Clutch Lever & Cable Lube?
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Al Bu Ker Key, New Mexico
Clutch Lever & Cable Lube?
Somewhere I thought I read that the new 2010 bikes have teflon coated clutch cables that require no lubing. Noticed my clutch lever has started "squeaking" when I pull it in. To lube or not to lube, that is the question?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Central Illinois
Harley sells a very nice cable lube in what looks like a syringe, but you squeeze the body of the tube instead of a plunger. Stuff works great. I lube my cable with it and they are very smooth.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 552
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From:
To remove the clutch lever you'll need a set of snap ring pliers with VERY small tips, good light, and good eyes (I have two out of three of those.)
I like to use a bit of silicone grease on that pivot pin rather than petroleum-based grease as it seems to pick up less dirt. I think the previous poster is right, and it's the lever, not the cable. As I recall, there's a synthetic (nylon?) pin that holds the cable in the lever, as well as a steel pivot pin (held on by that snap ring) that rides in a (again, nylon?) sleeve in the lever. I clean everything with some brake cleaner, then use just a bit of the silicone grease on both pins. So far, I have no squeaks.
I like to use a bit of silicone grease on that pivot pin rather than petroleum-based grease as it seems to pick up less dirt. I think the previous poster is right, and it's the lever, not the cable. As I recall, there's a synthetic (nylon?) pin that holds the cable in the lever, as well as a steel pivot pin (held on by that snap ring) that rides in a (again, nylon?) sleeve in the lever. I clean everything with some brake cleaner, then use just a bit of the silicone grease on both pins. So far, I have no squeaks.
Harley says that you don't need to lube the coated cable, I have found that if you use dry slide on them the will get a "gritty" feeling when you use the clutch, I like using GDL (Blaster) garage door lube, works great and can be picjed up at your local NAPA store. It is clear and won't discoler braided cables like some of the cable lubes do.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Minnesota
I remember reading here that with some aftermarket cables lubing them can really mung it up making really hard to pull in the clutch. I think the guy had to replace the cable. I have the HD Diamond Back that I assume has the Teflon lining. I lubed it with trany fluid it at 10k miles with good results.
I would be careful and find out if your specific cable is supposed to be lubed.
I would be careful and find out if your specific cable is supposed to be lubed.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
From: Berwick, Pa.
No lube. 07 and newer teflon covered cables. Your squeak is probably in the lever. Lube of choice. Not too much or your gloves are going to get oily.
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Tourer
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From: Third Coast TX
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Denham Springs, La
I got the Diamondback braided clutch cable when the bike was about a year old and have been using it for about a year. I bought the cable oiler tool while I still had the stock cable and have the lube but have never oiled either cable. I've argued with myself several times about doing it but in the end, I'm going with the "no lube necessary" line of thought.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 389
Likes: 3
From: Third Coast TX
Seems to be a lot of opinion on the 2009 Lube / No Lube concept.
A search turned up three threads, with no clear answer after 10 pages.
Probably best to go with the service manuals notable absence of service interval for the clutch cable lube.
A search turned up three threads, with no clear answer after 10 pages.
Probably best to go with the service manuals notable absence of service interval for the clutch cable lube.