EVO All Evo Model Discussion

Replacing Clutch - No Diaphragm Spring Compressor

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 1, 2011 | 03:19 PM
  #11  
M&D88FXSTC's Avatar
M&D88FXSTC
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Central Ohio
Default

guess my first question would be are you replacing the entire clutch assembly or just the frictions & the steels ?

if i remember right mines 4 bolts & an adjustment rod away from falling apart in your hands (primary off of course). Then you can replace the disks....no snap rings involved. All tho Ive had that apart as well but Ill be damned if I can remember why...
 
Reply
Old Apr 1, 2011 | 03:57 PM
  #12  
miacycles's Avatar
miacycles
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 12
From: Bluffton, South Carolina
Default

The end cup off of an old harley generator works fine. Just take a hacksaw and cut two 1" notches opposite each other so that you can get the snap ring off. I used one of them for years before I got "rich" and got a "store bought" one.
 
Reply
Old Apr 1, 2011 | 06:06 PM
  #13  
Dan89FLSTC's Avatar
Dan89FLSTC
Seasoned HDF Member
Veteran: Navy
Active Streak: 30 Days
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,143
Likes: 12,706
From: South Carolina
Default

Originally Posted by robzuc97
I have removed my '97 FLSTC clutch & primary assembly without a compressor or having to arbor it. It is not hosed up and functions as good as new. But I suppose everyone else is right to have the tool: what worked for me may not work on another bike. Nothing similar at the auto parts store?
You are talking about removing the clutch assembly, a compressor is not needed for that.

The op wants to disassemble the clutch...

Removing the clutch and disassembling the clutch are two different things.

In order to remove the snap ring that retains the clutch diaphragm spring, it must be compressed.
 
Reply
Old Apr 1, 2011 | 06:07 PM
  #14  
woodnbow's Avatar
woodnbow
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 334
Likes: 2
Default

Originally Posted by miacycles
The end cup off of an old harley generator works fine. Just take a hacksaw and cut two 1" notches opposite each other so that you can get the snap ring off. I used one of them for years before I got "rich" and got a "store bought" one.
This thread is worthless without pics! How you got rich I mean, who cares about the tool... ;-)
 
Reply
Old Apr 1, 2011 | 06:10 PM
  #15  
Dan89FLSTC's Avatar
Dan89FLSTC
Seasoned HDF Member
Veteran: Navy
Active Streak: 30 Days
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,143
Likes: 12,706
From: South Carolina
Default

Originally Posted by M&D88FXSTC
guess my first question would be are you replacing the entire clutch assembly or just the frictions & the steels ?

if i remember right mines 4 bolts & an adjustment rod away from falling apart in your hands (primary off of course). Then you can replace the disks....no snap rings involved. All tho Ive had that apart as well but Ill be damned if I can remember why...
The `96 clutch does not use bolts to retain the diaphragm spring, it uses a snap ring.

Early five speeds up through `89 used the bolts.

`90 through `97 used the snap ring.

`98 and later went back to the bolt system.

Threaded rod, a nut, some big washers and a piece of pvc pipe...
 
Attached Thumbnails Replacing Clutch - No Diaphragm Spring Compressor-90-clutch.jpg  

Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Apr 1, 2011 at 06:38 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 2, 2011 | 07:09 AM
  #16  
M&D88FXSTC's Avatar
M&D88FXSTC
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Central Ohio
Default

The `96 clutch does not use bolts to retain the diaphragm spring, it uses a snap ring.

Early five speeds up through `89 used the bolts.

`90 through `97 used the snap ring.

`98 and later went back to the bolt system.

Threaded rod, a nut, some big washers and a piece of pvc pipe...
what he said,
 
Reply
Old Apr 2, 2011 | 07:22 AM
  #17  
miacycles's Avatar
miacycles
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 12
From: Bluffton, South Carolina
Default

Originally Posted by woodnbow
This thread is worthless without pics! How you got rich I mean, who cares about the tool... ;-)
9 to 5 pays your bils, 5 to 9 makes your fortune. Lots of hard work, sacrifice, and lucky decisions. I was a professional firefighter, did the national Guard after my active duty stint, ran a contracting company and a motorcycle shop. That gave me two good pensions plus Social Security in addition to my savings and investments. Now I've given you the formula, but let me warn you it wasn't easy, but it was well worth it now!!!! Lastly remember Rich is a comparitive term, there are people that consider me rich and there are people that don't. The one thing of value that no one can take away from me are my friends and customers.
 
Reply
Old Apr 11, 2011 | 07:47 PM
  #18  
Bankrupt's Avatar
Bankrupt
Novice
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Default

Bought diaphragm compression tool to re-assemble clutch with new hub.

When this mishap occurred, I was trying to figure out why I had no clutch lever pressure. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/prima...tch-lever.html
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 18, 2012 | 11:17 PM
  #19  
airmaniac's Avatar
airmaniac
Stage II
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: fall river, MA
Default @ Bankrupt

Originally Posted by Bankrupt
Bought diaphragm compression tool to re-assemble clutch with new hub.

When this mishap occurred, I was trying to figure out why I had no clutch lever pressure. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/prima...tch-lever.html
I am trying to reinstall the pressure plate after replacing the clutch plates. I already broke 2 pressure plates! I have the correct spring compressor tool. How the hell is this done? Im baffled. I put the pressure plate on there and then the spring followed by the compressor tool. Tighten it up snug, then the washer (convex side out) then the flat washer, then the clip. i tighten a little more, its almost there but i cant seem to get that snap ring on! Theres no holes in it to grab with snap ring pliers, any tricks im missing here? any tips on how to install the nap ring? any help is appreciated...its an 86 EVO sporster...Tom
 
Reply
Old May 19, 2012 | 07:43 AM
  #20  
miacycles's Avatar
miacycles
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 12
From: Bluffton, South Carolina
Default

Georges Garage sells the tools for a reasonable price and the quality is great to booy!!!
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:13 PM.

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