Binding clutch cable?
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Where our Gov. makes our license plates
Binding clutch cable?
On my 79 FLH my clutch lever had zero play in it. So I adjusted the trans end of the cable in until there was about 1/4'' of free play. Then I had the handle bars turned the other way and the free play was gone. Also with the bars one way the clutch feels normal and with them the other way the clutch is pretty damn hard to pull. When the bars are to the right its all good and to the left its not right. There are two guide clamps, one on the triple tree and one on the down tube and it slides through them well when turned to the left but thats when its messed up. So you all think its a problem with the cable itself? Need cleaning? Replace? Or has nothing to do with it? 
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From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
1. Check is to see if you have the clutch cable routed correctly.
2. Stock cable for FLH models is 49-1/4". Is the cable length correct? Are your handlebars and risers stock?
Should not be any binding when moving the front end from left to right...
2. Stock cable for FLH models is 49-1/4". Is the cable length correct? Are your handlebars and risers stock?
Should not be any binding when moving the front end from left to right...
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Where our Gov. makes our license plates
I looked in my manual and could not find cable routing. I will see if I can find something online. It has stock bars on it and I will try to measure the length tonight. What do you lube the cable with?
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From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
Cable lube....use liquid graphite.
Last edited by panz4ever; Apr 18, 2012 at 09:36 AM.
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Cruiser
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From: Where our Gov. makes our license plates
I will check them pages, thanks! On mine there is that mounting point on the left downtube but there is also another one just off of the handle bar area, like a tab off of the bolt that holds the cover on the center of the bars. The cable does not seem too short, sorry if it sounded that way. I think if anything it may be too long because with the bars to the right, it works good, and that is the way that kinda uses up the whole cable length. And turn the bars to the left and it binds up. But I also noticed last night that with the bars straight it does not feel right either. Seems like the only time it feels correct to me is when the bars are turned all the way to the right.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Salem, Oregon
I use 30 wt motor oil. If your tranny is a 4 speed you can do it like this. Loosen the cable adjuster all the way.Disconnect the cable from the handle bar lever, tape a small funnel that just barely fits over the cable ferrule so it doesn't leak, tape it in an upright position to the handle bar and put a little bit of oil in the funnel, just so it comes over the top of the cable opening. Put a rag under the other end where it comes out of the adjuster near the tranny and let it sit a few hours. I do that every year and havent broken or had to replace a clutch cable because of wear in over 30 years. Makes it really smooth also. There is probably easier and faster ways using aerosol lube, but this is what works for me..
As far as routing the cable, all mine seem to work best when it goes thru the clamps like yours does. From the frame clamp it should run up between the handlebar and tank, then over the top of the bar to your lever. I've seen them mounted several ways, but that is based on the length of the cable and height of handle bars.
Hope this helps ya!!
jim
As far as routing the cable, all mine seem to work best when it goes thru the clamps like yours does. From the frame clamp it should run up between the handlebar and tank, then over the top of the bar to your lever. I've seen them mounted several ways, but that is based on the length of the cable and height of handle bars.
Hope this helps ya!!
jim
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Cruiser
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From: Where our Gov. makes our license plates
Cool guys thanks... I just looked at JP Cycles to see how much a new one is and their not bad so I may just replace it... Better safe than sorry and stranded. But the ones they have are either 49" or 49-3/4". Is it better to be a 1/4" short or 1/2" long?
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From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
Only disadvantage is that the oil can get a bit grungy inside the cable from the constant wear of the cable inside the sheath. Haven't had that problem since switching to the graphite. But you hit the nail on the head...part of routine maintenance is lubricating the cables. Always wondered for guys who take their bike to the dealership for servicing if that is a question they ask and receive an answer for.
I like the idea of 1/2 longer in order to avoid any chance of binding. The extra really does not interfere with bike handling.
I like the idea of 1/2 longer in order to avoid any chance of binding. The extra really does not interfere with bike handling.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Where our Gov. makes our license plates
I will try a few things but The more I think about this I may buy a new one. I haven't really put much money in this bike yet except for paint and a $40 cable can leave me stranded somewhere.