Need help adjusting the steering head bearing

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Jun 16, 2013 | 12:03 PM

#11

jus2anoyu

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 2,090

Likes: 7

Have you removed the radio? I couldn't see mine until I did. You realize it's there, right? May need a flashlight to see it. It's sandwiched in there. It only occupies a 1/8 space....

Jun 17, 2013 | 11:42 AM

#12

danzio

Thread Starter

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 2,178

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From: SoCal.....I'm only here for the weather

So after giving up on trying to find the star washer I put everything back togehter and simply torqued the main stem nut down, which as I said earlier was only finger tight. This alone, well maybe along with a full grease exchange, seems to have made all the difference. The knocking and looseness that I was feeling in the front end seems to be gone.

I've also seen some videos on the internet that somewhat describe how to find that friggin' star washer. I am determined to find it next time I have the fairing and radio out.

Jun 17, 2013 | 01:05 PM

#13

asm481

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 1,018

Likes: 17

From: Southeastern Wisconsin

The star washer (actually a threaded nut) is directly underneath the top triple tree. It is very thin.

Jun 19, 2013 | 11:35 PM

#14

PTAG

Road Captain

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 558

Likes: 2

From: Richardson, Tx

It's ok

Quote:

Originally Posted by danzio

So yesterday I had new tires installed at a m/c tire shop and the guy told me there was something wrong with the steering head bearings. He felt it was more than just an adjustment but I took the front end apart (fairing etc.) to get at the nut. I found the main stem nut easy enough but it wasn't tight. I was able to simply remove the nut with my fingers once the metal tab was bent back. So that seems to be problem no. 1.

Regarding the swing check per the manual, I am not getting enough swing. From left to right I only get a swing back to right then back to center. Should be getting 2.5 swings per the manual. So I thought I would loosen the star washer one notch per the manual and see if the swing pattern improved. Problem is I can't find the star washer. The manual says it's located under the fork bracket but I'll be damned if I can find it.

Also, there is a slight amount of play if I grab the front fender and rock back and forth (forward and aft of the bike). Is this normal? The manual doesn't really address this. BTW even tightening the main stem nut didn't noticeably change this amount of play.

2007 FLHTCU

There is nothing wrong with your swing. There was a service bulletin that Harley put out and what you are getting is normal. I went through the same thing. I don't remember the number but the dealer can show it to you. The service manuals are not up to date. Leave it alone.