Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Bav]

Whilst I've got the rear wheel out I thought I'd give everything a good clean. I decided to take off the debris deflector and removed the small bolt nearest the rear. As is came out it was followed by a load of dirty rusty coloured water. The same thing happened when I removed the middle bolt. There must have been nearly a pint that came out!

It looks like there is a drain hole adjacent to the middle bolt hole. This was blocked by muddy silt and obviously gets covered up by the plastic flange of the debris deflector. It's obviously worth removing this as part of routine maintenance or a good idea may be to drill a small hole in the deflector in line with the drain hole in the swinging arm so it can drain continuously?








Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[grc]

I'm pretty certain there is supposed to be a drain hole or cutout in the plastic deflector from the factory.  If yours doesn't have one, it would be a good idea to make one yourself.

Ideally no water would get in the swingarm, but it was an issue in 2009 when they first went to the new touring frame and swingarm designs.  I'm attaching a copy of the Tech Tip they sent to all dealers back then.  Since you have a 2014 model, and Harley knew about this in 2009, it seems strange that you're having this problem now.  You'll need to either check yourself or have the dealer check to make sure all the openings in the swingarm are sealed properly, and the deflector has the correct hole or notch for the drain hole.

Harley indicated back in 2009 this was just a cosmetic issue, but I think we all know that isn't the case.  The interior of the swingarm isn't painted or sealed, and all that trapped moisture will cause corrosion.

Jerry

[Twolanerider]

If this is still ongoing on one bike one need not think too long on whether it is ongoing on more.  It's a less than pleasant to consider primary frame and rear suspension elements slowly thinning and in other ways degrading over time.  Getting ever more progressively weaker until such a time, many years later, on a pleasant spring morning enjoying a local twisty, pop.......

[Bav]

I'm pretty certain there is supposed to be a drain hole or cutout in the plastic deflector from the factory.  If yours doesn't have one, it would be a good idea to make one yourself.

Ideally no water would get in the swingarm, but it was an issue in 2009 when they first went to the new touring frame and swingarm designs.  I'm attaching a copy of the Tech Tip they sent to all dealers back then.  Since you have a 2014 model, and Harley knew about this in 2009, it seems strange that you're having this problem now.  You'll need to either check yourself or have the dealer check to make sure all the openings in the swingarm are sealed properly, and the deflector has the correct hole or notch for the drain hole.

Harley indicated back in 2009 this was just a cosmetic issue, but I think we all know that isn't the case.  The interior of the swingarm isn't painted or sealed, and all that trapped moisture will cause corrosion.

Jerry

Thanks Jerry, very useful information.

Dave


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bav]

All I can think of doing is to try to blow out some of the moisture with air?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dayne66]

Added that to the list of things to do when Ruby is put away for the winter. Thanks for the heads-up.

[grc]

All I can think of doing is to try to blow out some of the moisture with air?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Drying it out by pumping air through would be a good idea, perhaps followed by an aerosol corrosion inhibiting product, then making sure all the openings other than the official drain hole are sealed.  Followed by a note to Harley thanking them for never fixing a problem brought to their attention in 2009.

Jerry

[Bav]

Drying it out by pumping air through would be a good idea, perhaps followed by an aerosol corrosion inhibiting product, then making sure all the openings other than the official drain hole are sealed.  Followed by a note to Harley thanking them for never fixing a problem brought to their attention in 2009.

Jerry

I think I will contact my supplying dealer and vent my frustration. Shame it's out of warranty but it won't hurt to raise the issue.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Joel]

I had found a bulliten when I had my 2012 CVO Streetglide.
It stated the need for the belt cover to be drilled so a hole would mat h the one in the frame. I had brought it up one day do to the bike dripping out rusty water.
A friend nick named the bike "Rusty"
I will be checking the 2015 to be sure the passage is clear.

[bakon]

Mine left a rust spot on the garage floor. 2014 CVO Limited. Only rode in rain all day a few weeks before.  Now every rain it sees (really try to avoid but on some trips it happens) I get more rust drops on floor. How is it entering?

[grc]

Mine left a rust spot on the garage floor. 2014 CVO Limited. Only rode in rain all day a few weeks before.  Now every rain it sees (really try to avoid but on some trips it happens) I get more rust drops on floor. How is it entering?

Look at the "legs" of the swingarm for clips that hold wiring or brake lines; those are often snapped into holes in the metal and may not make an effective seal.  Also look for any places where parts like the deflector are screwed on. Then look at the front section behind the transmission.  I'm not sure about the latest models, but there were holes on the early versions that were used in manufacturing and painting that Harley didn't seal.  Find any openings, and after thoroughly drying the interior of the swingarm, seal them.  You may need to get creative since it's unlikely any large openings will be sized and shaped to make it easy to find a rubber plug. 

Jerry

[fastfreddy]

also might want to check your rear wheel, there is a rubber plug in the center area, pull it and check for water in the rim. on my 13 RGC had a wheel brg. noise, pulled it a part to replace bearings and found the agitator wheel FULL of water,  the cause for the bearing failure. had to replace  axle, inner spacer & all bearings. the wheel it self didnt look the best but either ... FYI 

[Bav]

also might want to check your rear wheel, there is a rubber plug in the center area, pull it and check for water in the rim. on my 13 RGC had a wheel brg. noise, pulled it a part to replace bearings and found the agitator wheel FULL of water,  the cause for the bearing failure. had to replace  axle, inner spacer & all bearings. the wheel it self didnt look the best but either ... FYI

Thanks for the warning but no issues with the wheel. I have taken out the bearings and spacer and all is well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk