| Author | Message | ||
     Bigblock |
Hi Court, I posted this in the Old School Buell section, and the bike is actually back together and riding now, but the questions still apply, and am wondering if you have any words of wisdom on this subject. I couldn't find anything wrong that might have instigated the breakage, other than the iso bushing did appear a bit shot. Slightly edited from original posting in O.S.Buell. WTH? I just broke my second front isolator bracket in less than a year. The first one popped with about 28,000 mi. on it, and I think it was cracked for a while, from the looks of the break. I replaced it with a brand new one, and all new bolts hardware and new isolator bushing. And I did it by the book, and torqued everything properly and used loctite where needed. That was 11 months and 6,000 miles ago. Also, the rear isolator bushings were replaced at 20,000 miles with the new style, and they still look real good, no visible tears or cracks, and no discernable sagging. All the other hardware, tie rods and such, appear ship shape. The new iso bracket broke clean thru, and looks like it broke all at once, a clean break, no funky looking metal to indicate any previous cracking. And the bolt on the left side broke, so the motor was pitched forward against the frame. The bolt break looked clean, too. And I inspect that bolt and bracket regularly. When it broke, I was riding along and noticed a slight increase in vibration, so I slowed way down, and about 1/4 mi. later, it started shaking like crazy, so I pulled right over and saw the motor pitched forward and the broken bracket and bolt. I suspect the initial light vibe was either the bolt or bracket snapping, and the big vibe a 1/4 mi. later the other side letting go and allowing the motor to pitch forward against the frame. So, the question is, is anyone else having a similar problem with bracket breakage? Is this supposed new isolator bushing too soft and causing problems for tubers? Is there something I am overlooking here that may be causing this problem? Less than 6,000 miles out of all new parts seems ridiculously short lived to me. I must say, too, that the metal at the break looked like real porous pot metal, I mean this bracket looks like a real porous casting, did I just get a bad part this one time, or is this a problem ? Should I attempt tp reinforce the new bracket, or find a billet replacement? Thanks, Ray | ||
| Court |
Ray: send me the details, VIN, model and photos. Sounds odd. I use an aftermarket but only because it is so finely made and looks so much better than stock. The stock one, regardless of cosmetics, should perform flawlessly. | ||
| Bigblock |
OK Court, Thanks, when I get a chance to take some photos, I will send them to you with the other details. Thanks again, Ray | ||
| Bigblock |
Hi Court, I was just wondering if you got the photos and details I sent you a while back, and if the photos were of adequate quality. If it would help, I would be more than happy to send the hardware to the address of your choice for closer inspection. Thanks again, Ray | ||
| Bigblock |
Hi Court, I was just wondering if you have any new information on this subject, or any suggestions? Is it necessary to change out the swingarm isolator bushings if you break the front? They have been replaced a couple years ago, and visually inspect OK. Do you know of any other things to look for that may contribute to front iso bushing or bracket failure? It seems ok so far, I have close to a thousand miles on the new hardware, but I will be taking an extended road trip pretty soon, and want to have confidence in my bike. Thanks, Ray |
