Broken Clutch cable
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4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 8
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From: Leesville, Louisiana
Broken Clutch cable
I have a 2011 HD Wide Glide and the cable broke at the clutch lever. I have 12in apes on it and have ordered the cable. How difficult will it be to install the new cable. The cable is apprx 69 to 70 inches. How difficult will it be for me to install this as this will be my first time?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Santa Clarita
I have a 2011 HD Wide Glide and the cable broke at the clutch lever. I have 12in apes on it and have ordered the cable. How difficult will it be to install the new cable. The cable is apprx 69 to 70 inches. How difficult will it be for me to install this as this will be my first time?
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4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 8
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From: Leesville, Louisiana
I have always had mechanics do my warranty work and since this is not covered I will give it a shot. I have replace the carb and rejetted it on my sporty when I had it. This doesn't look that to terribly bad. I know I will have to pull the exhaust pipes and I know that I have to be careful when I pull the cable and to pay very close attention on how it connects. I was hoping for more insight on the procedure from someone that has been down this road before.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Santa Clarita
Well...I dig what you're saying, it's not a tough job, but the play by play is in the manual. And you really ought have one before you turn a wrench...the World Wide Web ain't a substitute. I understand that they have doubled in price but you may be able to find one at the old price if you hustle.
There is one bit of 'insight' I can provide. To me, the toughest part of the job is getting the threads from the cable to the tranny cover started. If you're not careful, you'll cross thread one or the other...or both. I have acquaintance who did the 'both' part, and it got very expensive. But this is a guy without the skills for even this simple job!
There is one bit of 'insight' I can provide. To me, the toughest part of the job is getting the threads from the cable to the tranny cover started. If you're not careful, you'll cross thread one or the other...or both. I have acquaintance who did the 'both' part, and it got very expensive. But this is a guy without the skills for even this simple job!
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Central Illinois
Hardest part will be the exhaust, the rest is pretty simple. Will need a large snap ring pliers for the snap ring inside the side cover. Take a photo of the inside of the cover, before you take it apart, so you know how it goes back together again. Same thing with the cable routing. Also, lube the hell out of the cable with either cable lube (available at the dealer) or spray silicone you can get at Walmart for a few bucks. If its braided stainless cable, use the spray silicone. Most cables break due to poor maintenance and lack of lubrication.
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4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 8
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From: Leesville, Louisiana
I thank you all for the good information. The exhaust was easy for me; no problems there. I will do as Veekness said; "watch the threads and not cross them". It is the disconnecting that worries me. Will I have to pull that cover off or when I unscrew the old cable or will I be able to tell how it connects inside? Thanks again for the valuable info I have received.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 326
Likes: 5
From: Wilmette, Illinois
I have a 2011 HD Wide Glide and the cable broke at the clutch lever. I have 12in apes on it and have ordered the cable. How difficult will it be to install the new cable. The cable is apprx 69 to 70 inches. How difficult will it be for me to install this as this will be my first time?
There are also lots of youtubes on this. You will lose some trans oil unless you want to lay the Wide Glide on its side. I did this once on my wife's old Low Rider.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 326
Likes: 5
From: Wilmette, Illinois
Or if you want the Dynamic Service manual they have the on CD on eBay for about $16, or download it from here in PDF for $8.00.
https://www.repairmanualsoncd.com/ha...l-download.php
For my old 2001 RKC I have the actual paper manual, and after 16 years it is falling apart, and is dirty and greasy. For my 2012 RGU I bought it in PDF format. Just Ollie at it on the computer and print out the section I need. Never gets dirty, greasy or falls apart!
https://www.repairmanualsoncd.com/ha...l-download.php
For my old 2001 RKC I have the actual paper manual, and after 16 years it is falling apart, and is dirty and greasy. For my 2012 RGU I bought it in PDF format. Just Ollie at it on the computer and print out the section I need. Never gets dirty, greasy or falls apart!