How To Properly Lubricate & Adjust The Clutch Cable - Harley Davidson

This is a step by step instructional video on how to properly lubricate & adjust the clutch cable on a Harley Davidson. While I’m working on a 2006 Night Train (FXSTBI), this video applies to pretty much all Harley years & models with a cable driven clutch. The clutch system hasn’t changed in decades and is used across the entire Harley line up (Softails, Dynas, Touring, VRods & Sportsters). While components may have changed slightly, the overall function & adjustment has not.
Lubricating your clutch cable is as important a procedure as changing the engine oil. Without lube the clutch cable can become hard to move, rust, and potentially snap over time. Lubricating the clutch cable will prevent it from rusting, make it move easier and allow it to last a lot longer. You should lube your clutch cable every 10k miles or so and only takes about a half hour (even if you take your time).
This job is fairly straight forward, but there is a little bit of finesse to get the clutch cable adjustment right. I’ll cover various tips & tricks to make this job quick, clean & easy. I hope to take a lot of the mystery and fear out of lubing & adjusting your clutch cable.
How To Properly Adjust The Clutch & Clutch Cable - Harley Davidson:
• How To Properly Adjust...
My "'06 Harley Night Train (FXSTBI) Repair & Maintenance" Playlist:
• '06 Harley Night Train...
The information in this video is for educational purposes only. Pet Rock assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use the information in this video at your own risk. Pet Rock recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Pet Rock.

[@Mr_TimeMachine_Too]

I know this is a very old video, but it’s the best I’ve seen!

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it. IMO, 'How To' videos are timeless as long as the information is useful to someone. It's not like current events videos that age out in days or even hours.

[@Mr_TimeMachine_Too]

I completely agree, and good point!

[@cowboy7x]

Finally, another biker that doesn't wash his bike but drives the hell out of it like I do. LOL! Good video brother.

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it. IMO, if it doesn't make the bike go faster, stop shorter or handle better it's not necessary.

[@sirram5148]

i just love how you explain and created this video tutorial. so Straight forward and very clear! Thank you!!

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@sirram5148]

NP :-) have a nice day!

[@GJM866]

Perfect instructional video, thanks for posting!

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

I know this is an old video, but thanks anyway! I still use the old school method of taking a plastic sandwich bag, and cut a corner out then tape it to the cable so as to create a sealed reservoir over the open end of the cable. Spray cable lube in until it comes out the bottom. Never failed me yet...

[@petrocksgarage]

Age is just a number. 🙂 Unlike current events videos and those who want to go viral, as long as the info inside the video is still relevant/helpful the video is effectively timeless, IMO. Your method with the bag is definitely a viable option. There is more than one way to skin a cat. Thanks for watching & commenting. I appreciate it.

[@kenster007]

Yep, baggie and a rubber band, let gravity work.

[@stjohnsriverrat7161]

Excellent video which has been extremely helpful to me.Many thanks

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@RoadRider123]

This is awesome, thank you for posting!

[@petrocksgarage]

You're welcome. Glad to be of service.

[@franklategano1915]

Love the video. I ran into a problem though. My adjuster cable won't budge. It doesn't look rusted but I can't get any slack . I sprayed some Pb blaster into it. Is there anything else I can do?

[@petrocksgarage]

I assume you put the PB blaster on the adjuster nut etc, and you are holding the long nut still while turning the short nut with the correct sized wrenches, correct?

[@ppuntd1]

cool! good instructions

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@kerryoconnell5203]

Very informative !!!

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@ikust007]

Sir: would You be kind enough to help me out here ...: no more light on my Neutral. Nightster 2007. I have to perform the tests. Did it ever happen to you ? Cheers mate .

[@petrocksgarage]

I assume you mean on the gear position indicator thing, right? My bike didn't come with one of those, so no I haven't had that problem. I have to figure out what gear I'm in the old fashioned way: by MPH, feel & the sound of the motor. I don't know if yours is an LED or bulb set up. If it's a bulb, then chances are the bulb is out. If its LED, the LED could be bad but it could be equally as likely that a wire is damaged. Good luck.

[@ikust007]

@@petrocksgarage No, was really talking of testing the Neutral switch/bulb in order to determine if it's one or the other is the issue. But i think i can perform that by just connecting to the ground the bulb side and put the bike "ON".

[@petrocksgarage]

@@ikust007 I'd have to look at a wiring diagram, but if I understand you correctly, your plan is to connect a volt meter from the ground terminal on the battery to the ground side of the bulb, correct? And if you get 12 volts (actually battery voltage) you have a bad switch and if you have (close to) zero volts you have a bad bulb? Thats not entirely accurate. It all depends on if the bulb is ground side switched or power side switched. A damaged/broken wire on either side of the bulb could give you the same results, btw. So you'll have to do a little bit more than a single voltage test. If you haven't learned about Voltage Drop testing, I know a couple really good KZbin videos on the subject that make tracking down wiring issues extremely easy. Having the wiring diagram for your year/model bike will make this much easier, assuming you know how to read the diagrams (they aren't that hard actually).

[@ikust007]

Pet Rock's Garage I thought of doing just : kzbin.info/www/bejne/hafOgnSXm62geJo

[@ikust007]

Pet Rock's Garage the goal is just to isolate the issue : burned light or faulty switch ..?

[@rickpelland3768]

Free play spec is an 1/8th inch. 2 nickels ;-), just my ten cents

[@petrocksgarage]

Not according to my HD service manual. But 1/8th isn't horrible. Just means more lever travel till the clutch actually does something.

[@westcoastfrisco]

Damn. How can u stand working on a dirty ass bike

[@petrocksgarage]

Dirt doesn't effect the performance or handling of the bike, so I really don't care. Bikes are meant to be ridden, not washed or ogled at in a garage. Just sayin'...

[@geraldburrow3524]

That's is a really good video of lubing the clutch cable thanks for sharing

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@purklion4706]

Another informative, to the point, no bs video on how to keep some coin in your pocket with regular maintenance. Lovin all the night train videos. Thanks again Petrock.

[@petrocksgarage]

No problem. Glad to be of service.

[@CabinGuy]

excellent video, thank you! Very informative and easy to understand

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@gastonalvarez5096]

Thanks so much for your excelent video, I followed all the steps, everything went smooth. I hope your baby is already clean.

[@petrocksgarage]

Gaston Alvarez, thanks a lot. I'm glad it helped you out. I've washed my bike since then, but it's dirty again. It's a vicious cycle. To keep your bike clean you either have to never ride it or wash it after every ride. I'd rather ride it then wash it.

[@adamhazel118]

love the video......But please give your girl some love and bath her !

[@petrocksgarage]

Adam Hazel, thanks. Yeah, she’s a dirty girl. She does need a bath, but I'd rather ride her then wash her. I’ll get to it soon. I have fairly limited time. Thanks for watching & commenting. I appreciate it.

[@ratboyjersey]

me too. and she gets left in the weather while I'm at work. Hence the reason I'm have to change my throttle cables and am watching this video.

[@SteveRobReviews]

Nice - daily driver, must be great weather where you live. I've got 10 inches of ice on the lake. :)

[@petrocksgarage]

Yeah, the west coast has great riding weather. Pretty much only rains in the winter months. I average between 10-12k miles on my bike a year.

[@bigzzzt]

great video. After watching, I got the job done in less than 10 minutes. I ran into a problem where my lube tool was a bit longer than the one you were using and it didn't fit, just like you warned. I was able to shove the lube tube down the cable a good inch and used a paper towel to avoid the blowback. it worked pretty well. Thanks again for the video.

[@petrocksgarage]

I'm glad my video helped you out. Thanks for watching & commenting. I appreciate it.

[@zentraldogma]

i have the same bike and the same attitude, i think i find my clone .

[@petrocksgarage]

:-) Great minds think alike.

[@fidelrodriguez6568]

Could You Please Let Me Know Where You Purchesed The Tool Or The Model Number For It, I'm Having The Same Issue Where I Need A 1" Length Tool The One I Purchased Is 1 1/2" In Length And It Has Two Screws To Tighten The Rubber Sleeve Down. Thank You...

[@petrocksgarage]

Sorry, I don't remember where I bought it. Probably on amazon. Search for "Cable Luber Tool". I saw a couple from BikeMaster & Tusk with a single screw that look promising. Good luck.

[@kenster007]

Thanks for the tips-great video.

[@petrocksgarage]

Glad to be of service.

[@hatman231]

Those c-clips are a pain. I keep extras for the exact reason you stated. I also keep extra brass ferrules for the throttle/idle cables. Thanks for another easy to understand, detailed video with great tips.

[@petrocksgarage]

Yeah, the first time I removed the clutch cable on this bike back in ‘06 was a real P.I.T.A. I couldn’t get the f*&king snap ring off. It kept slipping off the tiny tips of the snap ring pliers. And when I finally did get it off it literally sprung off the pliers and hit my cheek hard enough to leave a red mark. I was lucky it didn’t hit my eye because I wasn’t wearing safety glasses at the time. I still haven’t found that snap-ring either. It is somewhere lost in the nether regions of my garage. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it.

[@evetsegap]

FYI I don't have that tool, but I cut the corner out of a baggy and slip it over the cable and the shaft. Then I get 2-3 of the smallest zip ties and tighten around the shaft in a couple of places. Squirt the lube in and prop up the baggy so the fluid drains onto and in the cable and it doesn't spill. Works like a charm.

[@petrocksgarage]

Yeah, there are many ways to do this job. Some are more messy than others. In the end, use whatever method works for you. Its your ride.

[@ikust007]

Thank you very much . Really appreciated. Excellent editing . Bravo mate.

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@ikust007]

@@petrocksgarage You deserve it: you take the time to help others by pure gentleness. Cheers mate.

[@petrocksgarage]

@@ikust007 thanks again. Glad to be of service.

[@c69101]

Excellent vid. Thank you.

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@streetglidesteve]

Great video ,I doing this for the first time and looks easy. Same way with the brake cable? Thanks

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it. The brake lever is hydraulic, not cable, on Harleys. But if you mean throttle cables, yes lubing them is the same. The difference is how you disconnect them from the throttle grip. Good luck.

[@carlderfler5006]

My fucking cable clip snapped and broke in half. Bullshit plastic. It's a small thing and it wont stop me from ridding but I'm sure that a tiny little cable clip because its HARLEY!! Itll cost 25 dollars or some insane amount! Fuck!!!

[@petrocksgarage]

Sorry for the delay, KZbin didn't have this one listed in my queue of comments I haven't replied to until today. Ouch, that sucks. I'm sorry to hear that. Hope you got it all sorted out and back on the road. The Harley Tax is real!!!

[@butcher7606]

Adjusting my cable today. Thanks for the how to vid 👍

[@petrocksgarage]

No problem. Glad to be of service.

[@MightyMonarchYTsports]

Thank you for that question and thank you for the answer... 😁

[@jonathanlackman7198]

thanks a lot. Great video, I appreciate the tips, like measuring the gap with a nickle. You could also have links to the products used, using an Amazon affiliate link and you'd make a few $$$ since I'm sure there are some people like me who just went and bought those products. Thanks!

[@petrocksgarage]

No problem. I'm glad to help. I've thought about setting up an Amazon thing, but I'm not really in this for the money. Its a hobby I do in my (limited) spare time. Plus I prefer people buy local (when ever possible of course).

[@StupidTeenageVideos]

How much did you pay for the nickel?

[@kenmartinez8247]

Thanks your videos are really helpfull I have a 2001 Night train

[@petrocksgarage]

Glad to be of service.

[@1DouglasBurney]

Great job on the project and video presentation. Thoughtful afterward editing was appreciated too. ......

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@One44Special]

Great video. just completed my Electra Glide while the video was playing. thanks a bunch man!

[@petrocksgarage]

Glad to be of service.

[@kenster007]

Great video. Snap rings can play hide and seek if they get away from you.

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it. Snap rings are tricky little buggers.

[@smackenzie1340]

great video......Do you have a video on lubricating the throttle cables?

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it. I actually have a video recorded from over a year ago on that, but not edited or uploaded. I have a bunch of videos recorded, but don't have a ton of free time to edit them. But the tool to 'inject' lube into the clutch cable can also be used for the throttle cables. Good luck.

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

wow-Another great video!!! Damn bro- you have all the tools, eh? I gotta buy that spanner wrench, that's key!!

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it. The right tool makes things so much easier.

[@MarcoPolo-ic5wl]

Instead of spanner wrench, I think you're referring to retaining or "snap-ring" pliers. Snap-ring pliers are available in two opposing axis versions, internal and external.

[@adrianalvarez6009]

I checked it with the cover off like you showed in your video and everything internally looked fine.

[@petrocksgarage]

It may look fine, but can you hear what is causing the click when you pull the lever? You need to narrow down where the click is coming from. Good luck.

[@mitchmccollum1230]

Great how to video.

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@steves3688]

You explain and show the steps excellent...thank you!

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@musicadefe4837]

Thank You!

[@petrocksgarage]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching & commenting. I appreciate it.

[@Sthorvnes]

Great video!

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@franklategano1915]

Ok, so I got the adjustment screw to move, but no matter what I do, I can't get enough slack to put the lube tool in, and the Cable Life red tube won't fit into the cable opening. Any suggestions?

[@petrocksgarage]

You turned the small & long adjuster nut all the way to the top, to give it the largest amount of slack, like I show in the video? Some lube tools are bigger then others. Mine is a little over an 1 inch long. I have heard of people using a syringe or similar tool to squirt the oil down the cable. That might work for you. If you have meaty hands you could try holding the top of the cable tight, trying to make a seal around it, and sticking the red tube in so your hand funnels the fluid into the cable. Will be messy, but it might work. Good luck.

[@franklategano1915]

Thanks for your prompt reply. I finally got it adjusted per your video. Now I'm finding that the clutch lever pull is a bit harder than it was. Also, I can't get the bike into neutral now matter how hard I try. I'm a relative newbie to riding (2 years) , so I may have screwed it up. If you'll pm me your email, I can send you photos. I have a 2000 Heritage Softail Classic, and my adjuster looks different from your bike. I want to adjust the clutch (the transmission clunks) but I want to make sure I got the clutch adjustment right. You can email me at : [e-mail]. Thanks again.

[@petrocksgarage]

This job, if done correctly, should make the lever pull easier, not harder. It sounds like something is not right with your set up. Maybe the ball bearings & ramps that the clutch cable attaches to got dislodged while you were fighting with the cable? Something is clearly off. Did you also adjust the clutch, or just the clutch cable? I have a video on how to adjust the clutch. That should help with the neutral issue. A clutch adjustment won't really help a tranny clunk. Harley tranny's clunk. Its just how it is sometimes. Also, if your adjuster looks different then mine then you likely have an aftermarket clutch cable on your bike. Good luck.

[@claudedaniels5415]

Great video!

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@johntojnar7070]

Very simple and informative video… great work

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@electriceye683]

Thanks for your time, all videos help.

[@petrocksgarage]

No problem. Glad to be of service.

[@tjeco10ify]

Thanks 😊

[@petrocksgarage]

No problem. Glad to be of service.

[@joebassanello3441]

Mine was dirtier lol...thanks man 👍

[@petrocksgarage]

Challenge accepted! 🤘

[@bodeine454]

Great video, doing this today, thanks...

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. Good luck!

[@Butch32002]

Very helpful & straight forward video.

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@tamayo991]

only on a stock style cable. Not a shielded cable.

[@petrocksgarage]

I'm not sure what you mean. Assuming we are talking about the same thing, shielding is just an extra casing around the cable. The cable goes through the casing the same as on stock cables. So the lubrication & adjustment method is identical.

[@bluesriderDF]

Very good, helpful vid!

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@adrianalvarez6009]

pet rock!. I followed your clutch adjustment video and after adjusting when I fully pull in the clutch lever it clicks at the very end! you can feel it in the clutch lever and you can hear it through the primary. any idea what could be wrong?? thanks

[@petrocksgarage]

It is hard to say from my keyboard. Try to narrow down the source of the click first. I would take the derby cover off and have a look inside as you pull & release the clutch lever. If the click is audible with the cover on it should be easy to hear, and hopefully find, with it off. Good luck.

[@thangknowa3288]

I like to lube the pin before slippin' it in...

[@petrocksgarage]

Whatever floats your boat.

[@mestaves187]

Great video!

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@gman2602]

Great information. Thanks for the video.

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@HarleyBreakoutGuy]

Could i lube it with WD40?

[@petrocksgarage]

I wouldn't because WD-40 will dry out pretty quickly.

[@MCAdventurerHD131]

Great video. Filthy bike.

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks & thanks. I appreciate it. 😎

[@lutherbryson1177]

Iam a industrial machine we found out the hard way that WD40 cleans so well that it will cause metal on metal rub on moving parts.

[@petrocksgarage]

The W & D in WD-40 is Water Displacement. Its great for preventing rust, whisking away water on metal parts and things like that but its really not a lubricant. At least not a long lasting one. Over repeated heat cycles it will dry out which is probably why you saw metal on metal rub. In the case of clutch cables they do get some heat but not a significant amount. But I do agree that you should use the right tool (or lubricant in this case) for the job and WD-40 is not it. Use a lube designed for cables.

[@Vic-ng8if]

Cheers for that mate. Just saved me much dollar

[@petrocksgarage]

Glad to be of service.

[@Vic-ng8if]

@@petrocksgarage is it fine to use silicone spray chum?

[@petrocksgarage]

@@Vic-ng8if, I wouldn't. It will collect dirt and potentially wear out the cable.

[@thedemolicious]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@ikust007]

HEy great man! Question: i bought what ijg but i was disappointed when i tried to use it... Motion Pro: lenght 1.5 inches! Where did you buiy yours ? I absolutely cannot use that on my Sportster...Cheers !

[@petrocksgarage]

I bought mine from a local Cycle Gear well over 15 years ago. There are many different sizes and manufacturers. Google "Clutch Cable Luber Sportster" and see if you find one bigger or smaller that will work for you. You might try to loosening the cable adjuster nut all the way to get enough slack in the cable for your 1.5" luber to fit. Good luck.

[@ikust007]

@@petrocksgarage Thanks mate! I slacked as much as i could. Almost opened the clutch cover! If i cant find i will modified this one. So strange can't find one on Amazon...

[@petrocksgarage]

@@ikust007 Here is one on amazon that looks like it's only 1" long: www.amazon.com/MOTORBIKE-LUBRICATOR-CLUTCH-THROTTLE-SCOOTER/dp/B07V2JP6ZW/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=clutch%2Bcable%2Bluber%2Bsportster&qid=1601302894&sr=8-14&th=1 I searched for "cable luber tool" and came up with a bunch of hits. You could also call around to your local bike shops and ask if they have one in the size you need. Doesn't have to be HD dealer/shop, btw. Good luck.

[@nelsonyvelez]

Your video is perfect!!!

[@petrocksgarage]

+nelsonyvelez, thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@usernamemykel]

Great. Liked and subbed.

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@usernamemykel]

@@petrocksgarage You're welcome a lot.

[@JUNJUN-lw2vr]

Great video

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.

[@sydsilva2047]

good info

[@petrocksgarage]

+Syd Silva, Thanks...

[@TheTaino320]

Outstanding!

[@petrocksgarage]

+TheTaino320, Thanks...

[@adrianalvarez6009]

Ok I'll try and have another look Thanks for the help

[@petrocksgarage]

No problem. Good luck.

[@greenmarine5]

That was one of the best ways I have seen to properly adjust a clutch cable, Kudos for showing people the Proper way.!!

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. I really appreciate it.

[@greenmarine5]

Pet Rock's Garage No Prob man, all your videos are very good I'm going to Sub hopefully it'll benefit you. :-)

[@petrocksgarage]

Thanks a lot. :-)

[@MrSqueakinator]

I'm not sure I want cable lube in my primary.

[@petrocksgarage]

+Sky Walker, being that your clutch cable doesn't go into your primary, your primary will be fine. The clutch cable goes into the transmission and the lube will not harm anything. It has been part of the regular maintenance schedule for decades. Its a small amount of very very light weight lube, so it won't effect the lubricating abilities of the tranny fluid.

[@javiroo1743]

+Pet Rock's Garage I'm pretty sure he's not talking about his primary on a bike.. lol..

[@MrSqueakinator]

Pet Rock's Garage Actually I'm pretty sure my clutch cable goes directly into my primary.

[@petrocksgarage]

*****, which bike do you have? All Harley’s that I’m aware of have the clutch cable going to the transmission on the right side of the bike. The primary is on the left. Even if it did go into the primary the small amount of very very light weight lube will not effect the lubricating abilities of the primary lube.

[@MrSqueakinator]

07 nightster