'81 GS450S clutch push rod questions

[Guest]

I just bought the bike and the left side cover is off, the one that covers the front sproket and the end of the clutch push rod. Anyway, the end of the rod is bent. I went to Babbitts and ordered a new one (Is a two-piece rod, I ordered the section I need). The question is...how do I replace it? I looked at the online repair manual here and I couldn't find anything about the rod. I'm hoping it's as simple as pulling the front sprocket and the plate around the rod, which looks like is held in with two small bolts.
Anyone have any insight into this?

[kymasabe]

I tried the "just pull it out" trick and it's not working. The rod moved an inch or so and I hear a solid click, metal to metal somewhere. So, I pulled the front sprocket and the plate behind it that the rod goes thru and I still can't get the rod out. It's still hitting something and won't go any further.
Anyone else have any suggestions?

[Nessism]

Chop off the bent section and pull the rod out from the clutch side of the bike. Better replace the seal at the same time as the pushrod or you can get leaks. Lots of threads on this topic in the archives since this problem is quite common.

[Mekanix]

You seem to have a one piece rod in there.
Otherwise the 4 inch part of the two piece rod system would pop out regardless if the end was bent. A solid metal clunk while pulling on the rod would indicate its a one piece and can only be pulled out from the clutch side.

So your going to need to get into that side and get a gasket for that side. Don't use any gasket sealant when you put the cover back on.

The two piece system is better and doesn't wear out the seal like the one piece unit does.

Measure each one, You might find that the two piece is a little longer and that you don't have enough adjustment for the extra length so you'd have to cut it down.

[kymasabe]

Thanks for the info. I thought it was a 2 piece and only ordered the short rod that's bent. Now that I've read your post about it most likely being a one piece rod, I'm trying to find/overnight the other half/longer rod as I wanted to have it done this weekend.