clutch cable adjustment all the way out
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 613
Likes: 33
From: East Alton, IL
clutch cable adjustment all the way out
I wanted to lube my clutch cable on my 10 limited with 20k miles. I noticed that the inline slack adjuster was screwed all the way out! That can't be good as I still had what I consider too much free play as it is now. Also the clutch feels scratchy, not smooth. I bought this with 12k miles on it and have always thought that the clutch didn't feel as smooth as it should or as I've seen on others bikes.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 613
Likes: 33
From: East Alton, IL
Thanks twisted I'll do that. I didn't this time as all I wanted to do was lube the cable. After I posted this I thought to myself that I should just do the clutch adjustment the proper way.
Any thoughts on why my cable feels scratchy or jerky not smooth? That is the reason I decided to try to lube it. Only 4 years old and 20k miles I doubt that the cable is bad but it sure could be. I bought it last June and so I have no idea what, if any, maintenance was done to the bike.
Any thoughts on why my cable feels scratchy or jerky not smooth? That is the reason I decided to try to lube it. Only 4 years old and 20k miles I doubt that the cable is bad but it sure could be. I bought it last June and so I have no idea what, if any, maintenance was done to the bike.
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Don't forget to put the derby cover back on when you start it up.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
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From: Oklahoma
I trust that you know the derby cover bolts are T27 torxs, NOT T25. Many sad stories of stripped heads from using the T25 bit. Just a guess on the scratchy cable action, it is possible that with the adjuster fully unscrewed, the 2 pieces become mis-aligned in a sharp bend so the cable rubs against the metal edges of the adjuster pieces causing the rough action.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
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I have not replaced a clutch cable in years. In the old days, a new cable was required every year or two, at the most. I believe the newer Harley cables are coated in Teflon or something like that so mandatory lubricating is not necessary. Lubing probably does no harm, other than making a mess.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: North London, UK
The newer cables are in silicone-lined sleeves. Lubing them is not only not necessary, it is actually detrimental.
What will happen is that (if you use non-silicone based lube) it will just gum up the cable, but if you use a silicone-based lube, the silicone lining will immediately disintegrate. Silicone is incredibly slippery and the only thing it will adhere to is itself. That's why if you cover a silicone object with silicone lube, the surface instantaneously turns sticky and mushy.
Don't lube the cable. Ever.
Check the adjustment at the Clutch pack itself. Adjusting a clutch almost as much an art as it is a science and it sounds like yours was adjusted by a barbarian.
What will happen is that (if you use non-silicone based lube) it will just gum up the cable, but if you use a silicone-based lube, the silicone lining will immediately disintegrate. Silicone is incredibly slippery and the only thing it will adhere to is itself. That's why if you cover a silicone object with silicone lube, the surface instantaneously turns sticky and mushy.
Don't lube the cable. Ever.
Check the adjustment at the Clutch pack itself. Adjusting a clutch almost as much an art as it is a science and it sounds like yours was adjusted by a barbarian.
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 613
Likes: 33
From: East Alton, IL
The reason I tried to lube it was because it felt so rough. The fact that the free play adjustment is so far out makes me wonder if the clutch plates are worn out? I can't imagine the clutch plates are worn with this few miles. But I guess the PO could have been an idiot. This is the third HD I've owned and none of the others felt this bad.
I do know about the T27 screws but thank you for reminding us.
It's due for an oil change so while it's on the lift, and I have the Derby cover off, I'll do the clutch adjustment and see if that helps.
I do know about the T27 screws but thank you for reminding us.
It's due for an oil change so while it's on the lift, and I have the Derby cover off, I'll do the clutch adjustment and see if that helps.
Last edited by jdvorchak; Apr 23, 2014 at 11:23 AM.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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AS has been mentioned.....Don't lube the cable....It is quite possible that the cable has been damaged by being lubed by the previous owner...The symptoms you are describing, with the feeling of the cable, sound very much like that may be the case.