Changing Brake and Clutch levers
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,322
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From: Somerset County
Changing Brake and Clutch levers
I want to change out my Brake and Clutch Levers on an 05 Softail Standard - How hard is this going to be and is there anything special I need to look out for based on experience? I do have the service manual but there is not much in there as it relates to this - Thanks for any input
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,978
Likes: 34
From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: Changing Brake and Clutch levers
The clutch side is an easy one. Loosen the clutch adjustment nut first. On the underside of the pivot point where the lever meets the switch housing is a spring loaded clip. (U or C shaped). Slide that off and keep track of that little rascal. The clutch lever will slide forward and away. Fool with it and you will see how the cable has a little ball at the end of it, pull the cable free (carefully) and replace. Do the reverse to get it back together.
The only thing I would add is to mark where your cable adjuster nut was to start, this will get you the same adjustment when you are done.
As for the brake lever, not sure, I've not fooled with the brake lever, someone else can spend a few key strokes working that one for you. I do know that the little switch in there for the brake light is of concern.
My experience is this, if you have the manual, and you follow it to the letter, you will be fine. Go for it, just do it when you have a car and the HD shop is open for a back up!
Mac
The only thing I would add is to mark where your cable adjuster nut was to start, this will get you the same adjustment when you are done.
As for the brake lever, not sure, I've not fooled with the brake lever, someone else can spend a few key strokes working that one for you. I do know that the little switch in there for the brake light is of concern.
My experience is this, if you have the manual, and you follow it to the letter, you will be fine. Go for it, just do it when you have a car and the HD shop is open for a back up!
Mac
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,296
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From:
RE: Changing Brake and Clutch levers
I have done them both on my RK - I imagine they are simillar, but, I'm not sure. On the brake side, use a 1/4" spacer to keep the brake lever pulled a bit so when you remove the brake lever, you won't damage the rubber coated switch that's located within the brake housing. As with the clutch side, there's an "E" ring of sorts that needs to be removed - best done with a pair of pliers that are made for that kind of work (a new tool opportunity - YES!) . Pull the retaining pin and the brake lever is pulled out and the replacement will go right in being careful of the rubber coated switch inside the housing (keep a spacer in there until the retaining pin is re-inserted).
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,576
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From:
RE: Changing Brake and Clutch levers
Ill give one more bit of advice.
You can do like mac said about marking clutch cable or just adjust it.
You adjust it by twisting the adjustment nut till you can pull the clutch cable out of your handlebar lever housing about 1\8th of a inch.
More on that should be in manual.
Changing levers are very easy. You will have no problem.
David
You can do like mac said about marking clutch cable or just adjust it.
You adjust it by twisting the adjustment nut till you can pull the clutch cable out of your handlebar lever housing about 1\8th of a inch.
More on that should be in manual.
Changing levers are very easy. You will have no problem.
David
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 123
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I attempted to take my brake lever off folling the manual and your instructions...seems like i need to remove the switch houseing or the master cylinder to allow the lever to to slide foreward and out...does that sound right or am I missing something.
Stage III
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
hi! i'm trying to do the same thing & i just cant seem to be able to get the pivot-pin out from the bottom of the clutch (the bar/bolt that goes through the hole in the clutch, the little U-shaped 'washer' that holds it in place on the bottom) any advice on how to get the sucker off? thanks!!!
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Stage I
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1
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hi! i'm trying to do the same thing & i just cant seem to be able to get the pivot-pin out from the bottom of the clutch (the bar/bolt that goes through the hole in the clutch, the little U-shaped 'washer' that holds it in place on the bottom) any advice on how to get the sucker off? thanks!!!
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: St. Charles, MO
Just finished up replacing both levers, and its fairly straight forward. The "mini snap ring pliers" from Harbor Freight did the trick in easily getting off the snap rings. I thought the trickiest thing was positioning the brake lever and getting the pivot pin back in without tearing up the little boot for the front brake light switch. Brake lights still worked when I finished, so I guess I was successful.