Throw out bearing
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,830
Likes: 7,968
From: poway
Last edited by Max Headflow; Jun 2, 2025 at 03:54 PM.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 800
From: Colorado
Its a thrust bearing sistered between two races (10-9-10) on the other side of the trans rod that goes through the trans via 7 outward on brake pedal side of the trans through channel for push rod.
https://www.jpcycles.com/product/eas...ku_id=10234688
https://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche...ydavidsonmc/59
So this,
And need to pull the trans cover 67 off the brake pedal side of trans, to get to it and it side of the clutch push rod.
https://www.jpcycles.com/product/eas...ku_id=10234688
https://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche...ydavidsonmc/59
So this,
And need to pull the trans cover 67 off the brake pedal side of trans, to get to it and it side of the clutch push rod.
Last edited by Dano523; Jun 2, 2025 at 03:12 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,596
Likes: 9,899
From: Florida's gorgeous East coast
Did someone say “ ‘85 throw out bearing..?? 🤪
I’ve replaced a couple on my ‘85 FXRS over the 40 years I’ve been riding her. Coupla things come to mind that might be useful to anyone dealing with this issue.
In no particular order:
1. Before you get back on the road make sure you have at least 1/16” ( I like a little more but that’s what the book I have says) gap between the clutch handle and the bracket. Long time ago I had some work done by an independent shop near me. When I picked the bike up everything was fine with the work BUT… the clutch had been adjusted by the tech and there was no “ free play “ in the handle. I knew better, but didn’t correct it immediately. 50 miles ( or so…) later, I was in a Walmart parking lot replacing the throw out bearing..😡.
I carry the necessary parts and tools in my saddle bags. Easily enough done on the side of the road, albeit a little messy. 😁
2. While you’re in there, carefully inspect the right side pushrod end. May need to be replaced. I also recommend replacing the thrust washers whenever replacing the bearing. I’ve seen a failure of the throw out bearing result in the entire assembly ( bearing, thrust washers and pushrod end ) being essentially welded together..🙁.
3. Carefully inspect the “ Clutch release finger“. I carry one of those as well. When one fails… it’s a very doable roadside fix… IF you have the part.😁
As you might imagine… there’s a story behind that last sentence. An EXPENSIVE story that started in Bum Fk South Carolina, 250 miles from home at 10:00 o’clock on a Sunday night.
All part of the adventure..😊
I’ve replaced a couple on my ‘85 FXRS over the 40 years I’ve been riding her. Coupla things come to mind that might be useful to anyone dealing with this issue.
In no particular order:
1. Before you get back on the road make sure you have at least 1/16” ( I like a little more but that’s what the book I have says) gap between the clutch handle and the bracket. Long time ago I had some work done by an independent shop near me. When I picked the bike up everything was fine with the work BUT… the clutch had been adjusted by the tech and there was no “ free play “ in the handle. I knew better, but didn’t correct it immediately. 50 miles ( or so…) later, I was in a Walmart parking lot replacing the throw out bearing..😡.
I carry the necessary parts and tools in my saddle bags. Easily enough done on the side of the road, albeit a little messy. 😁
2. While you’re in there, carefully inspect the right side pushrod end. May need to be replaced. I also recommend replacing the thrust washers whenever replacing the bearing. I’ve seen a failure of the throw out bearing result in the entire assembly ( bearing, thrust washers and pushrod end ) being essentially welded together..🙁.
3. Carefully inspect the “ Clutch release finger“. I carry one of those as well. When one fails… it’s a very doable roadside fix… IF you have the part.😁
As you might imagine… there’s a story behind that last sentence. An EXPENSIVE story that started in Bum Fk South Carolina, 250 miles from home at 10:00 o’clock on a Sunday night.
All part of the adventure..😊
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 232
Likes: 166
From: Brooklyn
Yes, parts I keep in the bag, the release finger, the release finger shaft (they break too), the throw out bearing and washers. I haven't kept a pushrod end, small enough, maybe I'll add one. Yes, freeplay at the handle is primo. It will rattle at stoplights but piece of mind that little bearing isn't working overtime.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 800
From: Colorado
To add to the above posts,
Keep in mind that as the clutch wears, the free gap will shrink,
So when doing oil changes.into the primary for any reason, good time to go and check the free play each time.
Hence thrust bearing as side harden race washers are an item what will wear out in time, but that will be compound when there is not free gap and the bearing is kept under load at all times instead.
As for new thrust bearing and side hardened race washers, either USA or Japan bearing is fine, but the problem with bearing on say eBay or Amazon, may not be getting a real Japan or USA bearing, but counterfeit out of china/worse isntead.
So since getting to thrust bearing is an ordeal, may just want to go NOS OEM instead,
Keep in mind that as the clutch wears, the free gap will shrink,
So when doing oil changes.into the primary for any reason, good time to go and check the free play each time.
Hence thrust bearing as side harden race washers are an item what will wear out in time, but that will be compound when there is not free gap and the bearing is kept under load at all times instead.
As for new thrust bearing and side hardened race washers, either USA or Japan bearing is fine, but the problem with bearing on say eBay or Amazon, may not be getting a real Japan or USA bearing, but counterfeit out of china/worse isntead.
So since getting to thrust bearing is an ordeal, may just want to go NOS OEM instead,
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