When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
When properly installed with any necessary washers for clearance, the center part of the Heim joint should be bolted tight. Then in all positions of the shift lever [all the way up, all the way down], the outer part of both joints [tightened to the rod] should swivel freely.
As previously noted, if something rattles, buy better Heim joints. Good ones are not cheap.
If you notice in "Fishrrman"s picture ( Post #12 ) , the linkage arm is not in a "neutral" position. You can see that it is "cocked". The shift linkage rod is not parallel to the arm. This puts it in a somewhat "binded" position to begin with.
If you notice in "Fishrrman"s picture ( Post #12 ) , the linkage arm is not in a "neutral" position. You can see that it is "cocked". The shift linkage rod is not parallel to the arm. This puts it in a somewhat "binded" position to begin with.
This is the whole purpose of using a Heim joint. Same idea when cars had drive shafts with U-joints. All that is necessary is to be sure there is no binding at any position of the shift lever.
Somewhat, but not the "whole purpose" ... As I stated "optimally" they function better when parallel ... and if the angle increases from the position shown it will definitely bind.
Last edited by Uncle Larry; Mar 20, 2016 at 10:04 AM.
Only 2 causes, both covered above. The heim joints binding at one end or the other (or both) or the assembled rod length is too long and the front shift lever is hitting the foot board. You will have to look carefully to determine which it is.
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.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
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.
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.
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.