Shift linkage adjustment

[pauldeepsea]

Okay,
Spent the entire weekend cleaning the bike. I removed the shift linkage to get to the engine case for polishing. I am trying to install the linkage but the plastic ring that is inside the linkage was in pieces. it just does not fit right back together not sure what I need to do at this point. I went to a Harley stealer who told me I need to replace the whole linkage for $80 ??? I am calling BS. I did not take the stock measurements before I removed it. Just looking at how to re install it. If I tighten it down it does not move freely or it is to loose.

 

[HotRod]

Are you talking about the heim-joint on the end of the rod? Does it look like these?
McMaster-Carr

 

[Brew]

You ment this page right HotRod...McMaster-Carr

 

[pauldeepsea]

Brew you got it, I cant seem to get the fKING thing to align right, either too tight or to loose it binds up. Everything is shifting fine on the trans side. I am going to remove the rear "helm joint" and try to adjust it from there.

 

[pauldeepsea]

I wonder if I need a new front helm joint. the plastic ring was wore out and broke out put some grease in it but it is still not adjusted correctly.

 

[GKC]

I wonder if I need a new front helm joint. the plastic ring was wore out and broke out put some grease in it but it is still not adjusted correctly.

If the plastic/teflon ring is damaged or missing, I'd say replace them both. Steve at Biker's Dream sold me 2 new ones as mine were sticking. They should have some free play in them so they don't bind the linkage. I took my linkage, wrapped it in a shop towel and put it in a vice, then tightened the nut on each end. You may have to do this a couple of times to make sure the new heim joints are in alignment with each other. After you tighten each end, take the linkage out and sight down it. There may be an easier way, but this is how I did mine.

 

[pauldeepsea]

went to a shop that I have been dealing with for quite some time (Ghetto Choppers) Oceanside California they did not have any of the helm joints that fit our bikes so they opened up a new shift linkage and gave the entire linkage to me for free ( they would not accept payment and I tried). Cant say enough great things about this shop they are one of a kind! I need to adjust the helms as the bar is a little short. More to follow thanks for all the responses hard to believe something this easy could be this difficult also ordered the stock helm joints through mcmaster carr.

 

[Chopper Dave]

went to a shop that I have been dealing with for quite some time (Ghetto Choppers) Oceanside California they did not have any of the helm joints that fit our bikes so they opened up a new shift linkage and gave the entire linkage to me for free ( they would not accept payment and I tried). Cant say enough great things about this shop they are one of a kind! I need to adjust the helms as the bar is a little short. More to follow thanks for all the responses hard to believe something this easy could be this difficult also ordered the stock helm joints through mcmaster carr.

look in this thread Paul...I have been using those stainless heim's from McMaster Carr for a couple years now...no problems :2thumbs:
I have part #'s for the Right hand thread heim and the Left hand thread heim if your using the stock shifter linkage. On my Wicked Image linkage, both heims are right handed threads

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/transmission-drive/26086-shifter-hanging-up-whan-down-shift.html

 

[pauldeepsea]

Dave, I did and ordered those from mcmaster carr. they are being shipped today.
Thanks. The linkage still seems to stick but it is way better just going to keep adjusting and riding. I think I have looked through every thread on here about adjusting linkage.