clicking noise when stopping

[bbletterin]

I just developed a "clicking"or poping noise when stopping. Comes from area of front fork at about where triple clamps are. I can also bounce front forks with front brake on and get the noise, fairly loud, but let go of brake and bounce the noise isn't there. I did see someone had posted something about head bearing being loose, so I am going to check that today. Truthfully sounds like its in the fork leg? any input appreciated.

 

[user_deleted]

you're on the right track. check for sloppiness in the steering head bearing assembly and keep in mind that if you're still running the stock chinese front pads, as they wear they tend to "click and clack" which doesn't hurt anything but is very annoying. you failed to mention your bikes' mileage but if 7500 miles or more, also check that the front rotor has stock amount of "play" or side-drift to it.

 

[bbletterin]

It is definitely the steering head nut, I tightened it today and noise went away for awhile. I didn't tighten it enough though cause it came back. Going to try again, read up on the way to do it correctly and sure I didn't tighten enough. may have to get new bearings if it returns after that. Thanks !

 

[Crimson04]

I am curious about your findings. I am right at 10k and mine has started making some noise. I notice it when i move the bike around in the garage and put weight down on the front end using the brake. When it rebounds it makes a light pop noise.

 

[bbletterin]

Bingo, I have 11k on mine and that's the same noise. I know the bearing in steering head is the problem, but haven't rechecked yet. Take handle bars off, loosen pinch bolt at top up and tighten the cap with allen head ( don't know the size, but kinda big) and apparently there should be a light drag in turning as manual uses some kind of measuring spring to check the drag. Anyway, I tightened but was unaware of the drag part, so I didn't tighten enough. noise gone for about 20 min. then came back. I have Rox handlebar risers and taking them off is a little time consuming. I will "post up" when I get back out there it do it again. My sales guy at Harley place here rides Buells as well as HD and knew of this noise, so must not be that uncommon.

 

[stopie20]

You will need to change the steering head bearing. Once the bearing seals start to dry rot and crack they allow water to enter, and as the bearing wears you will start to hear the clicking noise you are talking about when you stop.
Tightening the steering head nut will make it stop, for a short time, and over tightening the steering head will cause further damage and undesirable handling.

 

[bbletterin]

Well Stopie20 you are correct. It stopped for about 40 miles, then started again, then quit again. Going to have to get bearings very soon. need tires too. Anyone know if this is a problem or just one of those things. I tend to ride wheelies a lot but rarely ever slam down, usually fairly soft touch down. I ride it like a dirtbike , but not in the dirt, keep it clean, never been in the rain and only "washed " it 4 times, so water isn't the issue. Oh well, if wheelies are the issue I better buy more than one set! Thanks for the input.

 

[dtaylor]

It's one of those things.

I replaced my clicking OEMs with All Balls tapered bearings, and I am quite happy with them.

While you have everything stripped down for the head bearing replacement, it is a good time to change the fork oil and maybe take care of those weak wiring splices in the wiring loom over the steering neck. Those wires can fail at the most inconvenient times.