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very stiff clutch when warm

  • Thread starter Thread starter greenbraes
  • Start date Start date
G

greenbraes

Guest
Need some ideas from the clutch specialists. :confused:
Got the bike out today on the road (OK just 1 mile) first time in 18 years. I have the engine running sweet but the clutch is very stiff, I have put a new cable on, OEM, but there is no change (routed properly too). Once the bike got warm on the road the clutch was almost impossible to operate.
Cluthcless gear change was OK but selecting neutral is not so easy (but I do have rear sets on the bike), when you pull the lever it doesn't feel smooth either, sort of gritty feeling if that makes sence. Everything down to the lever on the top of the clutch housing is good.
I have no idea what is in the clutch, heavy springs..etc but have got a new set of normal ones here..I am going to drop the oil and filter so little problem opening her up.
Any ideas for what to look out for when the clutch is opened up very much appreciated

:):)
 
First, what bike are you referring to? (Please put this in your signature - User CP, Edit Signature - so we don't have to ask and you don't have to remember to tell us)

Second, do you have the service manual for it and did you follow the clutch adjustment procedures in it?
 
Is the clutch lever hard to pull, or is it a problem with disengagement that is the concern?

A lever that's hard to pull is a mechanical issue. Disengagement-difficult to find neutral can be oil related or mechanical.
 
once the clutch is pulled in it is disengaged, there is not a lot of play on the rear sets so it is a bit of a fiddle to get neutral, you end up jumping between 1st and 2nd looking for it (maybe me just getting used to this bike:confused:). The lever and cable are smooth and free down to the clutch housing..just checked now the bike has cooled some what and it is easier to pull...still very heavy and not so smooth

:confused:
 
The not so smooth part could be from a warn clutch basket. The heaviness change with engine temp I cannot figure out.

Change the oil and if there's no noticeable difference in finding neutral then pull apart the clutch to inspect and measure everything-especially the basket fingers and plates for warpage.
 
You're probably going to have to get in there and see what is worn/binding. If the cable is not binding it would have to be something with the clutch itself.
 
I think I will pull it apart, I have new friction plates and springs here and it is back up on the ramp now for its oil and filter change anyway. Best look now or I will end up getting volenteered for work in the garden...;)
Thanks for the help guys

:):)
 
eighteen years?
Your clutch pack may stuck together and possible notched hub.
But honestly that would not affect clutch pull that much. Maybe the bearing in your actuator in the clutch cover is seized?
 
greenbraes said:
I think I will pull it apart, I have new friction plates and springs here...

:):)
Click to expand...
When you do have a look, compare the new spring pressure to the pressure of the springs already in the clutch assembly.

Check the plates for warpage as well.
 
I will take some photo's if there is anything to see...the oil is draining now so will get the manual out and have a look at the clutch after tea...can't miss a meal :D

:):)
 
I like Chefs idea of the actuator shaft bearing..and as it gets hotter and expands the metal the grip gets even tighter..thus the harder pulling.
 
greenbraes said:
when you pull the lever it doesn't feel smooth either, sort of gritty feeling if that makes sence.
Click to expand...

This part sounds like the lever or perch is shot, the bearing in the cable end wasn't greased or isn't turning smoothly in the lever, the cable adjuster at the lever isn't in the right place, digging into the cable, or the cable is being cut by something in there.

Must be something to do with the lever/perch area, you can't usually feel grittiness at the far end of the cable.
 
well everything looks fine, the release arm feels smooth when it is rotated but it might bind when hot...might be worth replacing the bearing just incase...how do you get the arm out...might as well ask when I'm here..:rolleyes:...I am away to source a 32mm socket now to get in a bit deeper..if I can't find it should I just go for the rebuild or perceiver and get right in for a good look??

again thanks for the help

:):)
 
tkent02 said:
This part sounds like the lever or perch is shot, the bearing in the cable end wasn't greased or isn't turning smoothly in the lever, the cable adjuster at the lever isn't in the right place, digging into the cable, or the cable is being cut by something in there.

Must be something to do with the lever/perch area, you can't usually feel grittiness at the far end of the cable.
Click to expand...

I am getting a lone of a Hydraulic Cable Greaser tomorrow and going to flush the cable out with new grease...I agree the gritty feeling can only be the cable or lever (lever looks and feels prefect though), cable was a new OEM part, looks new, feels new but I don't know how old it is, the lub may have dried up in it...the heavy feel to clutch especially when it's warm is still a mystery...the springs that have come out feel to be the same as the new ones, will give everything a good clean, new friction plates and springs and we'll see how that goes..maybe I am just too used (and old..) to a very light hydraulic clutch on the Truimph..:rolleyes:

thanks for help guys

:):):):)
 
Take off the cover and give the end of the acuator shaft a few smacks.Bbearing comes out the top of the cover. Also, how tight did you do the lever bolt..too tight and it pinches the sides of the perch in and make the lever too tight also.
 
thanks for that info...I loosened the lever bolt thinking this might be the case....BUT..I have been looking at the pressure plate, the holes the springs go into..some have ridges/scores in them where it looks like the springs have been rubbing...maybe when the springs are compressed they are moving over these ridges giving the odd (for a better word) 'not' smooth feeling...they also look like tappered holes too or I might have reemed them out and clean them up..will try the dremmel and a emery wheel to take the worst off...would have taken a photo but can't get a good shot down the hole.

cheers guys

:):):)
 
right..got everything out and it all looks like new (some very smooth ridges on fingers..bike has done 32K so must expect something, almost can't feel them with my finger)..it does look like the springs that were in are all HD so that doesn't help matters...and the new OEM ones that came are also HD (so much for asking for OEM...)..aghh..anyway some normal ones will be in the post tomorrow...one question though..the nut holding the basket in was almost finger tight once the tab was flattened off..what should this be torqued up to when it goes back on...if it is in the manual I have missed it....:) off to soak the new plates in oil and grease the cable, then reassemble

bikepics-2676600-800.jpg


bikepics-2676601-800.jpg


Cheers guys

:):):):)
 
Well the new springs arrived this morning...everything is back together and is unbelievable, it is so easy and smooth to use the clutch now I thought it was not working to start with....one of these feel good days....:):):):)

Thanks for advice give guys

RB :):)
 
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