ABS Modulator Service
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,001
Likes: 5,266
Your choice. Folk have repaired many a non-serviceable item with success.
Harley says the shocks are sealed and non-serviceable and won't sell any parts for them. Showa sells parts to rebuild the shocks though, and even provides some tuning information. Just an example of going around the obstacles and getting it done.
if one opened up the HCU and found rusted/pitted metal, that likely would be the end, unless replacement parts were found or made. But, if it's merely sludge buildup, a simple cleaning would get them moving and working again.
If I had a failed HCU, I'd find it worthwhile to explore it and see if I could fix it. But that's just me.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
I'm pretty comfortable with the likes of hydraulic valves and actuators and such. From design to repair. As are others.
Don't see it much differently than customizing an ECU for increased engine performance. Certainly not a job for the typical shop tech. No dealership is going to do it or recommend it (except for a canned oem reflash, of course, if such exists). None the less, the practice continues. With specialty shops doing it, and intrepid owners buying the equipment to do it themselves.
It's not for everyone. Be it rewriting your ECU or taking apart your HCU to see if it can be repaired. But it is viable for some.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
I'm measuring in millimeters. The dimensions may be smaller, but the number is impressively big!
I'm not trying to play any one upmanship. Just challenging the "I'm a tech, and I know unsafe" bit there. There are plenty of folk with mad skillz here in the forum. For some, the likes of taking apart an HCU isn't inherently dangerous. Equally, some folk can't master a dipstick. Know yourself and your abilities. Don't fear learning and growing in knowledge.
I'm not trying to play any one upmanship. Just challenging the "I'm a tech, and I know unsafe" bit there. There are plenty of folk with mad skillz here in the forum. For some, the likes of taking apart an HCU isn't inherently dangerous. Equally, some folk can't master a dipstick. Know yourself and your abilities. Don't fear learning and growing in knowledge.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 1,651
From: Olean, NY
^ LOL. Im just messing around and I agree. Ive seen some pretty ingenious stuff on the forum that makes me jealous of some peoples technical abilities.
I will also agree that reading this forum over the years has really helped me in many ways. Its been very valuable.
I will also agree that reading this forum over the years has really helped me in many ways. Its been very valuable.
Last edited by Cygnusx51; Apr 15, 2018 at 11:31 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,001
Likes: 5,266
Mmm. Decades as a service tech myself. From jet engines to mining equipment, motorcycles to photocopiers. Even earned a mechanical engineering degree some years ago and work as an engineer.
I'm pretty comfortable with the likes of hydraulic valves and actuators and such. From design to repair. As are others.
Don't see it much differently than customizing an ECU for increased engine performance. Certainly not a job for the typical shop tech. No dealership is going to do it or recommend it (except for a canned oem reflash, of course, if such exists). None the less, the practice continues. With specialty shops doing it, and intrepid owners buying the equipment to do it themselves.
It's not for everyone. Be it rewriting your ECU or taking apart your HCU to see if it can be repaired. But it is viable for some.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 456
Likes: 205
From: Manchester, MI
I watched the video a number of times. It looks very repairable for someone with average ability. The unit the technician disassembled was "defective" so he was just taking it apart to show the interior. He was not concerned about being delicate.
Youtube has certain rules for posting. I wonder if someone will eventually post a video, demonstrate a better way of removing the motor and cleaning the valves. Being a safety issue, will Youtube or Harley prevent such a posting?
Youtube has certain rules for posting. I wonder if someone will eventually post a video, demonstrate a better way of removing the motor and cleaning the valves. Being a safety issue, will Youtube or Harley prevent such a posting?
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
Not a competition. There's no win, no loss. You see it differently than I, and that's cool.
With your years of experience, you've got some seriously valuable insight.
If we were to meet in person, I'd gladly shake your hand and break bread with you.
With your years of experience, you've got some seriously valuable insight.
If we were to meet in person, I'd gladly shake your hand and break bread with you.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 319
Likes: 139
From: Seattle
This talk of male appendage measurement is rather humorous although something I'd prefer not to be involved with. Thus, I'll sustain from stating my qualifications. With that said, simple common sense would show no need to remove the pump motor as removing the bypass valves from the outside of the HCU block would be the best angle of attack. Remove the press fit caps over the valves then the valves could be removed with a long clamp or hemostat. Clean the passages in the HCU block then clean/repair valves and reinstall. Fabricate new caps then press into place. Simple to write but surely much more difficult to accomplish on the bench.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 807
Likes: 567
From: Detroit Metro Area
I watched the video a number of times. It looks very repairable for someone with average ability. The unit the technician disassembled was "defective" so he was just taking it apart to show the interior. He was not concerned about being delicate.
Youtube has certain rules for posting. I wonder if someone will eventually post a video, demonstrate a better way of removing the motor and cleaning the valves. Being a safety issue, will Youtube or Harley prevent such a posting?
Youtube has certain rules for posting. I wonder if someone will eventually post a video, demonstrate a better way of removing the motor and cleaning the valves. Being a safety issue, will Youtube or Harley prevent such a posting?
Over in the BMW Motorcycle world, with new modules running $5k some entrepreneurs have seized the opportunity and are doing just that....cleaning and rebuilding for a more reasonable amount (still more than the HD module though). Liability concerns aside, there is a biz opportunity here!
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