Stumbled on to another TGlide problem!!!!

Jul 31, 2011
1,355
2,047
Meridian, ID
Name
Trent
When I had my TGlide in the wheel store today with a wheel off, we noticed that the brake pads seemed to be very thin. When I was finished, and dissapointed, drove it straight to my dealer for an inspection. They pulled it in the shop right away, checked the brakes, and everything was fine. They were just thinner than I was used to seeing. BUT!!! Tech noticed the clutch cable leaking oil where it goes into the tranny. Problem is with the cable, it is under warranty, and they will order one and call me when it comes in. Called me back in an hour. They are back ordered big time due to demand for replacements because it has evidently become more of an issue elsewhere than they are letting on. Can't get one for 5 weeks or longer.

Leak is slight, told me to keep an eye on tranny fluid and add some if needed. In the meantime, they will try and find a quicker source to find me one sooner. Now, you all know what to do next. Check yours!!!
 
And me being 2000 miles from my trike. Now I have to remember all the way to weekend to check cable. Ginko Biloba, do your stuff!
 
Don't worry Bozo!..I am sure wherever your Trike is sittin', the fluids are frozen solid!!! Will not leak then! Ha ha!!!
 
Actually, it's sitting in the shop for 35,000 mile service. So hopefully any leaks are going right onto their clean floor! I just have to remember when I pick it up to look at cable. That way I can drag mechanics ass right over to look at it.
 
I wonder about this. There is only a o-ring that seals the cable from leaking tranny fluid. What did they specifically say is the reason? Is the cable housing that screws into the tranny housing HD is using on Triglides breaking???
 
I wonder about this. There is only a o-ring that seals the cable from leaking tranny fluid. What did they specifically say is the reason? Is the cable housing that screws into the tranny housing HD is using on Triglides breaking???

I would think it would be a problem on all late model touring bikes not just the TG.
 
Oldmsocko...I would think so also...If I get a chance today, I will talk to the shop and see what else I can find out.
 
are you sure its not the two bolts under the exhaust bracket that hold the tranny / oil pan on. The way it drips it looks like its comming from the cable. I thought mine was leaking and it was just those two bolts that had loosened up -- while your down there check all the bolts that hold the pan on.
 
If it was just the bolts, I don't think there would be a big backlog on the cable would there?

Wouldn't be a bad idea to check the bolts anyway.
 
Bozo, never trust brain, put note in phone and remind me also cuz mine goes in for 1000 mile next week. So far needs headlight adjusted,clutch adjusted,shocks checked,steering bearing torque checked due to wobble on slow down hill breaking. Or stabilizer? If you guys think of anything else feel free to post. Frame leveled. Should I remove the E brake which I never use? I am going with Syn 3 unless some one has a reason not too. Would the performance headlight help? Wont be able to afford LEDs till next year and want lifts before that. So many things for so much money, Ride Safe, Ray
 
Harley's... I think there was an "x-files" where they were hiding the fact that John Deere is still making all the parts for HD out of a factory that is trapped in a space / Time flux that can only be accessed by a worm hole inside the HD plant!ThumbUp
 
I think aliens came on Harleys and ended up in Area 51 and now only a few parts can be smuggled out at a time. That way the HD dealers can tell you there's a shortage of clutch cables and jack up the price.
 
Really though if anyone needs a clutch cable I have one, you can have it just pay the shipping. It was on my trike for about 100 miles, then I changed to a foot clutch.
 
Ok..Stopped at the Harley Shop a while ago...Trooper113 has it correct...It leaks where the end fitting is crimped on to the cable. From there, the oil runs down the cable to the front of the motor and blows all over so you cannot tell where it is coming from. Looks like it is on the bolts, but it is not. And, it is not a TGlide problem only...happens on almost all the 10's, 11's, and will be on the 12' touring models. Here is the part no# to replace it...#38667-08A... My dealer cannot get one until March 20th and even that is questionable. They have not seen many but are now starting to see way more. It is under warrenty of course if they have the cable and they replace it. If you want do it yourself, they will sell you the cable, if they have one.
 
Ok..Stopped at the Harley Shop a while ago...Trooper113 has it correct...It leaks where the end fitting is crimped on to the cable. From there, the oil runs down the cable to the front of the motor and blows all over so you cannot tell where it is coming from. Looks like it is on the bolts, but it is not. And, it is not a TGlide problem only...happens on almost all the 10's, 11's, and will be on the 12' touring models. Here is the part no# to replace it...#38667-08A... My dealer cannot get one until March 20th and even that is questionable. They have not seen many but are now starting to see way more. It is under warrenty of course if they have the cable and they replace it. If you want do it yourself, they will sell you the cable, if they have one.

Sounds like a good excuse to upgrade to a braided cable, Barnett should have plenty of them. I might have to buy one for mine and keep it handy for when it becomes a problem.
 
That is a good idea 3...Hmmmm... I may just do that instead of waitin' for a month for a replacement. Thnx for the idea.
 
My indy, BTW, went with a teflon aftermarket cable (good brand name....forgot what it is)....great results.

T113

I'll bet it was a Barnett, I have one on my 06 Ultra which has a AIM 480 lb spring and a VP92. The clutch pull is no worse than when it had the SE spring and VP83.
 
Sounds like a good excuse to upgrade to a braided cable, Barnett should have plenty of them. I might have to buy one for mine and keep it handy for when it becomes a problem.

We already have a spare one setting in the garage from when I had my handle bars changed and had the braided put on.
 
Since I am in Houston on business, the H-D dealer called to say that 35k service is done. I remembered to ask them to check the cable then. They haven't called me back yet. So either they checked it and no problem or ignored my trike-hypochondriac ways. Wheels down 10 minutes before dealer closes Friday. 15 minutes from airport. Missed by THAT much.
 
I'll bet it was a Barnett, I have one on my 06 Ultra which has a AIM 480 lb spring and a VP92. The clutch pull is no worse than when it had the SE spring and VP83.

I certainly agree! I have a +4" Barnett on my TG after installing pullbacks. The cable is teflon coated and I think it was cheaper than the OEM.
 
I certainly agree! I have a +4" Barnett on my TG after installing pullbacks. The cable is teflon coated and I think it was cheaper than the OEM.

It is cheaper, I believe it is around $20 - $30 cheaper. I don't remember exact numbers but I found a Barnett for $67 with free shipping and the HD was around $100+ plus shipping, the $100+ was after 20% off.
 
Not sure the year it started, but all the OEM cables are teflon lined now aren't they? There was a thread over on HDforums sometime back about whether to lube them or not. Several Harley Tech's said you didn't have to, but if you did, use the right lube. One tech recommended Motion Pro. My local Dealer uses INOX. I bought a bottle a couple years ago. Stuff is great! I use it on my saddlebag latch piano hinges as well as other places. Wife said she could tell a difference after I lubed the clutch cable on her FLHXXX and now her 2012 Triglide.
 
Not sure the year it started, but all the OEM cables are teflon lined now aren't they? There was a thread over on HDforums sometime back about whether to lube them or not. Several Harley Tech's said you didn't have to, but if you did, use the right lube. One tech recommended Motion Pro. My local Dealer uses INOX. I bought a bottle a couple years ago. Stuff is great! I use it on my saddlebag latch piano hinges as well as other places. Wife said she could tell a difference after I lubed the clutch cable on her FLHXXX and now her 2012 Triglide.


I can remember reading something about HD making a cable change, just don't remember the year.
 

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