Steering Damper Failure Signs

[davidsl7]

Hello. 03' k12GT. 10k metz m6's front/back 36/42psi about 3k on them.
Wondering if there are any signs that show if the steering damper is bad? Can it be faulty even if no oil is visible?Will this cause highway speed weave if it is bad or do you think it may be faulty steering ball bearings?.. I am getting a weave at 70mph and above. Also wind buffeting knocks me around somewhat. Any suggestions would help.. Thanks

[brickrider]

Check for Final Drive bearing going bad.
Pull Final Drive drain plug and look for metal bits attached to magnet.
If you find any, get it to the dealership pronto.
When the bearing melts down, it goes quick and often takes the shims out with it.
The metal pieces will be the shims and/or parts of the bearing cage.

Mine went out @ 50,000 miles.

If the problem does turn out to be the bearing, have the dealership replace the cover as well as the bearing. Also have them red loctite the bearing into the new cover.

Be aware that the final drive bearing seal has had at least one engineering change. My bike got the old style seal. After 8,000 miles I was back at the dealership with oil all over the rear wheel (again). Ruins the rear brake pads.:banghead

The new style seal is 100% jet black in color, and has an extra lip. The old style has some brownish color in the middle.

Ride Safely,
BrickRider

[GregFeeler]

Hello. 03' k12GT. 10k metz m6's front/back 36/42psi about 3k on them.
Wondering if there are any signs that show if the steering damper is bad? Can it be faulty even if no oil is visible?Will this cause highway speed weave if it is bad or do you think it may be faulty steering ball bearings?.. I am getting a weave at 70mph and above. Also wind buffeting knocks me around somewhat. Any suggestions would help.. Thanks

Disconnect one end of the damper and manually move it through it's range of travel. If it's bad, you'll likely find it has dead spots where there is little or no dampening.

[bikerfish1100]

"steering ball bearings"? no such animal.

[deilenberger]

When doing what Greg suggested - note the damping effect is velocity sensitive (the faster you move it - the more damping you'll feel.) That is the best test BTW..

[davidsl7]

Sorry not ball bearings.. what I meant was steering ball joints..

[bikerfish1100]

those are rarely an issue- torque is very high, material is very solid.
you can even feel the damper ineffective with it fully connected- just get the front wheel off the ground, give it a quick push or pull, there should be discernible drag without release.