Help! Clutch problems
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Help! Clutch problems
I have a 97 Ultra Classic. It's been sitting for a little over a year while I had some body work done and made some other cosmetics repairs. I've been riding it for about a week when the clutch started to be come slack and very hard to shift. while stopped with the clutch in the bike trys to move and stalls. I have adjusted the clutch according to the service manual, I've inspected the ramp system and replaced the clutch cable. After adjusting the clutch again it seemed, at first, that this was the fix. I took it out for a shake down and as it warmed up the clutch began to become slack again. I could hear a little squealing noise coming from the clutch when engaged. the more I rode the less pull I had and the harder it became to shift. I'm guess the next step is to change the clutch pack? However, I'd like to be sure there isn't something I'm missing before I go that route. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd really appriciate it.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,555
Likes: 0
From: Southeastern Michigan
Have a friend go over the clutch adjustment procedure with you, just to make sure that you haven't missed a step or procedure. I've been there and done that!
Last edited by Gator454; Apr 9, 2011 at 05:51 PM. Reason: Answer was not appropriate for the problem
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I appriciate the responses, I'm begining to believe that I have some plates sticking as well. Is the B&M trick shift automatic transmission fluid something that should be run for a short time until the stiking stops or can I run this oil full time?
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 400
Likes: 10
From: Buckeye State
it sounds like to me something is letting loose in the clutch/linkage. maybe a clutch plate is hanging up not real sure. if it were mine i would take the cluch apart and inspect the plates and the release rod going from the ramp to the clutch
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,323
Likes: 56,885
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Along with the others I would suspect the culprit to be stuck "frozen" clutch plates. It's pretty common on scooters that have sat for an extended period. Generally taking the bike for a ride and getting the oil warm will help alleviate the problem. What usually happens is all the oil lays low in the primary and the plates that are exposed tend to rust from humidity and the friction material will "bond" to the clutch plates. Once the oil is warm and circulated the problem goes away. Get it warm, ride in an area of little to no congestion, then get it back home and change the primary fluid. It should do the trick. Don't forget to check the adjustment also just to be sure. Good Luck Brother.
Novice
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
How do you inspect the release rod?
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Thanks
Thanks for all the responses. I finally figured it out! It turns out the shift linkage rod was worn pretty good. I took it all down and pushed the rod out and all this crap came out with it. I ordered a new push rod and bearing for the ramp side. I cleaned all the clutch plates and re-installed it all. It works like a champ! the old rod was a little over a 1/4" shorter than the new one. I'm not sure what caused this wear but, I'll be sure to keep an eye on it.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 968
Likes: 11
From: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Thanks for all the responses. I finally figured it out! It turns out the shift linkage rod was worn pretty good. I took it all down and pushed the rod out and all this crap came out with it. I ordered a new push rod and bearing for the ramp side. I cleaned all the clutch plates and re-installed it all. It works like a champ! the old rod was a little over a 1/4" shorter than the new one. I'm not sure what caused this wear but, I'll be sure to keep an eye on it.
I have run out of adjustment on my clutch cable, the adjuster is as far as it can go without coming apart....is hard to get into neutral when warm..has a new clutch..so I know its not that.. just wondering if this may be my problem..
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
blackdresser
Primary/Transmission/Driveline/Clutch
3
Jun 6, 2011 08:39 PM
