• Required reading for all forum users!!!

    Welcome!
    Register to access the full functionality of the GSResources forum. Until you register and activate your account you will not have full forum access, nor will you be able to post or reply to messages.

    A note to new registrants...
    All new forum registrations must be activated via email before you have full access to the forum.

    A Special Note about Email accounts!
    DO NOT SIGN UP USING hotmail, outlook, gmx, sbcglobal, att, bellsouth or email.com. They delete our forum signup emails.

    A note to old forum members...
    I receive numerous requests from people who can no longer log in because their accounts were deleted. As mentioned in the forum FAQ, user accounts are deleted if you haven't logged in for the past 6 months. If you can't log in, then create a new forum account. If you don't get an error message, then check your email account for an activation message. If you get a message stating that the email address is already in use, then your account still exists so follow the instructions in the forum FAQ for resetting your password.

    Have you forgotten your password or have a new email address? Then read the forum FAQ for details on how to reset it.

    Any email requests for "can't log in anymore" problems or "lost my password" problems will be deleted. Read the forum FAQ and follow the instructions there - that's what we have one for...

  • Returning Visitors

    If you are a returning visitor who never received your confirmation email, then odds are your email provider is blockinig emails from our server. The only thing that can be done to get around this is you will have to try creating another forum account using an email address from another domain.

    If you are a returning visitor to the forum and can't log in using your old forum name and password but used to be able to then chances are your account is deleted. Purges of the databases are done regularly. You will have to create a new forum account and you should be all set.

Another clutch question

  • Thread starter Thread starter Anonymous
  • Start date Start date
A

Anonymous

Guest
What are the possible causes for clutch slipping? Is it due mainly to misadjustment and worn plates or maybe something else like a bent pushrod? For a typical rebuild what parts are required? I've ordered some plates and springs, I went with the cheaper set of plates. I don't think that I'll ever put enough miles on it for them to be a benefit.

Thanks
Ports
'82 GS550LZ
 
Number one reason (that I know of) is weak springs.

Next could be things like a badly adjusted clutch cable (this is unlikey as cables stretch, but if it was installed too tight...).

I believe there was even one story about a loose retaining bolt somewhere?
 
Ok, I think maybe my adjustment may be off slightly. Is there a way to adjust the pushrod on my bike or is the only adjustment for the cable? I'll look at this before I tear it down. It kinda happened all of a sudden after I reassembled the bike. I would think that slippage would come on more gradual over time. Maybe this will help with the small friction zone on my clutch. It has been like either it is engaged or disengaged with little middle ground. Is this common on our GS's? PS Its got 22500 miles or so which seems to be the service limit from what others are saying.

Thanks
Ports
'82 GS550LZ
 
Is there any play in the clutch lever?

There should be about 4mm (I think) of free play in the lever before it puts real tension on the cable. Consult Clymer on where to measure and how much play, I just want to make a point about needing a small amount of slack in the cable to allow the clutch to fully engage.

Adjust this play with the knurled (sp) knob located where the cable connects to the lever.

BTW for anyone else, mechanical brakes (drum) should be adjusted in a similar way every couple hundred miles.
 
I cant recall for sure if there is free play or not. I suspect that there isn't. I plan to take a peek at this tonight when I get home from work. Is it possible to adjust the worm mechanism? I recently had to straighten the push rod, but if it is bent this would lead to the clutch dragging, not slipping right?

Thanks
Ports
'82 GS550LZ
 
Well, it was a simple fix. I just had to loosen up the clutch cable. Once I thought about it a little it made sense, nothing else really changed. When I noticed it slipping originally I tightened it more. Too bad I ordered the plates and springs. Live and learn I guess.

Keep up the good work.
Thanks
Ports
'82 GS550LZ
 
:D
What oil are you using? Some of the newer automobile oils have anti friction additives in them and can cause a clutch to slip. The older wet clutch type bikes need SAE SE rated and not beyond SG . I use aa motorcycle specific oil designed for wet clutches.
:D :D :D
 
I'm using castrol SAE 20W-50. I knew it wasnt the oil though because it always was fine with that oil before. Like I said it had to be a simple fix and it was about as simple as it could have been. At times I thought about adjusting the cable, but I just tightened it instead of loosening.:oops: Thanks again

Ports
'82GS550LZ
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

L
Clutch replacement - drive plates only?
Replies
16
Views
322
Rob S.
Rob S.
E
Stuck clutch - oil issue?
Replies
12
Views
283
tobaccorancher
T
E
'79 GS850 - One Year Ownership & Maintenance Summary
Replies
3
Views
98
emlivings
E
S
The Great & Terrible Ask "which exhaust headers not made for the 650G fit the 650G"
Replies
1
Views
100
jdub6092
jdub6092
NateDogg83
Old Bike, new rider, same ol' problems - 1980 GS550E
Replies
17
Views
350
gtem
gtem
Back
Top