Shovel clutch problems
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3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 7
Likes: 3
From: New jersey
Shovel clutch problems
My clutch still releases unevenly. Brand new primo rivera clutches, transmission was gone through pushrod is good keyway on the shaft is good and in place but the basket has a slight wobble to it. Maybe the basket is the problem maybe not. It has zero play just the wobble. Clutch adjusted properly all the plates move freely but still doesn't release evenly any help is big time appreciated.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 873
Likes: 159
From: FLORIDA
China makes a woodruff key for a bicycle be careful they don't work right in a shovel been there and done that especially on a primo Rivera
Last edited by 1981 suprglide; Sep 10, 2025 at 04:08 PM.
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3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 7
Likes: 3
From: New jersey
Update I filed down the basket dogs and filed some of the slots on the friction plates and adjusted the clutch. Still moves at an angle but fully releases. Before it was just one side that moved. The key I have is the stock key from factory it was in good shape no burs nothing the tolerance was pretty tight too had to tap it in to the shaft.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 3,360
From: Cental, MI
If that damn key holds the Hub from fully seating...Problems are Inevitable..A properly fitted Shovelhead hub, drives like a Morse Taper..No Need for a key...or...Something is Wrong!! and Wobble is the First sign it aint seated Correctly
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,110
Likes: 51,396
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
My clutch still releases unevenly. Brand new primo rivera clutches, transmission was gone through pushrod is good keyway on the shaft is good and in place but the basket has a slight wobble to it. Maybe the basket is the problem maybe not. It has zero play just the wobble. Clutch adjusted properly all the plates move freely but still doesn't release evenly any help is big time appreciated.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 3,360
From: Cental, MI
Basket has a wobble the key is a hair too tall, pull it, lay a good file flat and pull the key down along it several times and try it. still wobbles take some more off. Common with aftermarket parts, the aftermarket finger hub all do it. You may need to shim it to flatten the spring disc a bit more if it still drag's. Lubing and adjusting the cable correctly helps to. Those are pretty simple to install.
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Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,110
Likes: 51,396
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Yes Yes...When I do a Shovel (pre 1984-1/2) clutch..I always smack the hub with an Open Hand...to ensure it is Seating properly...Generally with a Good "whack" it is Only removable with some Difficulty.. having seated as a Morse Taper Should! The Post 1984-1/2, Diaphram Clutch??? Good Luck...certainly Not anything resembling a Morse taper... I dislike them Intensely
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 3,360
From: Cental, MI
Not in my little part of the Rhubarb Patch.. I'm Sedate and Cautious!!
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