1998 classic anniversary - 6k mi - found the shift arm that attaches to the trans shaft has come loose but bolt is tight , It cant fall off because the primary cover blocks it . Does this mean removing the primary cover? whats the best repair manual? do I need special tools to do this - thank you -Ed

 

Are you talking about the rear shift arm that is behind the inner primary? If so, yes the primary cover and inner primary has to come off to get to that. If you want a good manual, buy the HD service manual pn#99483-98 for $60

 

thanks for the quick reply .I'll get the manual Ed

 

See attached to give you an idea of what it entails to take the primary housing off.

 

Here's a link that will show you what's involved in taking off the inner primary: http://www.harleyhog.co.uk/belt%20install%201.htm even though this link is mainly for replacing a drive belt. Get an HD service manual.

 

Manual, big socket to get the comp nut off, clutch basket holding tool, the rest is all regular hand tools.

There are a lot of solutions availble to fix the loose shifter shaft issue. What worked for me was the following:

New shifter shaft, new grade 8 bolt longer than stock with a grade 8 self locking nut ( not nylock, the top of the nut threads are deformed to lock to the bolt.

Put it all back together - with green locktite on the shifter shaft splines and blue locktite on the bolt and self locking nut. It reguired clearancing a little of the inner primary to clear the nut as it went through it's travle.

20k plus on that fix and it has never loosened up...