, tighten more until the problem goes away. And, don't tighten to the binding point.
In my experience (non-Harley), I'd much rather run the head bearings tight. The bike will generally be calmer with slightly tight head bearings. Much like you've installed a steering damper.
In my experience (non-Harley), I'd much rather run the head bearings tight. The bike will generally be calmer with slightly tight head bearings. Much like you've installed a steering damper.
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Cruiser
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Ultimate HDF Member
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From: Jayhawk Country
Fwiw, the metric bikes don't make it nearly this complex. Generally the instructions are to tightening until there is no play. If there are any problems, tighten more until the problem goes away. And, don't tighten to the binding point.
In my experience (non-Harley), I'd much rather run the head bearings tight. The bike will generally be calmer with slightly tight head bearings. Much like you've installed a steering damper.
In my experience (non-Harley), I'd much rather run the head bearings tight. The bike will generally be calmer with slightly tight head bearings. Much like you've installed a steering damper.
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yeah im with you, i like a tighter feel
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