clutch adjustment
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,581
Likes: 669
From: Rolla
And yes, make sure you can get the torx fasteners out before you drain the fluid.
Last thing you want is an empty primary, and then not being able to get the derby cover off to refill it.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 658
Likes: 25
From: Parrish, FL
I am going to chime in here with check the clutch adjustment every service. I skipped it once and before the next service the clutch needed adjustment It is so easy to do and can prevent so many problems. I just cannot see skipping this part of the service.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 384
Likes: 15
From: Iowa City, Iowa
Makes sense. Looks fairly straight forward. Just don't want to mess with something that appears to be just fine.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 171
From: Simi Valley, CA
To the OP. Here's my two-cents. If you have any reservations about adjusting the clutch yourself, that tells me that you don't have a full understanding of how the clutch works. Working on anything without an understanding of how it works can lead to trouble. If you have a complete understanding of how the clutch works then you wouldn't even be asking this question.
That said, here's what I would do. If the clutch operates to your satisfaction as you have stated then leave it alone. The only caveat to that is that while you have the derby cover removed you should check to ensure that you have some freeplay at the clutch hub. If you have some freeplay, just leave it alone. If not, then an adjustment will be required.
Freeplay at the clutch is easy to see with the cover removed. Simply push in on the adjuster with your hand and look for clearance between the adjustment plate and the snap-ring. You can also play with the lever while pushing in on the adjuster and you should be able to see the movement between the adjuster plate and the snap-ring before the clutch actually starts to disengage. How much freeplay is not as important as simply making sure that you have some. Do this while at room temperature. Freeplay increases as the bike warms up, so if you do it hot it is possible that you won't have enough freeplay when cold.
Freeplay is the most important parameter when adjusting the clutch. As long as you have some, and you are satisfied with the clutch operation, then there is no reason for adjustment.
That said, here's what I would do. If the clutch operates to your satisfaction as you have stated then leave it alone. The only caveat to that is that while you have the derby cover removed you should check to ensure that you have some freeplay at the clutch hub. If you have some freeplay, just leave it alone. If not, then an adjustment will be required.
Freeplay at the clutch is easy to see with the cover removed. Simply push in on the adjuster with your hand and look for clearance between the adjustment plate and the snap-ring. You can also play with the lever while pushing in on the adjuster and you should be able to see the movement between the adjuster plate and the snap-ring before the clutch actually starts to disengage. How much freeplay is not as important as simply making sure that you have some. Do this while at room temperature. Freeplay increases as the bike warms up, so if you do it hot it is possible that you won't have enough freeplay when cold.
Freeplay is the most important parameter when adjusting the clutch. As long as you have some, and you are satisfied with the clutch operation, then there is no reason for adjustment.
Last edited by 2black1s; Jul 8, 2013 at 09:05 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 5
From: CT
It is pretty straight forward. As one reply said you should have knowledge of how the clutch works. That way you understand what you are doing and why. Obviously, being the first time you have limited experience. Take your time. Follow the procedures outlined in the Harley shop manual and you should be fine. If you don't think you are up to it, take it to someone who is. Ask if you can watch and learn.
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May 9, 2013 08:49 PM
