Softail Tranny Sticking
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Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 387
Likes: 266
From: Riverview, FL
Softail Tranny Sticking
Anyone else have this problem:
My wife's 06 FLSTN Softail Deluxe transmission sticks in certain gears (1-2-3). Also, the shifter linkage does not return to a "neutral" position after shifting (it stays up or down and not to the "ready" position).
Anyone have any ideas before I take it to the dealer and get the usual "all Softails do that."
Thanks,
My wife's 06 FLSTN Softail Deluxe transmission sticks in certain gears (1-2-3). Also, the shifter linkage does not return to a "neutral" position after shifting (it stays up or down and not to the "ready" position).
Anyone have any ideas before I take it to the dealer and get the usual "all Softails do that."
Thanks,
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Softail Tranny Sticking
Hey, I had that exact same issue. My '06 Deluxe was on the road less than 6 months, with less than 3k miles. Dealer said he repacked the bearings in the shifter. Seems to me that it is easy enough to do on your own, especially if you have the manual. Since then, I have had no more problems with it. Dealer said not to wash it too strongly with the hose on that spot.
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Softail Tranny Sticking
Well, it seems that it most likely is going to be some kind of lube issue. I am no mechanic, but doesn't a ball joint also make use of grease? I feel sure that what you describe simply entails taking it off, cleaning/lubing and putting it back on. Then, if that does not work, I guess it is off to a mechanic. But all in all, there can't be much happening or complicated around that ball joint. Maybe just some grit got to it. Ok, good luck.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Softail Tranny Sticking
ORIGINAL: thelawdoc
Well, it seems that it most likely is going to be some kind of lube issue. I am no mechanic, but doesn't a ball joint also make use of grease? I feel sure that what you describe simply entails taking it off, cleaning/lubing and putting it back on. Then, if that does not work, I guess it is off to a mechanic. But all in all, there can't be much happening or complicated around that ball joint. Maybe just some grit got to it. Ok, good luck.
Well, it seems that it most likely is going to be some kind of lube issue. I am no mechanic, but doesn't a ball joint also make use of grease? I feel sure that what you describe simply entails taking it off, cleaning/lubing and putting it back on. Then, if that does not work, I guess it is off to a mechanic. But all in all, there can't be much happening or complicated around that ball joint. Maybe just some grit got to it. Ok, good luck.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,407
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Softail Tranny Sticking
It's a simple easy fix! I had the same issue with my Springer about 2 weeks after I bought it.
Remove the toe and heel shifter levers then remove the front assembly by sliding it out from the rear FRONT bushing bracket( very easy to do) you will see a bushing with a sleeve, remove the sleeve and get a drywall sand block ( fine grit) and buff the crud on the bushing.........your done! takes all of about 15 minutes. Never had another problem. The service Tech at Lancaster HD in Pa. told me over the phone instead of running all the way in there for something so simple and he was right!
As you see in the area highlighted by the white box the black stationary sleeve that the shifting linkage articulates inside of , this is what you need to remove the inside of, where you will find the bushing and need to clean/buff, reinsert and replace the heel toe shifter and your ready to roll!
Remove the toe and heel shifter levers then remove the front assembly by sliding it out from the rear FRONT bushing bracket( very easy to do) you will see a bushing with a sleeve, remove the sleeve and get a drywall sand block ( fine grit) and buff the crud on the bushing.........your done! takes all of about 15 minutes. Never had another problem. The service Tech at Lancaster HD in Pa. told me over the phone instead of running all the way in there for something so simple and he was right!
As you see in the area highlighted by the white box the black stationary sleeve that the shifting linkage articulates inside of , this is what you need to remove the inside of, where you will find the bushing and need to clean/buff, reinsert and replace the heel toe shifter and your ready to roll!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 0
From: NH
RE: Softail Tranny Sticking
ORIGINAL: TraumaKing
It's a simple easy fix! I had the same issue with my Springer about 2 weeks after I bought it.
Remove the toe and heel shifter levers then remove the front assembly by sliding it out from the rear FRONT bushing bracket( very easy to do) you will see a bushing with a sleeve, remove the sleeve and get a drywall sand block ( fine grit) and buff the crud on the bushing.........your done! takes all of about 15 minutes. Never had another problem. The service Tech at Lancaster HD in Pa. told me over the phone instead of running all the way in there for something so simple and he was right!
As you see in the area highlighted by the white box the black stationary sleeve that the shifting linkage articulates inside of , this is what you need to remove the inside of, where you will find the bushing and need to clean/buff, reinsert and replace the heel toe shifter and your ready to roll!
It's a simple easy fix! I had the same issue with my Springer about 2 weeks after I bought it.
Remove the toe and heel shifter levers then remove the front assembly by sliding it out from the rear FRONT bushing bracket( very easy to do) you will see a bushing with a sleeve, remove the sleeve and get a drywall sand block ( fine grit) and buff the crud on the bushing.........your done! takes all of about 15 minutes. Never had another problem. The service Tech at Lancaster HD in Pa. told me over the phone instead of running all the way in there for something so simple and he was right!
As you see in the area highlighted by the white box the black stationary sleeve that the shifting linkage articulates inside of , this is what you need to remove the inside of, where you will find the bushing and need to clean/buff, reinsert and replace the heel toe shifter and your ready to roll!
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Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 387
Likes: 266
From: Riverview, FL
RE: Softail Tranny Sticking
Thanks all,
I looked at my road king and decided that the hell-toe shifters were on too close to the housing. I back them off (made them flush with the end of the stud) and she shifts like a dream (better than before) and there seems to be no sticking.
If she sticks again, I'll buff down the sleeve and clean the bushings.
Jason
I looked at my road king and decided that the hell-toe shifters were on too close to the housing. I back them off (made them flush with the end of the stud) and she shifts like a dream (better than before) and there seems to be no sticking.
If she sticks again, I'll buff down the sleeve and clean the bushings.
Jason
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Club Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 3
From: Idaho Falls
RE: Softail Tranny Sticking
The aftermarket linkages have sealed ball-joint ends. Look for ones under landmarkmfg.com - they have a good selection and you can purchase directly from them w/o shipping.