Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

5k Service DIY?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 2, 2010 | 11:47 AM
  #1  
Twofields6's Avatar
Twofields6
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Abingdon, MD
Question 5k Service DIY?

I need to do the 5K service on my '09 Heritage Softail Classic. Would like input on difficulty, tools needed, things to watch for, etc. Love the dealer I got it from but don't want to pay the minimum $300 cost if I can do it myself.
 
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2010 | 11:55 AM
  #2  
Tucson_Tim's Avatar
Tucson_Tim
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, AZ
Default

You may know this already but the H-D service and parts manual are highly recommended (well, more like necessary)

You will need a long reach 1/4 in hex key socket to access the transmission plug, up between the shocks.

You will need a good set of Torx sockets, expecially T-27 to remove primary case cover. T-handle or "L" wrenches may work but you will run the risk of stripping the heads.

I've re-used the large O-ring on the primary cover and the O-rings on the three drain plugs but it is not recommended -- buy new ones.

At least two torque wrenches (ft-lbs and in-lbs). The bar-type torque wrench is kind of difficult to use when tightening the drain plugs, since it will be upside down.

Teflon paste for the three drain plugs.

A lift or wheel chock setup to hold bike (safely) verticle.

Buy (or rent) the "Fix My Hog" DVD -- good info there.
 

Last edited by Tucson_Tim; Jun 2, 2010 at 12:54 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2010 | 11:56 AM
  #3  
Six Gunner's Avatar
Six Gunner
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From:
Default

First and formost, Spend 60 bucks on the service manual for the bike for it will guide you through every step of the way. If you stray there are plenty of people here that will set you right back on course.
 
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2010 | 12:02 PM
  #4  
DR. V-TWIN's Avatar
DR. V-TWIN
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,364
Likes: 40
From: Los Angeles, CA
Default

Manual is a must. You can use an extension on a ratchet and a regular 5/8" socket if you prefer for the transmission drain, at least on my 2002.

Drew
 
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2010 | 12:04 PM
  #5  
Tucson_Tim's Avatar
Tucson_Tim
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, AZ
Default

Originally Posted by DR. V-TWIN
You can use an extension on a ratchet and a regular 5/8" socket if you prefer for the transmission drain, at least on my 2002.

Drew
You're right Drew. That will work better and it's better with the torque wrench.
 

Last edited by Tucson_Tim; Jun 2, 2010 at 12:53 PM.
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2010 | 12:06 PM
  #6  
Tucson_Tim's Avatar
Tucson_Tim
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, AZ
Default

Originally Posted by Twofields6
. . . don't want to pay the minimum $300 cost if I can do it myself.
That price actually sounds pretty reasonable for the 5K svc. I've heard of dealers charging $400+ for the 1K svc.
 
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2010 | 12:09 PM
  #7  
Tucson_Tim's Avatar
Tucson_Tim
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, AZ
Default

Although some folks do it by feel, you will need the H-D belt tension check tool -- it's not expensive, maybe $20.
 
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2010 | 12:50 PM
  #8  
oct1949's Avatar
oct1949
Club Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Default

don't forget the spokes needs checked and oil the cables.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 2, 2010 | 01:20 PM
  #9  
Bossman1's Avatar
Bossman1
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,051
Likes: 0
From: Inverness FL
Default

Manual and U r ready to b ur own service tech!!!!!!!! Stealer has never seen mine!!!
I am sure u got a gud buddy that can guide u through it.It is a piece of cake......
 
Reply
Old Jun 2, 2010 | 01:36 PM
  #10  
Tucson_Tim's Avatar
Tucson_Tim
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 426
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, AZ
Default

You'll need an oil filter wrench to get the filter off. Now, H-D recommends a strap wrench and I have one of those but I prefer the end-cap type. It has a 3/8 square drive hole. I bought it for $3 at Auto Zone.

Here's an example:

http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/lis54740.html

Take your oil filter to Auto Zone and find one that fits the end.

NOTE: Don't use wrench to put filter on. Hand tighten only.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:05 AM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE