Clutch Problems

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Sep 14, 2019 | 08:50 AM

trk35

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Joined: Oct 2011

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From: Bassett, WI

Clutch Problems

I have a 2011 FLHTK with a 103" motor. When I adjust the clutch to the standard 1/8" free play, accelerating in all gears is fine, except for 5th gear where the clutch slips like crazy. If I adjust the clutch to a 1/2" or 5/8" free play, the clutch does not slip in 5th gear while on a medium acceleration. I have noticed that when I have the clutch adjusted to 1/2" or 5/8", and going through normal acceleration, all gears still have a good amount of free play in the handle except for 5th gear, where it tightens up to almost no free play at all. I am at wits end trying to solve this problem as I have been to numerous dealers and independent repair shops trying to find an answer. Anybody have this same problem, and what was your fix? Thanks.

Sep 14, 2019 | 08:55 AM

Max Headflow

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Joined: Dec 2005

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From: poway

Mainshaft bearing in the trap door is loose.

Sep 14, 2019 | 09:03 AM

trk35

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From: Bassett, WI

Thanks!! I will check that.

Sep 14, 2019 | 04:46 PM

caulk04

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From: Transfer, PA

Elaborate on this bearing, please. Loose as in worn out or something that can be adjusted?

Sep 14, 2019 | 06:11 PM

Max Headflow

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From: poway

Quote:

Originally Posted by caulk04

Elaborate on this bearing, please. Loose as in worn out or something that can be adjusted?

Typically not something that can be adjusted. The bearing itself could be loose. The bearing could be loose in the trap door. I guess if the mainshaft nut were loose, you might be able to tighten it but the bearing loose itself or loose in the case would be the more common issues (IMO). To replace you typically have to pull the tranny but the may be some tools that allow you to pull the door without disassembly of the primary (not sure on the 6s). If the door is loose, might be a good idea to replace with a Baker door. They use a better bearing retainer setup. IMO, at this point, I would RnR the whole thing and replace main drive gear bearing and anything else that looks suspicious.

Once you have axial play in the mainshaft, 5th gear (HD 6 spd.) will pull the mainshaft to the right because of the gear helix. Pushrod which has it position set by the outer cover disengages the clutch if there is not enough slack.