Seeking a clunk!

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kerryb

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So I've got this clunk...that isn't real obvious, but i started paying attention when there was just a little shimmy in the front end. Wait...I should give you the background first.
'83 gl1100 , mix of interstate and standard parts. Recent work includes engine transplant, refurbished brakes ( not linked) new clutch, new tires (metzler) and about 500 miles on it since i did the work. On the way home from my first trip with a 175lb trailer, i had front end shimmy due to loose head bearings. This was after repacking, so i took the front apart to tighten up.
So last week i'm on my third short ride of the season and think i felt a shimmy again (groan!) Just once, but thats how it starts. I grabbed the front wheel to feel for loose bearings...feels fine. Haven't felt the shimmy again, but there is this little clunk when i hit the front brake sometimes.
So the question is, where should i be looking for this clunk while i tear the front apart again to check the steering bearings. Going on a 1000 mi trip in a few weeks with the trailer in tow and i want this right before i leave.
Thanks in advance for your opinions, suggestions, and choice snide remarks....kb
 
Put it on the center stand and sit on it to raise the front wheel. Push pull the bars and see if you can get the clunk. Steering bearings aren't very expensive and well worth changing if there is any doubt.
 
Well i rocked back on the centerstand with the front brake on and there is just enough clunk to make me think new bearings are in order. And i was so looking forward to not taking the front end apart....again! At least im not taking the engine out again :clapping: :clapping:
Thanks for the feedback
 
What I heard to do is raise the front wheel while on the center stand then center the wheel and let it fall to one side or the other, it should fall to either stop with slight resistance and not bounce off either steering stop.,,,might just need to torque it again..thinking it was 17 ft lbs or maybe it is inch lbs..the book say what it is...but if in doubt the gravity test works.
 
[url=https://classicgoldwings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=190961#p190961:2tp3u3n1 said:
kerryb » Tue May 23, 2017 6:02 pm[/url]":2tp3u3n1]
i had front end shimmy due to loose head bearings. This was after repacking

I know you've made your decision but as I read your original post this line kept crossing my mind over and over as I read further.

~O~
 
Omega Man":2pcs5zev said:
[url=https://classicgoldwings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=190961#p190961:2pcs5zev said:
kerryb » Tue May 23, 2017 6:02 pm[/url]":2pcs5zev]
i had front end shimmy due to loose head bearings. This was after repacking

I know you've made your decision but as I read your original post this line kept crossing my mind over and over as I read further.

~O~

I'm not following your drift...i've put new headset bearings in a few bikes last couple years, but I don't think this one got them. Just clean, inspect, & repack. Maybe I just need to learn a better method of tightening locknuts.
So...Omega what are you hinting at?
 
So now we have popcorn...I guess pics are in order :cool: Oooooh...I got one of those borescope cameras recently. I wonder if remote inspection techniques would apply here? (He, he)
 
I've re-adjusted mine after replacement, viewtopic.php?p=166989#p166989, and a few miles. I think they get seated after a while and/or the replacement wasn't tight enough in the beginning. They manual states to measure with a spring scale the pull or resistance to pull for adjustment.

image.php


I found my clunk by straddling the bike with the front brake locked and rocking back and forth, very obvious noise.
 
Tapered bearings are exactly what is used in car wheels also. On those I tighten until the wheel has noticeable resistance. Seems steering head bearings are done much the same. I suppose to force the grease between the rollers instead of between the rollers and race.
 
[url=https://classicgoldwings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=190986#p190986:1yenpghk said:
kerryb » Wed May 24, 2017 7:40 am[/url]":1yenpghk]
Omega Man":1yenpghk said:
[url=https://classicgoldwings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=190961#p190961:1yenpghk said:
kerryb » Tue May 23, 2017 6:02 pm[/url]":1yenpghk]
i had front end shimmy due to loose head bearings. This was after repacking

I know you've made your decision but as I read your original post this line kept crossing my mind over and over as I read further.

~O~

I'm not following your drift...i've put new headset bearings in a few bikes last couple years, but I don't think this one got them. Just clean, inspect, & repack. Maybe I just need to learn a better method of tightening locknuts.
So...Omega what are you hinting at?

Is it possible that after repacking the bearings, the grease worked it's way around and that loosened up the bearings a bit requiring a re-torque?
 
Well I've cleared the operating table, and got the block and tackle ready. Maybe tomorrow I 'll make time to start this project. What I hope to find is that the bearigs just worked themselves loose over 500 miles. If not, new bearings are on the way from all balls racing (i like their sticker!).
 
[url=https://classicgoldwings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=191027#p191027:1r47a6lh said:
Omega Man » Thu May 25, 2017 2:49 pm[/url]":1r47a6lh]
I was thinking the bearings might have been worn more than you thought, that's all. :BigGrin:
+1
 
[url=https://classicgoldwings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=191027#p191027:8d5tgg3o said:
Omega Man » Thu May 25, 2017 12:49 am[/url]":8d5tgg3o]
I was thinking the bearings might have been worn more than you thought, that's all. :BigGrin:

I see, well you might be right. To avoid further worry, new bearings will be here today. So now I can look forward to retorquing the new bearings too after a little breakin....great(sigh)!
 
[url=https://classicgoldwings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=191017#p191017:1kxv9fmb said:
kerryb » Wed May 24, 2017 11:51 am[/url]":1kxv9fmb]
If not, new bearings are on the way from all balls racing (i like their sticker!).

I used All balls on my '81...they're quality bearings. After replacing them on The Turd, no more wobble. Mine were in really bad shape.

 
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