Clutch adjust question...
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,498
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From: East Alton, IL
Clutch adjust question...
I recently replaced my clutch plates and after adjusting like the manual says ( and like I've always done).. The clutch engages with the lever too far away from the grip. Which way do I adjust it to bring it closer to the grip? I've tried 1/2 turn out from "seated" and 3/4 turn out and I can't see any difference.
Thanks for any help.
Thanks for any help.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,553
Likes: 17
De-adjust the cable at the lever, then try one full turn or even more. Then take up the slack at the lever by adjusting the cable.
When turning the adjuster screw in to seated position, squeeze the clutch lever a few times and keep adjusting the screw in and out to ensure all the slack is completely taken out prior to backing out your full turn and adjusting at the lever.
But I believe the further OUT you turn the screw, the closer to the grip it should grab.
When turning the adjuster screw in to seated position, squeeze the clutch lever a few times and keep adjusting the screw in and out to ensure all the slack is completely taken out prior to backing out your full turn and adjusting at the lever.
But I believe the further OUT you turn the screw, the closer to the grip it should grab.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
you adjust the clutch for proper engagement/disengagment
then you adjust the cable for pull.
2 different procedures...either is which is out of adjustment will affect the other
I am wondering if the OP is working without manual- ?
the new clutch disks should be soaked in primary fluid before install- it varies by manufacturer- but usually hours.
then you adjust the cable for pull.
2 different procedures...either is which is out of adjustment will affect the other
I am wondering if the OP is working without manual- ?
the new clutch disks should be soaked in primary fluid before install- it varies by manufacturer- but usually hours.
Last edited by mkguitar; Sep 16, 2013 at 11:30 AM.
Thread Starter
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,498
Likes: 19
From: East Alton, IL
De-adjust the cable at the lever, then try one full turn or even more. Then take up the slack at the lever by adjusting the cable.
When turning the adjuster screw in to seated position, squeeze the clutch lever a few times and keep adjusting the screw in and out to ensure all the slack is completely taken out prior to backing out your full turn and adjusting at the lever.
But I believe the further OUT you turn the screw, the closer to the grip it should grab.
When turning the adjuster screw in to seated position, squeeze the clutch lever a few times and keep adjusting the screw in and out to ensure all the slack is completely taken out prior to backing out your full turn and adjusting at the lever.
But I believe the further OUT you turn the screw, the closer to the grip it should grab.
This is the first time I've used the Screamin' Eagle clutch plates so maybe they adjust differently than the stock ones (not a different adjustment method, different range).
Last edited by Jim Dawson; Sep 16, 2013 at 11:27 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
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From: Simi Valley, CA
More freeplay will bring the engagement closer to the grip. That said, adjust it for 1 full turn at the hub. The problem I have found is that no matter where you adjust the hub (1/2 to 1 full turn or even more), when you adjust the cable to the same spec it will negate the freeplay at the hub and put the engagement point at the same place. The easiest and only way I have found to alter the engagement point is by adjusting the cable for more or less freeplay. More slack in the cable will move the engagement closer to the grip while less will move it further away from the grip.
I adjust my hub to 1 full turn and then use the cable adjustment to provide the engagement point of my liking. Disregard the cable clearance spec of 1/16" to 1/8" at the ferrule and simply adjust it to provide the engagement point that feels right to you. The only caution is that you don't want the cable too tight - you have to have some amount of clearance at the ferrule or freeplay.
Many will tell you that the hub adjustment is how you alter the engagement point - don't believe it! Use the cable adjustment and life will become much easier.
I adjust my hub to 1 full turn and then use the cable adjustment to provide the engagement point of my liking. Disregard the cable clearance spec of 1/16" to 1/8" at the ferrule and simply adjust it to provide the engagement point that feels right to you. The only caution is that you don't want the cable too tight - you have to have some amount of clearance at the ferrule or freeplay.
Many will tell you that the hub adjustment is how you alter the engagement point - don't believe it! Use the cable adjustment and life will become much easier.
Last edited by 2black1s; Sep 18, 2013 at 11:20 AM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Are you adjusting it by the book?! If not, go to the DIY Clutch section where you will find a Sticky with instructions.
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Ultimate HDF Member
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From: East Alton, IL
Yes, like I said in the original post, I adjusted it as per the manual and years of adjusting it the same way.
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