Heim Joint Shift Linkage Installed - Locknut Question
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Heim Joint Shift Linkage Installed - Locknut Question
Before I'm chastised for not using the search feature, I have looked through the dozens of posts on this subject, but I didn't see an answer to this question. 
I just installed a shift linkage with heim joints. I've got it adjusted to the same length as the OEM linkage. On the back end attached to the lever coming up from the transmission, I've got it secured with a button head bolt, blue lock tight, tightened down snugly. On the front end, I'm using another button head hex bolt with a nylon lock nut.
Here's my concern: if I tighten the front nut down snugly, it causes the shifter arm to bind against the heim joint, and it will not allow the shifter to snap back, ready for the next shift. I have move the shifter up or down with my boot. If I back off the lock nut, so the bolt is spinning freely inside the heim joint, all is fine. (I think this is how the OEM linkage worked with the acorn nut snugged down, letting the ball joint spin freely under the rubber boot - but, I'm not sure - I didn't pay that much attention to it when I took it off)
If I leave the nylon lock nut "backed off" so the bolt will spin inside the heim joint, will it stay in that position, or will I be stranded on the side of the road, fishing a zip tie out of my tool bag after the lock nut and bolt have bounced down the road?
Is that the whole purpose of a nylon lock nut? I know it's a simple question, but I don't know the answer, and I'd rather appear ignorant here than have to do a roadside repair.
Thanks.
I just installed a shift linkage with heim joints. I've got it adjusted to the same length as the OEM linkage. On the back end attached to the lever coming up from the transmission, I've got it secured with a button head bolt, blue lock tight, tightened down snugly. On the front end, I'm using another button head hex bolt with a nylon lock nut.
Here's my concern: if I tighten the front nut down snugly, it causes the shifter arm to bind against the heim joint, and it will not allow the shifter to snap back, ready for the next shift. I have move the shifter up or down with my boot. If I back off the lock nut, so the bolt is spinning freely inside the heim joint, all is fine. (I think this is how the OEM linkage worked with the acorn nut snugged down, letting the ball joint spin freely under the rubber boot - but, I'm not sure - I didn't pay that much attention to it when I took it off)
If I leave the nylon lock nut "backed off" so the bolt will spin inside the heim joint, will it stay in that position, or will I be stranded on the side of the road, fishing a zip tie out of my tool bag after the lock nut and bolt have bounced down the road?
Is that the whole purpose of a nylon lock nut? I know it's a simple question, but I don't know the answer, and I'd rather appear ignorant here than have to do a roadside repair.
Thanks.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Maybe there's something wrong with the heim joint then? The ball inside the heim joint doesn't move freely anymore, that is after installing. It did prior to tightening the bolt down. To make the ball inside the heim joint move, you have to stick something like a screwdriver through it and pry it in the direction you want to move it. I didn't crank down on it very hard though, when tightening.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 17
Was there any offset in the original likage Vs the new one? If so and the new one is straight you may either have the wrong linkage for your bike or you may have to use some washers as a spacer to get it to line up proberly, but that shouldnt have to be done in most cases.
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 17
But like I said before I think the heim joint is shot.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Was there any offset in the original likage Vs the new one? If so and the new one is straight you may either have the wrong linkage for your bike or you may have to use some washers as a spacer to get it to line up proberly, but that shouldnt have to be done in most cases.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
