Clank rattle 1999 softail

[cowpoke]

1999 Softail custom  FXSTC

I'm getting a noise in the front end like a Clank or a clink...this only happens when I go over a sharp/short bump, like pulling into my driveway which is about  a inch and half higher than the road, or if i go over a RR track,.... and these are at low speeds.

Everything works fine when I'm driving on the road and hit bumps or humps, it's only when I hit those Sharp bumps.

It could be the caliper or pads? Or something else not sure.....

Any ideas on what it might be?

[Hossamania]

Check for broken triple tree bolts.
It could be caliper rattle, lightly apply the brakes when going over those bumps.
Check for loose headlight mount, headlight ring.
Do you have a Gremlin Bell?
Tap everything you can with a rubber mallet, listen for noise.

[Ohio HD]

If you're sure it's in the front, check the two bolts at the bottom of the sliders that fasten the sliders to the damper. Also it's possible that the fork slider bushings are worn out.

[hrdtail78]

There is a stem nut and a top clamp nut.  The top tree can bang if top clamp nut is loose.  I would follow the book on setting up front end fall away.  The end of the procedure has the correct sequence of pinch bolts, stem and top clamp torque.

[Sinker]

I have been chasing the same issue on my 1997 Wide Glide. It is at a new mechanic right now and I asked him to take everything apart if need be. I will report back to you when/if the problem is identified.

[FSG]

check Service Bulletin M1215 and Instructions -J04469

[98s1lightning]

You sure it just aint the fender flexing?

Sometimes you can hear the thin metal of the fender take a hit almost sounds like an empty beer can getting smacked

I mean a sharp bump shocking the fender

Also if you have a tool bag up front they can slap and make noise

[Sinker]

My mechanic says the issue with my 97 Wide Glide is a broken motor mount. I haven't picked the bike up yet. So I cannot confirm that that's what it is, but I will let you know.

[JSD]

My mechanic says the issue with my 97 Wide Glide is a broken motor mount. I haven't picked the bike up yet. So I cannot confirm that that's what it is, but I will let you know.

Softail motors are solid mounted. You'res has rubber mounted 

[Sinker]

I picked up my 1997 Wide Glide today with 2 replaced motor mounts. The mechanic showed me both of them and the front one was in bad shape. I hit a few sets of railroad tracks on the way home and the clunk is gone. THANK GOODNESS!