Has anyone had an issue lubricating the head bearing? The mannual says inject until it exits from top and bottom of streering head so I assume there is not a relief port. The factory grease is purple so you can see if it comming out. Nothing! It just come back from the fitting after a couple of slow pumps. I am using HD special purpose grease, I changed the fitting twice, I changed the coupler on my gun and I changed grease guns, I am following the book on the 1K and I also noticed the bars do not swing as free as the mannual says they should. It says to turn the bars all the way left and release. If adjusted properly they should swing to the right and back 3 to 4 times before setteling center. Mine go to the center and stop. Wondering if that is restricting grease. Any input?

 

When I did my 06 FLHT , it took probably 50-60 pumps with a full size grease gun (14" type).
On that bike I had to install a 90 degree fitting to get on it properly.
On the current bike , it took maybe 30 pumps to get flow from both ends.
If the steering head is too tight , check your service manual for the proper bearing adjustment.
Actually the dealer should have checked it when they did the initial setup.
I don't see where it would get tighter over time , maybe it was too tight to begin with or it's really dry.
Get a few rags and get ready for a mess when you get grease out top and bottom.
When the steering neck is full , on a really hot day and a long ride , you may have to wipe a bit of grease from the left side of the lower triple tree , it will oooz slightly from expansion.
Mick

 

Keep pumping - it will likely take a whole tube. Putting an angled zerk fitting in will make it easier next time.

As far as the swing test - if I remember correctly the cables have to be taken off for it to be accurate.

 

Thanks guys, I'll keep pumping and you are correct the clutch cable should be disconnected if it restricts anything.

 

Same here the first time.

 

did your just take a lot of grease, mine has more comming out around the fitting than going in the fitting.

 

I had no grease coming out around the fitting. Mine fits so tight that I have to use a pliers to pull it off. I see that you have replaced fittings and the coupler so I can't figure why its doing that. Maybe take the fitting off and stick something in the whole to see if its clear. Maybe it plugged with powdercoat.

 

don't over grease unless you like a mess on warm days

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you might want to read that swing test again. Should only swing once back to the right then settle in the center.

 

Have you ever greased a front tapered wheel bearing on a car? Basically you grease the inner race and fill all the nooks up around the rollers and cage. Most books say put a 3/8 ring of grease around outer race to act as a reservoir. This will last a long time on a car. When Harley puts the bike together the bearings are pre packed and all the area (stem tube between the bearings) is opening. It will take a lot of grease to fill up this area. Personally think the original packed bearing would probably last 100K with no problem. If you do fill compelled to grease it since Harley put it in their book only thing you can do is fill it up. You will be wiping up grease off the lower area for the next 3 years. Like to know how if tj316 greases it how he does not over grease it?