I have a 97 FLSTC and I am replacing the throttle and idle cables. The problem is I can't get the cable housing out of the twist grip housing at the handlebar. The manual (Haynes) shows the cables as having ends that thread into the twist grip housing, but mine has these tiny round spring clip thingies instead of threads. I can't compress the ring to allow it slip out. I tried to drag the ring out with a dental pick but I can't get a holt of it. I know someone out there knows the answer to this stupid question so thanks in advance.

 

You didn't just say "thingies" did you?

 

How about a pic?

 

that little snap ring near the cable is inside the housing

 

Pull all the slack of the inner cable down to the carb then take a punch (flat end) and put it on the ball then tap it with a hammer.
You should probably spray some PB Blaster down from the top to help free up the cable end.

Harley stopped putting screw in cables in '95 after that they are supposed to just pull out.

 

make sure the cables are unhooked from the twist grip … from the outside of the housing pry the cables using a small screwdriver … they will pop out and the new ones get pushed into the housing until they pop in place … they pop out with a little pressure from a small screwdriver

 

Yep that's how they are supposed to work but if someone left the bike in the weather and rust accumulated on the cable ends they don't just pop out any more.

 

THC and I are on the same page … he suggest popping them out using a small punch from the inside of the housing … my suggestion is to pry them out from the outside of the housing … either way they will pop out and the new ones pop back in …

 

thanks guys!

 

Do yourself a favor and get a real Factory Service Manual for your year bike, Haynes and Clymer manuals are good kindling, junk for learning how wrench on your bike. Good luck.