Howdy! So Im getting such great advice with other issues I thought id ask help for installing my new clutch cable. Im reading in my genuine HD manual and its vaguely saying I may need to remove exhaust. Do I really? Do I need to remove the whole fricken thing? Also, im pretty able mechanically but should I attempt this myself?
Thanks

 

I take it this is on your '97 Road King?

I can't help you, but other RK owners may be able to...

 

If the exhaust is in the way and limits you from getting the trans side cover off, then you will have to remove it.

If not then you don't need to

 

This and yes, you will have to take part of it off to get the side cover off. Make sure you put a drip pan under the side cover when you pop it off, Ask me how I know!

 

If you slack up the bolts on the exhaust mounts, but not the heads sometimes there is enough play to get in there and take it off. Working off the theory that if you pry a little and get an exhaust leak, the exhaust is coming off for new gaskets anyway... If you don't, then you saved an hour.

Don't forget that you need a big circlip plier to get the cable out. Big. Harborfreight has that stuff, but NAPA has good stuff behind the counter... Ideally the kind that doesn't have changeable ends as the ring is just on the edge of what the stamped sheet metal stuff wants to see.

 

Good advice above..I found this out myself last month when my cable broke

 

FWIW, on my '90 Electra Glide, I loosened the exhaust the first time I opened up the side of the trans. I realized later that I could just barely get to the cover by taking off the exhaust heat shield, leaving the pipes themselves alone. I need a ball-end allen to get to (IIRC) two of the bolts, since the presence of the pipe prevents you from going straight in. It's snug, but doable.

I say give it a shot. Worst thing that happens is you discover there's no way, and you end up taking off/loosening the pipes, in which case you are no worse off than if you had started there.

 

I will most likely pay the $250 to get it done, just too many tools i dont have and the possibility of having to remove the exhaust

 

$250????????????
Damn I wish I lived closer to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'd do it for you for way less!!!!!!!!!!!

Your talking about an hour or less so I wonder how they justify charging you $250...

 

well for one thing theres the special tools like this big circlip removal tool, i dont have it plus whatever gaskets and the labor to remove the whole exhaust? Its $90 hr. labor