5th gear "slipping"
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Novice
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 22
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From: The cuse
I'm currently using formula+ Going for a ride tomorrow so I'll get a better feel for the clutch today I just did a little bombing around
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 140
From: NY
2011 SG 96ci 15000 miles
Out of no where it seemed to slip in 5th gear only, I hammered down in all other gears it was fine, changed primary fluid adjusted clutch and cable still "slipping"
I've been doing research on it and I've herd it could be some trap door bearing causing axle serge or something, also read I can put in a SE spring
So is there an actual fix for this? Or just get the spring and hope for the best
Out of no where it seemed to slip in 5th gear only, I hammered down in all other gears it was fine, changed primary fluid adjusted clutch and cable still "slipping"
I've been doing research on it and I've herd it could be some trap door bearing causing axle serge or something, also read I can put in a SE spring
So is there an actual fix for this? Or just get the spring and hope for the best
As long as you have properly adj the clutch with enough / proper free play and clutch (Not 5th gear or trans!) still slips when under load in higher gear / 5th or 6th then the clutch is slipping for sure.
Its not uncommon at all for the stock clutch spring to weaker over time etc requiring replacement in an hD.
And if the bike see's plenty of traffic holding clutch in at every stoplight that right there reduces the srvc life of the spring .
Just as long as you haven't been hammering it too much making the clutch slip a lot buring/over heating & or warping clutch plates and metal spacer plates i'd rec installing a hvy dty SE clutch spring that has approx 20-25% additional clamping / holding force then original stock clutch spring does.
If clutch or spacer plates show signs of over heating & or are warped when checked with straight edge they will need to be replaced.
I'd also rec non syn std type prim case lube like spectro mfg's specifically for HD prim case too.
See below for details.
Scott
===========================================
http://performanceoilstore.com/products.asp?cat=65&pg=4
Spectro Heavy Duty Primary Chaincase Oil 1-qt.
This sheer stable petroleum is designed to withstand the punishment of high loads, and contains special polymers to provide exceptional clutch engagement and temperature stability. Meets full OEM requirements, and should be used according to manufacturers’ instructions. Formulated specifically for HarleyŽ Sportster and Big Twin applications. Low drag, low friction loss SAE 85w viscosity helps eliminate clutch “drag” and slipping.
List Price: $12.04
Our Price: $7.95
Last edited by wscott; Sep 1, 2016 at 07:22 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
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From: Bay Area
If your clutch is still slipping in 5th after you put new fluid, adjusted the clutch properly and put a SE spring in, your clutch is going out and its a matter of time before it starts slipping in other gears. No fluid will make it whole again.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 13
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From:
Explanation
I can explain why this happens in 5th gear on 6-speed big twin transmissions.
A couple comments touched on it but with no real explanation.
When the 6-speed came to be in 2006 on Dyna then 2007 on Softail & Touring, Harley started making 'helical-cut' gears. (Previous transmissions all used 'straight-cut' gears.) Helical gears typically run quieter than straight cut gears.The new helical gear sets were used in 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 6th gears. 1st and 5th remained straight cut.
H-D received many complaints for a 'whine' in 5th gear and in 2010 they made 5th gear a helical-cut set too. However the cut or slant on the gears was opposite of the other existing ones and the tends to thrust the mainshaft towards the trans door instead of towards the clutch. Clearance in the door bearings allowed the mainshaft to move ever-so-slightly to the right (door bearings) bringing the clutch with it. The clutch release (ball and ramp) and pushrod remained stationary while the clutch/mainshaft assembly moved towards them. In effect this is like pulling a tiny bit on your clutch lever while in 5th gear. Hence the slipping especially during more than tame acceleration.
I run my 2010 FLHX with increased clutch lever free play because I like it that way (engages closer to the grip) and that might help some who experience 5th gear clutch slip but the only correct fix for those with the condition is to replace the trans door bearings.
A couple comments touched on it but with no real explanation.
When the 6-speed came to be in 2006 on Dyna then 2007 on Softail & Touring, Harley started making 'helical-cut' gears. (Previous transmissions all used 'straight-cut' gears.) Helical gears typically run quieter than straight cut gears.The new helical gear sets were used in 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 6th gears. 1st and 5th remained straight cut.
H-D received many complaints for a 'whine' in 5th gear and in 2010 they made 5th gear a helical-cut set too. However the cut or slant on the gears was opposite of the other existing ones and the tends to thrust the mainshaft towards the trans door instead of towards the clutch. Clearance in the door bearings allowed the mainshaft to move ever-so-slightly to the right (door bearings) bringing the clutch with it. The clutch release (ball and ramp) and pushrod remained stationary while the clutch/mainshaft assembly moved towards them. In effect this is like pulling a tiny bit on your clutch lever while in 5th gear. Hence the slipping especially during more than tame acceleration.
I run my 2010 FLHX with increased clutch lever free play because I like it that way (engages closer to the grip) and that might help some who experience 5th gear clutch slip but the only correct fix for those with the condition is to replace the trans door bearings.
Thanks guys, it's definitely in gear just have to be easy on the throttle, I have a hard time believing the clutch is bad no noises no chatter it feels good you can hammer down in 6th (and any other gear besides 5th) in any rpm range and no slippage! Never slipped in 6th, I'm going to try the spring and get Ridd of the synthetic that's in there now
I would just get a new clutch but I've been doing a lot of research on this, seems like people get a new cluch and the problem still exists, problem being a trap door bearing and I have no idea what that is, heavier spring being the fix I guess
I would just get a new clutch but I've been doing a lot of research on this, seems like people get a new cluch and the problem still exists, problem being a trap door bearing and I have no idea what that is, heavier spring being the fix I guess
Don't replace the spring just yet, just put formula plus in and see if that does it for you. Stiffer spring is very much unnecessary on a 96.
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