Hello. I have a Softail FXSTS 2004. While doing my primary chain oil change I wanted to adjust my clutch. I tried to loosen the jam nut with a combination wrench while holding the center Allen screw. No luck! If I continue I will strip the jam nut.
I loosened the clutch cable completely. Tried depressing the handle a few times to get the clutch plates to move. Still no luck!

any suggestion how I can get this out? Maybe a better tool? Any help would be appreciated!

thanks.

 

A deep offset box end wrench makes it somewhat easier.

 

When you get it loose.... totally remove it and swap it out for a full nut. There is plenty of room for a full size nut, i don't know why the OEM is a half nut.
NO more worrying about rounding the nut off then.

 

Is it important to hold the center hex nut when trying to break free the jam nut?

i tried removing and the clutch keeps spinning counterclockwise. I heard a hissing sound. I wonder if that’s the clutch plates disengaging???

 

Put a box-end wrench (preferably an offset), and give it a good smack with your hand, to break the nut free. If you're doing it slowly (possibly with the plugs out, or compression releases depressed?), rotating the clutch basket, which rotates the engine, you're hearing the air escaping from the cylinder as the piston comes up.

Cheers!

 

First things first.

NO you do not have to use an allen to keep the adjuster rod from moving when loosening the lock nut.

YES you need to make sure the transmission is in top gear (5th) and make sure the rear wheel is on the ground.

The hissing you hear is the pistons rising because the bike wasn't in top gear, the transmission has a leverage and the rear wheel might not be supporting the bikes weight.

Google "craftsman dog bone wrench". The six sided version is perfect for clutch adjustments, the allen will fit thru it. Or, you can use a 60 degree offset box end, a six point works best because it contacts the flats, not the points. Personally, I use a Snap On 60 degree, six point 11/16".

 

Ok. Noted!
will give this another try with the bike in 5th gear, wheel down and offset wrench.

this bolt won’t win!

will keep you updated on the results!

 

Make sure you slack the cable adjuster. Go after it man, you'll get it

 

Oh yeah. Need to add that to the list:
- slack clutch cable adjuster

will update soon. Thanks

 

off set box end wrench, good wack with a rubber mallet