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Old Apr 21, 2024 | 10:17 AM
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I had front wheel bearing installed at a shop. When I installed the wheel I noticed a gap between the spacer and fork, also the other side does not seem to be snugged up enough. What must I do to close the gap???
it's a 97 Electra
 
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Old Apr 21, 2024 | 10:25 AM
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1. If you are gong to work on your bike, get you an official H-D Service Manual so you know the procedures and torques.
2. One does not know what you are dealing with so a picture or 2 will help.
3. There are specific procedures for aligning and torquing the wheel.
 
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Old Apr 21, 2024 | 10:30 AM
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You can see the gap, its shiny.

Here the speedometer (i think thats what it is) is not snugged up
 
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Old Apr 21, 2024 | 10:32 AM
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I thought this was word association so "The final frontier" But now that I read it I understand. In lack of a manual go to Ronnie's Microfiche and search your bikes front wheel exploded view. Maybe you could see what's missing.
 
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Old Apr 21, 2024 | 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by brakeless
I thought this was word association so "The final frontier" But now that I read it I understand. In lack of a manual go to Ronnie's Microfiche and search your bikes front wheel exploded view. Maybe you could see what's missing.
That's the first thing that popped into my head too. LMAO
 
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Old Apr 21, 2024 | 10:40 AM
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Did the shop that installed the bearing set the bearing end play?

There is nothing wrong in those pics*.

The axle is pressing against the spacer on the right side, just like it should.

The speedometer drive is fine.

Install axle, snug the cap nuts, then torque the axle nut.

Loosen the cap nuts, the slider will find it`s correct position on the axle (do not push the slider inboard or outboard).

Torque the cap nuts.

*What`s up with the grease goobering out?

Pull the axle, clean the grease off the axle, the insides of the spacers, and speedometer drive unit.

A light coat of anti-seize on the axle is all you need.
 

Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Apr 21, 2024 at 11:19 AM.
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Old Apr 21, 2024 | 11:28 AM
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You didn't install your axle correctly. Your service manual should call this out. Use your specific manual, this is from a 2014.

 

Last edited by chopper_man; Apr 21, 2024 at 11:42 AM.
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Old Apr 21, 2024 | 11:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Dan89FLSTC
Loosen the cap nuts, the slider will find it`s correct position on the axle (do not push the slider inboard or outboard).
Is that the OP's specific procedure? My 2014 FSM calls out loosening right side and pushing in until contact is made.

"Push and hold right fork slider inboard until it contacts external spacer. Tighten axle pinch screw to 18-22 ft-lbs (24.4-29.8 Nm)."
 
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Old Apr 21, 2024 | 02:01 PM
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The OP has a 1997 model year bike...

The latest forks get pressed against the spacer, but it only takes light pressure to do that because they are so close.

The older bikes gave the illusion that the fork was too far away from the spacer.

Somebody dig out their 1997 touring service manual...

 

Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Apr 21, 2024 at 02:18 PM.
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