DOC HARLEY: STEERING HEAD BEARINGS
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- Опубликовано: 7 июл 2024
- Doc Harley from the Service Clinic at Low Country Harley-Davidson to help you with the health of your motorcycle! This week he shows how to check your steering head bearings. This helps your motorcycle when working through weaves and wobbles.
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Doc Harley is a motorcycle technician at Low Country Harley-Davidson with over thirty years working on motorcycles. Over the years at the dealership he has worked on Harley-Davidson, Buell, and Triumph motorcycles with a few other brands here and there from trade-ins. There are thousands of how-to videos out on youtube and other websites across the world. Doc’s goal is to help solve problems that people run into when using their service manual, share insights only found as a certified Harley® technician, and some of the tips he’s picked up over the years.
Wondering if Doc is real? Find out what’s happening throughout the week: / docharleylchd
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Low Country Harley-Davidson
4707 Dorchester Road
Charleston, SC 29405 
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Have you seen some of the "mechanics" at the local HD dealership? I wouldn't trust them to get coffee...
Chances are they dont coffee bud! Her name is "Crystal" 🤣🤣🤣
Exactly!! I don't trust them either.
Maybe... Not doc but he's a exception to the rule..😂😂😂
They will rip you off quick as a New New York second..
Totally, the idea of having them to go through this meticulous process is a little... worrisome lol
Great info. Thanks for the another nice video.
Many comments of bikers who hate their HD service shop. I'm liking mine less and less.
Word of advice: BUY A FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL.
If you maintain your own bike do it right. Stick to the maintenance schedules. Also, the loosy goosy, wobbly front ends can be a result of other issues. Namely tires, load, add-ons.
Check your tires first. Most of you have 7-10k miles on your tires and I'm willing to bet they've got excessive cupping and are out of balance... why?, because the last time you checked air pressure was the month of never. No bueno.
If you're still reading, HD tire service is exactly why I've been my main tech service manager for years. Look... take your bike to the HD shop and price a new set of tires for an Electra Glide installed. How much??.. Yeh, $900 for the pair. WTF??!
$250+ for a rear tire that last, what?.. 15,000 miles?! Plus install, etc.
If you find a good Service Mgr and a good Service Tech, make them your best friends. ;-)
A Buddy told me His front wheel keeps pulling away from straight ahead and turns in the direction of the closest beer joint on the side of the road. I told Him to ignore the "Pull", and instead head to the house and work on the issues at home.
Finally a good video on the procedure for late model touring bikes , this really simplifies this check for me.
Glad it helped..Doc
Doc Harley, I love you and your videos ... I’ve watched them all and have learned so much, You sir are the man.
Thanks for the teaching videos
Thanks doc, much easier than other explanations ive seen on measuring fall away
One of my favorite channels.. thanks Doc & crew!
Great video and information thanks
Excellent advice.....
“Bring it to a Harley Davidson dealer to replace or lubricate the neck bearings...”🤣🤣. That’s funny.
How do you know they will replace your bearings, most are highway 🛣 robbers
I bet you have that feeling when it comes to anyone working on your stuff. Whether it's a mechanic working on your cars or bikes, a hvac guy working on your ac, and probably even carpet cleaning services cleaning your dirty carpets. Seems like the issue is you and not trusting anyone, not the people performing the work
John Cavar my point exactly, dude. I used to work at a dealership. The dealer (in 1995) was allocated 110 bikes. He averaged $3,000 profit to The dealership per bike. He made another $300,000 a year on service work. He made 600k/yr while paying his employees nothing for the privilege of working in a Harley shop. Service was $80/hr and the mechanic made like $18/hr. Most of the wrenches were honest, but one guy was lucky if he did half the work they billed for. He would skip oil changes...all sorts of stuff.
Anita Bongshit...is that directed to me or John Cavar? I trust my mechanic but the duct cleaners did a terrible job. And the body shop that recently repaired my car did a terrible job. Took it back...now the bumper cover is falling off. Some people really are hacks. A lot of people aren’t where they belong in life.
@@jeffreylonigro1382 i agree and sad to say such is the way off life. I really was directing that to the commenter and completely forgot to tag him.
Excellent. Brilliant clear explanation. Thank Doc You are a true brother 👍🤜
Doc excellent explination. Keep up the great work.
Many thanks!..Doc
Great information thank you.
Thanks for the info...
GREAT VIDEO AND MUCH NEEDED INFORMATION! Thanks, Doc.
Very informative video Doc, will do the check on my Street Glide after I change out my leaky starter rubber (wire) gasket. Harley got us on that engineering repair.
Fantastic vlog Doc, I love the way you constantly state "Take it to your Harley Davidson dealer if there is a problem" it's amazing how many people will ignore your sound advice.
Some of us can do the repairs at home. However a lot cannot and do need to take it to a shop. You absolutely do not want a high speed wobble.
You bought a Harley...that comes with it. Why would you buy something that has a terrible service record, cost more than anything like it, and it will just decide not to crank at the most inopportune moment...I have had Yamahas for as long as 20 years and never had the head off....
Because they don't work on my bikes anymore
@@phillott4181 All the bikes in my father's and my own garage have fantastic service records. Stop living in the AMA days, Harleys have been THE MOST reliable bikes I have ever ridden. Problems I have seen are 9x out of 10 the riders fault and negligence in maintaining the bike. You can't leave your bike in the rain and snow and expect nothing to rust you know what I mean? Your statement is just such BS and it gets sooo old to listen to you know nothing morons. Sorry you can't afford one.
@@phillott4181
Then why are you watching this video ?
Great video as always! Keep em coming. Thanks!
now this is a great video... and something that everybody should be checking. but this is not how i was trained to check bearing play... but this is better then looking the other way and not checking it. but it is a start...
What ever way you were trained was not the way it is in the manual. Not saying what you do is wrong because there is more than one way to skin a cat
Thanks for all the advice Doc!surely will make an appointment to get my ride up to par!
Life saving advice - Thanks Doc 🤙😎
Good video as usual, thanks Doc!
Thank you for the great information.
Thanks Doc
Great video really useful thanks Doc and keep em coming
Thanks Doc
Always GREAT INFO!
2016 FLYRU (Road Glide Limited).. Head bearings are not adjustable. Is this check method the same for the FLTRU?
Thanks!
Just replaced mine 2yrs old 25000km on 2018 sport glide. Totally rusted up. Never pressure washed and only ridden in rain couple times. Always garaged.
Dang... They last 130k km (75k miles) on my 30 year old Goldwing 1500...
I've been working on bikes since 1974 and I had my own shop the pointer gizmo thing that you made I mean you can use it but you don't really need that maybe they taught you in school that you need that you don't if you've got experienced and know what to feel for you shouldn't have a problem
Good one☝️
Great info! Thanks Doc!
really very informative, thanks for that
Good shit doc thanks
Well, I learned something new today!!! In my case I need complete new forks.
Thanks for tuning in and good luck with your front end project….Doc
Great info, thank you
Doc Harley is the shiz 🤘🏻 love this channel. Im a pro diesel tech and I work on my own bikes so I love seeing these videos.
I've learnt something new, thanks, Doc
Good video, thanks Doc!
DOC, your videos are so useful, they should be video version of Harley Davidson Factory Manual 👍🏻
I understand the importance of this process but it seems so silly, especially this day in age. Thanks Doc for the info!
Not silly....When I bought my new 2019 touring bike I had a wobble. Sure enough right from the factory it was out of spec. What's silly is your remark.
@@lenjames the process is silly, not the fact it needs to be checked and corrected if out of spec.
Great video! First time seeing this!
Is this done during your regular service intervals?
Can you do a video on the oil fluid transfer problem with the m8, I have a 17 limited, is there a fix?
He has one, look again.
Hey Doc,
What grease should you use on the head bearing for a 2010 Road King. Your the best , thanks Doc.
Bernie, this is a great question. Our HD shop uses something similar to S1000 Lucas HD grease when they replace SH bearings. BUT, if you go to the parts counter and buy bearing grease, they sell you Harley "Special" HD grease.
So what they put in the shop is diff from what us DIY guys inject when we maintain our bikes.
WTF?! Everyone knows you shouldn't mix lube types.
So I had to go back and ask twice WTH the tech guys were injecting so I could duplicate when I greased up. Fuck!
Another thing, the Harley "Special" SH grease is shit. Kept a tube in my tool box and when maintenance time came, the grease had liquefied and run all over... So what d'ya thinks gonna happen to that grease on a 90 degree day in the Black Hills of SD?? Doc??... Yeh, it's gonna run out of those bearings.
The answer is, after the shop replaces your SH bearings at 50k miles, don't leave the service counter until they give you the name of the exact grease they used. Then buy it on Amazon or whatever.
THIS is why many bikers begin to work on their own shit.
Doc, good video. Thanks for the info and effort. The 9 downvotes must own Victory bike owners.
Marine grease. Red hi-temp
On my HD touring bike to check the fall-away, along with removing the clutch cable, am I also supposed to remove my aftermarket radio, amp, speakers, ram mounts, auxiliary lighting attached to the brake bolts (motolights), auxiliary accessory switch housing kit, etc?
How is a Factory procedure designed for a stock HD supposed to work on customer's aftermarket modified motorcycle?...Doc
Hi there have you done a video on Springer front end adjustments and steering head bearings ?
Nope…I have been avoiding that job🤪….Doc
What if bike was purchased from dealership tat states 40k checks and services were complete on the bike prior to purchase should I take it to another shop to verify
Thanks ...
Thx Doc. That's the video I've been waiting for. Is the front wheel completely off the ground? Looks like they touching a little in video
It has to be off the ground! If it drags anywhere the test doesn’t work.
@@davypig571 thank you. That what I thought.
Always good info... and videos...!!
Hi dr.harley
I bought a 1993 FLHTP
Recently
And put the new tires on,also repack bearings
When I have a ride,I got some wobble (not like death wobble,more like all bike left and right)
I did adjust my neck bearing after first ride,but still the same.
And it happened around 70-85 random, sometime 80 sometimes 75, sometimes nothing happened when 90.
Is that probably that big windshield this bike have caused the issue?
First let me say you are diagnosing very well. New Tires with new bearing was an excellant start. Lubing and adjusting neck bearing was the next step. Next would be to check the front rubber mount. Is it in good condition? Most wear out. Next secure the bike, lift rear end so tire is just off the ground. Remove lower shock bolts. Now grab the swing arm and tire and try to move it side to side. Rear rubber mounts might be worn out allowing the rear to move which would effect your ride. Finally you are correct about the fairing. The faster you go the more wind pushes the barn door fairing. Thanks ~ Doc
I just had mine done today June 6... Pretty cheap from Hannums Harley davidson of Chads ford, PA...100% better ride
R. Taylor how much did they charge to adjust?
Have a Harley Davidson technician conduct a proper fall away procedure. Often overlooked, I've got well over 600,000 miles on my ass and have several owned HD's. Also ensure that the front motor mount has a 7/16" bolt in the center in lieu of a 3/8". You wont have any more problems guaranteed. If it still wobbles take it back to the dealership and tell them you aren't happy with the fall away and that you want it redone. If they give you a hard time speak to a manager. If the manager doesn't want to help you take it up with Corporate HD.
@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Doc - thank you, as always for all the great information you provide!! I have been struggling a bit with the subjective nature of the fall away test on my 2018 Road Glide Special. To eliminate the interpretation of when the wheel starts to move back, why not simply find the point where letting go of the wheel results in a less than one inch movement back and then take a measurement between those two points? Then adjust the bearings until that distance is to spec. This is completely objective - do you see any issues doing it this way?
Your posts are very informative with great thought. As a HD tech I blindly follow the Service Manual. Always striving to the tight specs…..Doc
Ironically those of us who might need to take it to the dealer have a bike too old for a Harley Dealer to touch. Good ole MoCo...
This is a Topic I wish MoCo would address. Each Year the dealers look at the bottom dollar and the experience in the Service Dept. ( a lot of young Techs now with no pre-TC knowledge and experience) and make the choice to limit what years the accept. I am blessed to work at a dealership that keeps me on for this reason....Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson
Wow … my respect for YOU , Doc AND your employer at Low Country HD just went up a notch !
That is a” stone “ in a lot of rider’s boot that own the “ old school “ stuff !
Question, is this the same as the dampening adjustment knob used on some pre 60s vintage bike Shop? Thanks.
Would I be sharing my age if I say yes?
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Bla ha ha !!!
Love it !
I guess this is Harley’s way of denying the death wobble as a design flaw. But I did enjoy the video. I don’t ever remember seeing the dots and tapping methods to set the steering head preload. I would also temperatures would have a very big effect on theses measurements.
Interesting comment...
Doc
zero precision just like rear axle adjusters on touring models
@ 2:24 when you push and pull and it clunks it could be the fork bushing in the lower slider DOC... just say`n .............
Doc I have a 2006 springer Softail doing a steering head bearing adjustment the repair manual says to lift the bike with both wheels off the ground equally no matter where I put the jack they are not equal I've even tried shims between the jack and frame what am I doing wrong. Thanks
Trying to do this with one Jack….Doc
PLEASE BE IN GOOD HEALTH
@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Hey Doc - at about 6:30 into the video ("late model touring machine"), you state that the adjustment is too tight. But since the wheel came to rest inside of the first mark, this is too loose according to the factory manual (2018 Touring). "Too loose" makes better intuitive sense as well - the wheel moved too far (looser makes the wheel move back faster and further). Additionally, the distance between those last two marks is too small, and the factory manual says this means "too loose".
I just put a 26 inch rim on a 2001 ultra classic with American suspension Bolton kit. For some reason at low speeds taking off and slowing down to go around corners, it gets a very bad wobble back-and-forth in the handlebars. Any ideas what could cause this? It has brand new tires and the bearings were checked.
Too many aftermarket items for my knowledge. Did you modify the rear suspension to a lower setting? It could be geometry is fighting you making the front end light. (even though most 26 front weigh a ton) contact American Suspension for possible adjustment needed...Doc
DOC been waiting to see how this is done thanks!!.. I have an 18 street glide like the one in the video... IF we have 21" wheels on the bike, this extra weight has to play a difference.. what do we do in this case? Or do we follow the same procedure?
thanks again
Sorry can’t give you any advice haven’t to run into this in the shop yet
Yes it makes a difference just like riding with 16-20 inch apes makes a difference. Hd manual adjustments are for stock bikes
@@anitabonghit266 yes of course it does.. we arent debating that.. i was just asking what the new numbers or measurements would be
@@tylerfj24 there is no started numbers for that. It becomes doing it by feel which comes from years of doing it
@@anitabonghit266 Anita Bonghit, me too !
I have a 08 FLHTC WITH 7200 mi. I got it used so it sat. I was thinking about having my Bearings cleaned & Inspected. And set. And my Front forks oil changed. Is that a good idea? I am a automotive technician so most work I’ll do myself. Not that though
Yes, Anytime you buy used it's great to start with new so you can schedule maintenence...Doc
Another good one Doc. never gave that much thought. How often do you recommend it should be checked. Also i beleave my bike has a grease fitting on the steering head. how often should that be greased? Thanks
Check your Service Manual for how often. In the past every 10k miles. I love the Zerk fitting. You must use a high quality grease with a high melting heat threshold. Cause a poor quality grease will melt in 90 plus temperatures and dribble all over your bike. Pump in the grease till you see it coming out from under the dust shields. Wipe excess away.
Actually, it's called a zerk fitting!@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson
Eric Leger thanks for catching the typo.
How do we know Doc Harley is not the legend disc jockey ..wollfman Jack ..some one made a comment Doc Harley would have a great voice for talk back radio 📻 or radio itself , I agree ☝️
Doc, how about an update on checking head bearings on the new softails, its totally different, no fall away settings, its a pull force now.
Funny you should post this. Check out our last video post….Doc
Hey doc watched the comparator vid was wondering at what mileage should i start considering replacement
When you notice you have a problem with it....
@@08StreetGlide 10-4 only have 18000 on my 08 ultra
@@08StreetGlide thanks brother
@@WilliamBates-xk6mt I replaced mine in June. Went with Baker, also Baker manual chain tensioner. I noticed my bike was hard to start, sounded like rocks in primary when shut down, and when approaching a stop after throttle roll-off and prior to grabbing the clutch handle when I had coasted for a while, the bike would kinda surge.....fwd...aft....fwd....aft....it was the spring pack.....weak as f#$k....
this is some technical stuff
If the fall away is correct on a dyna and I’m still getting a decel wobble with my hands resting on the bars, can it be a bad motor mount or mounts, possibly tire?
Can be your tire (even rear one) or tire pressure. "Can be" ...
Or it could be spokes if you have a laced wheel. Or pivot shaft or bad wheel bearings
2009 Ultra, I guess mine is more similar to the 'late model' touring than the Dyna,
the checking method looks hella complex , yikes...
Can I just replace the head bearing since I have almost 40k mi (poss orignal bearings)
on the bike and torque so factory spec?
You are close enough to the 50K Service where those bearings are checked, Serviced/Replaced. But there is no factory torque. It is the same adjustment process. Thanks ~ Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Thank you..
I have the same 2019 Street Glide Special
At any speed above roughly 45-50mph if I hold only one bar (usually the throttle side) the whole front end wobbles heavily. But when I use two hands I can calm it down but still feel it strong enough to be concerned!
It has just over 3,000 miles on it and the 1000 mile service has been done.
Any advice?
Interesting. I just bought a new 2019 Street Glide Special 6-4-2019 with only 6 miles on it. I noticed within the 1st mile the frontend wobble. I took it right back to the dealership and they still have it. Best way to notice this is 4th gear. Let off the throttle with the speed reducing from 50 to 30mph. My sales guy was shocked as well when he rode it. Needless to say it's not right.
Make sure your back wheel is properly aligned up with your front wheel. Best done with a straight edge or you can use string. Most wobbles are caused by bad rear wheel alignment.
I am sure wobble was fixed….what ended up being the issue? I have a 2019 SGS. Put 21 inch wheels up front and 13” legend Revo A shocks in back. I get the wobble around 45mph when i let go of the steering.
That is SO unusual .
I bought a 2018 FXLR and haven’t had this issue .
I’ll be paying special attention ; I’m assuming that this is “ obvious “ ?
Are you saying it should swing back to between the opposite side green and black marks?
Yes
Thank you for your reply. Makes sense now.
My 17 FLHXSSECVO
swingback turning left almost returns to center. Turning right it barely comes back at all. Like it even get to the cardboard. What does that mean??
It means,”When was the last neck bearing serviced and adjusted?”…..Doc
Couldn't you use a regular motorcycle lift to get your tires off the ground? So does the Harley dealer include these tests during a 10,000 mile service? Honestly, I'd be surprised if they did. Good demo of these tests...seems simple enough. I'll include them when I grease my steering head bearings every 10k.
Would depend on the lift & your guts. It depends on your dealership, the year of your motorcycle and the model if it’s included in the service.
If I remember correctly, Isn't the Steering Head bearings checked at the 5k(And up) Service Intervals?
No. Older touring bikes pre 2014 and ask the rest of the models it's every 10k and 2014 and later touring is every 25k
I'm curious why you need to jack up the rear wheel. Is this just to keep the bike level?
Yes
what's the requirement for lifting the touring to do the test
If the distance between the two marks is short then it is loose, if the distance between the marks is long then it is tight
Recheck the video on the Dyna starting the minute 3:57
Please correct me if I am wrong
You are right
I would like to get an answer on this problem i took my bike in for the 50k which deals with the head bearing when i picked up my bike i checked the operation of the bike right tail out and screw missing on the clutch cable cover they fixed both than i took the bike on a 300 mile run and noticed an uncontrollable wobble when i pass semi-trucks at 80 to 85 i had to slow down to get control, did they not adjust the bike correct, because i don't remember having the bike do this unless i was at speeds of 90 with heavy wind. please let me know if i should return because its to lose, i don't want to insult the tech if this is normal at speeds above 70. i have a 2006 Dyna with new rear tire they said front ok.
Sorry for the small item issues. Theres no documentation on if motorcycles are steady and true after the speed limit. Also I do not know your bike set up ie higher than stock handlebars, accessories etc. if your bike is stock and has a handling issue at or below state speed limits than by all means ask to have the tech re-examine the adjustment.
After i watched your video i went and checked the basics they put 40 psi in a 30 psi tire the roads were a little wet. So i figure he put my new tire on the back which takes 40 psi and he got distracted. Did the same run on I-10 no problems. So i am back living the dream Doc, love your videos keep teaching us all about harleys it keeps are dreams coming take care Doc.
Doc do I need to reset mine if I do a SG to RG conversion?
Yes! Because of the weight difference to the front forks…..Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thanks DOC
?? 2018 limited. From time of delivery has had a deceleration wobble in 3rd gear starting around 38 MPH. At the first service the delivering dealer charged $83 to check/adjust the fall away. I was told it is a wear item and not warranted. STILL PRESENT.
Second dealer adjusted head bearing, no charge. STILL PRESENT!!!!
Motor Company's answer was... we'll give you a case number for further problems.....
That case number will be handy when your dead. HD are not a serious option anymore. Their quality is so bad. The bike culture is all that sells them.
It's your front tire
It was my understanding that when you by brand new - you get a (2) year unlimited mile warranty .
Something doesn’t sound right if you had that problem from purchasing it from that dealership “ brand new “ .
Same proceedure with a 2001 Sportster?
YES....Doc
Any doubts
Pull em
Cheap insurance
Do the swingarm too
@ 6:48 , if no.3 marks are inside of the no.1 marks, it is too loose, not tight.
I agree. too loose according to the SM
By setting colours does that stop the stupid rainbow startup or is there any way to turn that off? Drives me crazy I just want it to boot in the colour set.
I have not found any solution....enjoy the show.....Doc
Bought a used bike, dislike front braking I WILL GET IT CHECKED!!!!
The marks being close together indicates that the bearings are too tight?
DOC. Absolutely great video and very informative. LTMV & #unt ;;;
Is the cause of a lot of these problems the lack of greasing on a regular interval
Yes and maybe. Grease is very important. But all things wear. Adjustments are needed to take up for this wear. Thanks ~ Doc
im not getting the 2 jacks. cant you just use a regular jack placed in the middle of the chassis and jacked up so both wheels are off the ground?
As a child I use to play on a teeter-totter....same principal. With my Harley I will use two....Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson lol thanks, I get it now! 👍
I guess that you recieve a dollar for every time you say the words HD 🤣🤣
he even named himself doc harley...
Just a little 'off' on the clutch caable....or hose..!...unwanted effect on friction test.
Hi doc, Harley will not work on my 05 heritage.
Do a springer fall away video!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chievres Nightrain
Are they different?
Can t get fall away the same on both sides. Following manual step by step....🤔 To tight on the right, to loose the the left ( 2016 Fatboy S ).
In between checking adjustments, swing the front end back and forth three times making sure the grease and adjustments have time to settle. Then recheck, it only takes a little adjustment to go from just right to off.
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I've done that doc, per the service manual. Spent a couple of hour's as a matter of fact. Wheel does not stayed in the center , falls left. If I tighten to where it does, tight on the right, loose on the left. Right side exceeds 2 inch, left falls under a 1 inch. However, I have no handling issue's ( 17, 400 mi.), low speed or high speed handleing. Bought bike New, greased the steering head bearings at 10,000, with Harley grease. Smooth rotation side to side, no noise, clunks or free play .
It doesn't have to fall even to the left or right. All that matters is the distance. There is more added weight on the left side from the brake caliper which make it fall quicker than the right side. Plus don't lube your bearings until the adjustmentis right. A fully lubed bearing will through of your adjustment
@@anitabonghit266 thanks for the reply
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thanks for the reply
And if the dealer refuses to work on an older bike?
It saddens me that this IS an issue.....Doc
Bought an 05 dyna low rider a couple day ago. The bike has Vance and Hines big shots and a screaming eagle heavy breather intake. When reving just a bit from an idle it will spit air, I think, back out the intake. Doesn't do it every time, but often. Any thoughts?
Do you have a tuner? Could be too lean. Or check for an intake leak at the manifold.
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson don't have a tuner. I planned on putting the factory air intake back on to eliminate that possibility. I'll check the manifold too though. Thanks.