Ok, went for a ride yesterday and coming to a stop my cluch decided to not function anymore. I came to a stop and it stalled out, I looked down to expect my clutch cable to have possibly broken but it was fine. My clutch arm however was able to be swung back and forth with my finger. My first question is how the clutch system in this transmission works and second, what could have failed? I was engauging the clutch when somthing broke so it had strain on it. It will be going to Harley monday for repair but I am just wondering what I should expect!

Thanks for reading

Jesse

 

Cable. Probably broke at the transmission side.

 

Sounds like the cable, although they look as if they came from a suspension bridge, so it always amazes me when someone says one has broken! If you have an external clutch lever you can remove the cable very easily at both ends and check it for yourself. If it is broken, it as easy to fit a new one!

I recently replaced my original stock cable (I've owned my 1990 bike from new) with a Diamondback. It is quite expensive, but far smoother and lighter in operation than the stock variety. A treat worth considering!

 

I had a similar issue a couple of weeks ago. Going down the highway, went to downshift and had nothing like the cable had broken. I found a broken clutch adjusting bolt. Replaced it and adjusted the clutch. Running great now…

 

Check the clutch throwout bearing. When they disintegrate what you just described is the result.

 

You don't mention what bike you have, Jesse. Different common failure points for different years.

 

1986 electra glide. No external issues is what I mean, I can't see anything wrong outside. So there is a cable INSIDE the case! interesting.......I didn't know there was a cable in there.

Jesse

 

i would say it's the "release finger" part #37084-79. it's inside the 6 sided cover on the trans. they're about $10 and it's not a hard fix. bike on the kick stand, drain the gear lube, take the cover off. nothing will fall apart when you take the cover off. the fingers are attached to the clutch lever. take the broken part off, put the new part on. it's less than a 1/2 hour job.

 

Yeah, I'm with bagga here, which is exactly why I asked you what year bike. I'm on my 3rd, and I carry a spare in the tour pack. 1987 changed the design and doesn't have the external arm/internal finger.

 

Throwout bearing could have gone or the cir-clip that holds it on could have broken.