Saddle Bag Latch Spring Install
Supporter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 90
From: Vermont
Don't forget to check all the screws that hold the latch on the lid as well. Lots of cases of them falling out one by one and the owner doesn't notice until their lid is bouncing down Route 1A....Here is a good case for a drop of blue Loctite
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 34
From: Newport news, Virginia
Nice write up...one of the things I peruse these fine forums for! Mine broke and was replaced by the dealer under warranty but they installed it backwards so I had to do it myself. I was able to do it on the bike without removing the lid. I too like your helper buddy! At least cats are good for something!
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 744
Likes: 1
From:
Good info.
Information can also be found in the service manual.
My problem was the check strap holding the lid, on simple fix found here in the forums.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ping-open.html
Note: this check strap answer was not in the service manual!!
Information can also be found in the service manual.
My problem was the check strap holding the lid, on simple fix found here in the forums.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ping-open.html
Note: this check strap answer was not in the service manual!!
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Tomball, TX
Great write up. I'm sure everyone has gone through this a time or two. I bought a couple extra springs after replacing mine and keep them in my tool pouch along with extra lock catches and lock nuts just in case a spring breaks or the bag lock rattles loose out on the road.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Lower Alabama
glad i searched this...one of my springs broke...so i bought two to replace other one...(both rusted)
found this before i started,,,it really helped(my cat wouldn't help)
so what is best thing to keep springs lubed with ?
found this before i started,,,it really helped(my cat wouldn't help)
so what is best thing to keep springs lubed with ?
I had one break on my 08 Road Glide on the right hand bag latch. I kept them lubed regularly. I took a good look at the broken spring. Corrosion didn't cause it to fail. It was a stress fracture from being cycled. And it only took a little over 2 years to do it. Of course this was the side I used the most so it took the brunt of the wear between the two bag latches.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 935
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
I use DriSlide available from dealer. Rather expensive ($18.95 for a 4 oz bottle). Just need a couple of drops on all springs, latches. I do that every month, probably too often but what the hack....
I put a dab of lithium (white) grease on each one a couple times a year. I did notice when I replaced mine that the new ones have an offset on the ends where the originals were just straight out. The offset seems to make them sit better and might not stress as much. Mine is an '08 and it broke in '11 so we shall see how long these last.