Neck Bearing Adjustment 08 Fat Boy

[WFA]

Originally Posted by kumaride i remember reading that service bulletin awhile back and from what i recall it did not mention fl models. I searched for it again and found this. No mention of tq specs but certainly is addressing the clunk issue and no mention of fl models. Some one smarter than me needs to find the actual bulletin that mentions fl models and 70 lb's of tq and post for us. ================================================== ================= service bulletin m-1215[/b] january 3, 2008 steering stem nut/washer[/b] purpose[/b] this service bulletin is to inform dealers of updated parts and service procedures to eliminate loss of clamp load on upper steering stem nut. Normal warranty applies for service performed. Motorcycles affected [/b]• 2006-2007 dyna models • 2008 and earlier fxdwg • 2008 and earlier fx softail models • 2008 and earlier vrsc models required dealer action [/b]if customer is experiencing any of the following conditions, perform the service procedure for the appropriate model as explained below. • looseness in front end • loss of clamp load on upper steering stem nut • front end clunk dyna and fx softail models[/b] see list of affected motorcycles above. If any of the affected dyna or fx softail motorcycles are experiencing front end looseness, order kit number 45727-07. See steering head washer kit instruction sheet (-j04469) to install the kit. Vrsc models with aluminum stem[/b] 2007 and earlier vrsc models were shipped from the factory with aluminum stems. If the lower triple tree was subsequently replaced on these vehicles, check the service records to determine if the new lower triple tree included any of the following steel stems: • 46771-02a • 46860-06a • 46752-01a • 46788-06a • 46781-06a note[/b] all 2008 vrsc models have a lower triple tree assembly with a steel stem. For vrsc model motorcycles with an aluminum stem experiencing looseness in the front end, order kit number 45736-07. See steering stem nut kit instruction sheet (-j04468) to install the kit. Vrsc models with steel stem[/b] for 2008 vrsc models (and any earlier vrsc models with a steel stem) with front end looseness, refer to the 2008 vrsc models parts catalog for service parts, and see 2.34 steering head in the 2008 vrsc models service manual for service instructions. Vrsc models under normal warranty should utilize labor code 2290 for 0.4 hour. Important note[/b] in the interest of preserving customer safety and satisfaction, always check for outstanding recalls whenever any motorcycle is brought into your dealership for either maintenance or service. â©2008 h-d **Thanks Kuma! I looked for my cc of the service bulletin m-1215 but could not find it. However, my previous comments were taken specifically from the instruction sheet #j04469 that came with the kit as mentioned in the bulletin. I didn't write the instructions...only relayed what I read. By the way, those instructions do not mention the FL models as someone suggested. MY BAD!!

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[oct1949]

Originally Posted by SafetyMan

You are absolutely 100% correct.

And yes, you get a little grease seepage, BFD. It cleans off.


I would much rather wipe a little grease once in a while than die because my bearings are shot and the steering fails.

But I RIDE mine, it gets dirty, and sometimes it don't get cleaned for a while.

If you're riding with a shimmy or shake on decel, your bearings are loose, and dangerous. adjust them up. As I mentioned previous, 120 in-lbs should do it, if not, I would go as far as 144 in-lbs... That's 10-12 ft-lbs for those of you that are mathematically challenged. DO NOT use a big tq wrench for this task, you should not use the bottom 20% of the range on your wrench, they are not designed to be used that low, and are not accurate. Buy a smaller tq wrench, so that you are in the middle of the range.

If you are riding and at speed find yourself having to make steering adjustments, chances are you're bearings are too tight. a 2 wheeler should run straight down the road with no help, if everything is adjusted correctly.

Be safe, Y'all!

'
Thank U safety man.

I was a machine repairman for 38 yrs and I'll put my experience up against bout anyone..
I have installed, rebuild, overhauled; pillow block, flange, cup, roller, type units that have ball, needle, roller, tapered, and thrust type bearings in machines, transfers . differentials, gears reducers, gear boxes, CV joints, universal joints EYTC> ETC> in doing my job..

So I am not a green horn in the care and lubrication of bearings...

[WFA]

Hey oct1949. Have you used "LUCAS RED STICKY #2". Been using it about a year in my steering head and so far it has stayed in place. On rare occasion i'll get a tad oozing out but one swipe with a paper towel cleans it up pronto. Never a blow-back.

[KumaRide]

You guys read my mind! Whats a good grease that wont drip. It gets over 105 degrees here in the summer...