Dyna Glide Models Super Glide, Super Glide Sport, Super Glide Custom, Dyna Glide Convertible, Super Glide T-Sport, Dyna Glide Police, Dyna Switchback, Low Rider, Street Bob, Fat Bob and Wide Glide.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Adjusting Clutch Cable - What Broke?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 23, 2013 | 03:41 PM
  #1  
rdondes's Avatar
rdondes
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 4
From: Newtown, PA
Default Adjusting Clutch Cable - What Broke?

I was adjusting the clutch and clutch cable on my 2007 FXDC Super Glide Custom as part of my 35,000 mile service. Have done this numerous times. Adjusted clutch - no problem. Went to tighten up the clutch cable and when I had it about right, I pulled in the clutch handle to see how it felt and there was a LOUD CLUNK that sounded like it came from the clutch handle assembly.

Now there is about 1 inch of clutch cable extending from the clutch perch and I cannot adjust the clutch cable at all. Adjusting the cable adjuster has no effect at all on the tightness of the clutch cable. The clutch handle just flops around.

Did I break something in the clutch handle assembly? Or did I break the clutch cable? How do I diagnose?

Thanks in advance.
Richard
Tel: 732-742-8940
 

Last edited by rdondes; Oct 23, 2013 at 03:55 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2013 | 03:58 PM
  #2  
dparker747's Avatar
dparker747
Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 231
Likes: 1
From: Arlington, TN
Default

Check the ball and ramp assembly. I had a similar issue once, pulled the ramp off the ball and was unable to adjust the clutch cable until I took it apart and put it back together.
 
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2013 | 04:50 PM
  #3  
misfitJason's Avatar
misfitJason
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6,849
Likes: 1,389
From: Florida
Default

ball and ramp assembly is a possibility but not very probable. Is the cable broken. Just take a needle nose pliers and see if you can pull the cable lightly from the sheath. If it comes out it's broken. If not, the clutch adjuster nut could have come loose or striped out the threads on the clutch adjusting pate on the clutch.
 
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2013 | 04:57 PM
  #4  
Jonesee's Avatar
Jonesee
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 85
From: Florida
Default

Definitely ball and ramp assembly.

I just went through this.

Once you get in there, hold the case and assembly in your hand and ask someone to work your clutch. At the very least it has jumped over 1 détente of the ***** and isn't getting full motion. You will need to lift the top part off and rotate it back at least 1 détente then put the top half assembly back on and have someone work the clutch easily full range again.

Post your questions here as you do it, or send me a note.
 
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2013 | 05:03 PM
  #5  
rdondes's Avatar
rdondes
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 4
From: Newtown, PA
Default

I removed the clutch release cover. I moved the ball and ramp a bit and the clutch handle moved. So It does not appear that the clutch cable is broken.

Also, I have the ball and ramp assembly in my hand, but there is no working the clutch as there is way too much slack.

How do I rotate the top part back one detent?

Thanks
 

Last edited by rdondes; Oct 23, 2013 at 05:11 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2013 | 07:51 PM
  #6  
Jonesee's Avatar
Jonesee
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 85
From: Florida
Default

You lift the top half straight up. The bottom half should stay in the housing. After you lift it, you will look down and see 3 ***** in each of 3 détentes.

Going from memory, turn the top half counter clockwise at least 1/3 turn or 1 détente as you replace it back on the bottom half.

If you have loosened the cable for adjusting the clutch, you will need to tighten it back up.
 

Last edited by Jonesee; Oct 23, 2013 at 08:32 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2013 | 08:16 PM
  #7  
maddghost's Avatar
maddghost
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
Default

Start your clutch adjustment over at teh clutch pack adjuster nut. chances are you just made a mistake.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
thanoskazakos
Softail Models
6
Aug 11, 2018 08:48 AM
rick775472
Primary/Transmission/Driveline/Clutch
5
Jul 5, 2015 09:08 PM
Mfd6049
Touring Models
1
Apr 8, 2014 09:36 PM
CT-Bagger
Touring Models
8
Oct 7, 2012 09:53 PM
ajay450
Softail Models
5
Dec 28, 2010 04:33 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:45 AM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE