Is it possible to replace the clutch cable without removing the exhaust?

For whatever reason, my front header pipe hates to seal so now that I got it leak free, I am hesitant to mess with it. I was thinking I could cut down an allen wrench to sneak behind the pipes and remove the few bolts that are obstructed by the pipes.

Possible?

I am replacing the clutch cable for a longer one.

Thanks for any input.

 

Iam taking mine off in about two hours to put a longer cable on,think you need to at least losen the pipes,I dont have a manual for my 06 deluxe softail so Iam just going to dig into it,after all need to get it off some how...Go to the DIY section there is a post about it...

 

There's ball berrings and stuff that you'll have to put back in correctly.. and will be harder with the pipe in the way

 

I read in the DIY section a guy did it with out takeing the retaining clip off,just moved the arm over...But there are good pics on how to remove and reintall the *****,arm and clip...

 

You might be able to. You need to remove the 6 bolts that holt the trans cover on.

 

found a link on "another harley forum" that says my idea will work (along with a few folks that confirmed) I will give it a go this weekend and report back. Thanks for the input.

P.S. Ranger, it looks like we are doing the same project at the same time (except I am going low and wide). I should be done (relatively speaking of course) this weekend. No rush as there is salt everywhere outside.

 

One word of caution, when you do get the trans cover off and are putting the new cable in.
DO NOT get over energetic with the wrench.
Use the wrench to hold the cable end and turn the cover on by hand without trying to prove your a big strong guy. Just turn it on far enough to bottom the threads out and NO MORE.
The end of the cable housing is hollow to accomodate the cable inside so its not as strong as it might appear. Going too far WILL break the end of the cable off in the cover, wrecking the cable and maybe the cover as well.

 

i appreciate the advice. thanks!

 

Yes you can replace the cable without removing the exhaust, just cut down an allen wrench like you said. It is still a royal pain in the a**. I did mine like that, because the bottom bolts are hard to get to, I think that it would have been easier just to remove the exhaust. Make sure the ramp and ball bearings are installed correctly.

 

in the interest of closure.....
I did cut down an bargain bin allen wrench to access the bottom 2 bolts of the cover. It was a piece of cake to remove them this way and definitely easier and faster than removing and reinstalling the exhaust. IMHO.
Thanks again for the replys all.