Anyone pull the steering lock out and have problems with lining things up when putting it back in? I've searched YouTube and found a couple videos, even made the tool using 3/8's inch tubing, tubing just twisted on me, tried a flat head screw driver. I've been able to get the steering locked but when I try to put the switch back in it doesn't line up.

 

Hope this video helps:

 

common error- a screwdriver is likely to turn some but not all of the cams- making things worse

mike

 

This has happend a lot, and will likely continuet to happen for a couple of very good reasons. You are learning the hard way for sure.

 

An inexpensive tool to own. I own the HD tool for up to 2013 and the JIMs tool for 2014 and later and have used them quite a bit.

 

yep. bought one a few years back. thought it was better than smooshing and bending some copper tubing (which I would have had to buy anyways....). may not be used all the time, but it's great to have when you need it.

 

+1
I also purchased this tool and it does come in handy. I've recently used it on two different occasions. Once when I changed my front fork oil. A second time when I replaced the audio mode switch and I didn't want to splice any wires and just ran the wires in the conduit to the connector in the fairing.

 

I did the whole screw driver BS for way to long. All it did was lead to frustration and lost time trying to get it lined up right. Finally I wound up damaging the ignition lock after one to many times with the screw driver and had to replace my ignition lock/switch. After search all over the internet I found the tool on the cheap for 42 bucks. I have used it a ton of times as I do my own work and have the fairing off pretty much a couple of times a season. Now take a total of 10 seconds to re install my ignition lock. As my pops use to say, the right tool for the job makes that job a lot easier.

 

Recently installed monotubes in the front forks and went thru this same exercise. Eventually got it using a flat head screwdriver. Just have to have patience. With a flashlight you can look down the shaft and see where the little lobes are, you should eventually get them lined up correctly. I had a problem with getting the switch to lock in place once everything was aligned correctly. Had to make sure that the "button" on the back of the switch was pushed in.

 

http://www.marcparnes.com/HarleyIgnitionSwitchTool.htm

this is what I use. Works great. I used the screwdriver for too long. This makes it no nonsense.