Transmission shifter arm freeplay question : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

TOBYCAT1 · 10-29-2006, 11:33 PM

Hi Everyone,

I have just completed a lube and cleanup on my 95 FXDWG's gear shift assembly and was wondering if it is normal to have a small amount of freeplay in the trans lever shaft ( the rear shift lever that connects into the transmission) Mine seems to have a little rearwards freeplay. The bike rides ok? thought I 'd check here as its late and I can't remember if it was like this when I started.

Thanks for your help

Regards
Tobycat

steveusmc · 10-31-2006, 10:40 AM

My '95 Wideglide has about 1/4" freeplay (fore & aft) measured at the upper end. May be a little less...I eyeballed it. I have never had any problems, shifts great, and smooth as silk. My guess is...it's normal.

Ed Y · 10-31-2006, 10:52 AM

Check the HD service manual. With the bike in 3rd gear, there should be an equal amount of freeplay on either side of center when you move the lever back and forth. Like Steve said, normally about 1/4". If the amount of freeplay is not equal, then adjust according to the book.

90Harley · 11-01-2006, 08:03 PM

I have had the splines on the lever strip in the past. Probably from not keeping it really tight. I was told when I bought a new one it is not uncommon for them strip out. Is the lever and the shaft moving together, or is the lever moving and not the shaft? I found my replacement one a little loose this year and really had to torque it down to stop the movement.

Ed Y · 11-01-2006, 08:47 PM

If you pull the allen head bolt, put anti-seize on it and re-install, you will be able to get a little more clamping force as you tighten it on the arm and shouldn't have any problems with it loosening up.

90Harley · 11-02-2006, 08:49 PM

didn't even think about that, thanks

nauipro · 11-03-2006, 09:03 AM

The splines wear out on the aluminum shift arm. Eventually it will strip out completely. I have never seen the problem on Softails, only on rubber mounted bikes. I use the chrome plated steel replacement available from most of the aftermarket vendors, they're about $45......Bill

motorhead1 · 11-03-2006, 09:37 PM

H-D is making them out of steel now.

nauipro · 11-09-2006, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motorhead1

H-D is making them out of steel now.

Must be new for 2007, I have a 2006 FLHX up on the dyno that still has the aluminum arm.......

FXRocket · 11-12-2006, 11:16 AM

My opinions is do NOT change the pawl with a HD part at all, get a Baker drive train replacement and nothing else. Those stock pawls will break a spring sooner or later, and that can cost you big $$.. The new style uses a flat spring and also has "Over shift" protection.

To see how to change the pawl you can look over the 5 speed rebuild article on the articles pages at www.defiantbikes.com

hbmc · 08-31-2008, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FXRocket

My opinions is do NOT change the pawl with a HD part at all, get a Baker drive train replacement and nothing else. Those stock pawls will break a spring sooner or later, and that can cost you big $$.. The new style uses a flat spring and also has "Over shift" protection.

To see how to change the pawl you can look over the 5 speed rebuild article on the articles pages at www.defiantbikes.com

Yes they do break and wanted to warn about dipstick breaks off after a while 'pot metal' is what they are made of... broke off kicked up and sheared my shifting pawl spring. Still trying to figure out hwo to replace without removing gears???