clutch cable adjustment

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 25, 2013 | 12:28 PM

Tucker99

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 894

Likes: 6

clutch cable adjustment

I try to run about 1/8" play on my clutch lever. The adjustment on the cable keeps loosing up and the 1/8" becomes more like 1/2" Any ideas?

Jul 25, 2013 | 12:31 PM

anarchy67

Intermediate

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 28

Likes: 0

From: san diego

blue loctite?

Jul 25, 2013 | 01:05 PM

Dr.Hess

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 8,199

Likes: 3,087

From: NW AR

Is the adjuster loosening or are you just tightening it (lengthening the cable) more and more? If it's not the adjuster mechanism, yo may have an internal problem like the throw out bearing, or the push rod or the other (clutch) side getting chewed up.

Jul 25, 2013 | 01:06 PM

Jim Kraft

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 2,856

Likes: 127

From: Middle of Kansas

Sounds like your cable is stretching and if that is the case it will probably break pretty soon.

Jul 25, 2013 | 01:14 PM

Tucker99

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 894

Likes: 6

These are steel braided Goodrich cables. Stiff as heck and the adjusting nut keeps slipping. Bike has 51K on it. Is this unusual for the original clutch? The bike had 38K on it when I bought it and I'm unsure if it's the original clutch. Dang, I've never heard of a clutch cable breaking. Thanks guys.

Jul 25, 2013 | 03:00 PM

Dr.Hess

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 8,199

Likes: 3,087

From: NW AR

If the adjusting nut is slipping, I'd say that was your problem. I'm unfamiliar with the newer style clutch cables, but are you tightening the jam nut down? Maybe a 2nd jam nut?

Jul 26, 2013 | 07:19 AM

Hackd

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 3,872

Likes: 83

From: Canton, Michigan

Have you checked/set the clutch adjustment (under the derby cover) to factory specs? If not, do this according to your FSM. Check the end play on the rod. MAW (might as well) oil the cable and clean/grease the clutch lever pivot while you're at it. Set the jam nut to the German Torque Spec: Gutentite. Just being snug isn't going to cut it.

If it loosens up again: Blue LocTite. Or (in a pinch) GE silicone. Clean the threads and apply. If the goop doesn't prevent it from backing off, then you'd be best getting a new cable, as either the jam nut or the adjuster is worn out. With 51K on my 93 FLHS, I've never had a problem with either the OEM cables, or aftermarket (braided) one, loosening up.