Problem with adjustable backrest install
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Indiana
Problem with adjustable backrest install
I'm near the end of a four hour install with an adjustable rider backrest (talk about a pain, took 3 hours to get it to install with the midframe heat deflectors on my 08 Ultra, and a few beers to boot). Got everything buttoned up, put the backrest in the bracket, and low and behold, won't stay adjusted (locked).
Took seat off, and noticed that where it mounts to the bracket next to the gas spring, the steel "see saw" where the tip of the cable slides in to is not moving all the way down to the lock position. Cable is long enough, but it looks like I need about 1/2" more of the braiding to stick out of the end so the "see saw" stays down (right now, the length of steel cable inside the flexible cable keeps it pulled up, which keeps the seat from locking into a adjusted position.)
Question is, before I take apart the deflectors and the adjustment handle to see if there is a way to give a little more slack to the steel braiding, anybody know if there is some way to adjust it on the adjustment handle? I hate to take it all apart, then spend another 3-4 hours trying to get it all put back together (only 2 hands, but you need 4 and have to hit the angle of the bolts exactly perfect with no room to work).
I'm using kit # 52622-03A, and the cable is part #52479-01A. Once I get everything installed, it seems to fit perfectly on my 08 Ultra...except for the problem. Like I said, the cable it self has plenty of slack, and operating the adjustment handle does show the steel braided cable inside it to move easily...just the handle is hitting it's stoppers, and seems like it needs to go back into it's cavity another 1/2" or so. I'm hoping to find out if there is a way on the handle to give back a little more steel braiding before I take it all apart.
Any thoughts?
Took seat off, and noticed that where it mounts to the bracket next to the gas spring, the steel "see saw" where the tip of the cable slides in to is not moving all the way down to the lock position. Cable is long enough, but it looks like I need about 1/2" more of the braiding to stick out of the end so the "see saw" stays down (right now, the length of steel cable inside the flexible cable keeps it pulled up, which keeps the seat from locking into a adjusted position.)
Question is, before I take apart the deflectors and the adjustment handle to see if there is a way to give a little more slack to the steel braiding, anybody know if there is some way to adjust it on the adjustment handle? I hate to take it all apart, then spend another 3-4 hours trying to get it all put back together (only 2 hands, but you need 4 and have to hit the angle of the bolts exactly perfect with no room to work).
I'm using kit # 52622-03A, and the cable is part #52479-01A. Once I get everything installed, it seems to fit perfectly on my 08 Ultra...except for the problem. Like I said, the cable it self has plenty of slack, and operating the adjustment handle does show the steel braided cable inside it to move easily...just the handle is hitting it's stoppers, and seems like it needs to go back into it's cavity another 1/2" or so. I'm hoping to find out if there is a way on the handle to give back a little more steel braiding before I take it all apart.
Any thoughts?
Last edited by mastery; Feb 26, 2010 at 04:53 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Washington State
Jeff, I feel your pain. It's been a while since I installed mine, so I can't quite remember exactly what your talking about without seeing a pic of your trouble spot. I spent several hours installing mine, shortly after I bought the bike, got it all working right (after much frustration) and then went for a ride with my wife. Came home and took the thing off and sold it. I'm not sure if you ride with your significant other much, but those adj. backrests don't leave a lot of room for a passenger, and are kinda bulky. I went with the Mustang backrest and it's 100% better, and more user friendly for both rider and passenger.
If you have a pic, maybe it will help. I'm sure someone has ran into the same problem with theirs and has a more recent recollection of their install. Thanks for the cam write up, by the way, it will be next winters project.
If you have a pic, maybe it will help. I'm sure someone has ran into the same problem with theirs and has a more recent recollection of their install. Thanks for the cam write up, by the way, it will be next winters project.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 8
From: Atlanta, GA
That's right you have to route the cable just right. But also check the adjustment lever. Occasionally the plastic part on the cable, not the metal end, comes undone from from the switch housing. The lever won't work right if that happens.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 191
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From: alabama
I'm glad I didn't have the deflectors, took me about an hour to install. Quick question: are you actually sitting on the bike with your back against the rest when you are adjusting it or just trying to do it with your hand?
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Outstanding HDF Member
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From: Indiana
My "fix" to this was to connect it to the "see-saw" lever, and not connect it to the fixed position holder next to the gas tube on the bracket. I held the see-saw piece up, put seat where I want it, and let go of the see-saw. It's now sitting in the position that is comfortable to me (took a few seat install/uninstalls to get it positioned where I want it).
I gotta say that HD could have made this whole accessory much easier, and perhaps they did with one of the new backrest kits. I got an older one from years ago, and had to do some mods, but it works now. Just not adjustable.
Oh well, I won it for $50 shipped off of eBay last year, and it's been sitting in the garage waiting to be installed. For $50, I can't complain. I hear the Mustang is a much easier install, adjustable as well, and if I ever have to get another one, I'll try the Mustang. Thanks everybody for your assistance.
And JonnyD, hope it helps.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Washington State
For $50 it was worth a try, glad it's fixed.
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Stage II
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Montana
Hi guys,,, reviving an old thread I found while googling for a fix to my 06 Glide. I also had a back rest that wouldn't adjust. I read a few posts from different pages where I saw that someone had removed the piston and placed into their press which got it working again.
That got me to thinking... a little lube onto the piston housing, pair of pliers and remove the cable. Press the arm a few times and my piston popped!
I'm assuming leaving it in one position for so long it got hung up. A couple drops onto the housing allowed it to drip onto the piston between the bolt. by pressing on the release arm and using a flathead screwdriver stuck into the backrest holder and working it back in forth... it popped loose.
Hope it works for you all!
pb
That got me to thinking... a little lube onto the piston housing, pair of pliers and remove the cable. Press the arm a few times and my piston popped!
I'm assuming leaving it in one position for so long it got hung up. A couple drops onto the housing allowed it to drip onto the piston between the bolt. by pressing on the release arm and using a flathead screwdriver stuck into the backrest holder and working it back in forth... it popped loose.
Hope it works for you all!
pb
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