hello all,wondering if the spring can be inspected without pulling the tranny apart? its been 31 yrs and 66k since new and comes to mind when planning a trip.thanks for any advice

 

Not that I'm aware of. It is tucked out of sight close to the tranny wall, just behind the tranny pulley. That spring in my 1990 Glide broke after a few years, but from what I can make out that was a short-lived problem with the springs. The replacement is still there and fine as far as I'm concerned. I doubt if you have any need to be anxious about yours!

 

Mine is 24 years old with 214,000 miles on it. Of course, it could break today. I could replace it, but the replacement might not be as good. Like Graham says it's inside the transmission, and, since the transmission comes apart from the right end, it's just about the last thing to come out. If you're going to go to that trouble, you'd just replace it, and hope the new one is good.


I could have a heart attack, or get hit by a truck and die tomorrow, too. Some things just can't be known.

 

There is no point in inspecting it unless it's broke. It won't look any different then new until one day it breaks

 

Mine broke last year, around 61000 miles on my '89. I'm sure if you pulled it out you could see where it rubs and if it's getting thin....but that's a waaaay too big of a job to do just in case. Even with the primary, starter, exhaust, floorboard, pulley, chain drive and half the tranny innards removed, it's hard to see. It's placed in the worst possible location!

Don't worry about it, if **** happens, then you deal with it.

 

It ain't going to break any time soon, I'll be bound. Even if it does you can still change gear, it's not the end of the World. When you change down the lever will stay down, so all you need to do is lift the lever back to the normal position and it will stay there until the next time you change gear. Simples! I rode like that for quite a while until I got around to replacing it. You have a Harley dealer on every street corner over there - Mrs B and I have ridden through Eastern European countries where there are none. Stop worrying!

 

ok, thought it might stay put once it broke.knowing that ,its not a big worry.thanks guys

 

I was thinking that spring would be visible if you took off the top cover. Is that not the case? You have total disassembled to change it, but you could get some satisfaction by tugging and pulling on it, looking it over.

 

Yes you can inspect it by removing the cover. To replace you must disassemble.... You will need to remove seat battery and oil tank also to inspect.......

 

Mine gave out last year on my '92 FXR. I'd leave it alone till it snaps. There's an upgraded replacement pawl that went into production around '93 or '94. Baker makes the one I bought for $60...should never have that headache again...

If you have your trans apart and are worried about it you might as well upgrade while you're in there...otherwise just ride.