Raber's Tech Tips: Episode #1 - Triumph Unit Twin Clutch Pushrod Adjustment

Hey everyone! This is the first installment (of hopefully many) in our series on everyday tech tips related to Vintage British Bikes (Triumph, Norton, and BSA).
This particular content would apply to ALL unit construction 500cc, 650cc and 750cc Triumph twins when the clutch cable makes the ball-ramp assembly click. The wrench that Bob used to make this look so easy is a Facom 9/16 angled socket wrench. They're available all over the web and we should have some back in stock here soon too. Please stay tuned for upcoming technical videos dealing with classic British motorcycles!
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[@coltonwancho6571]

Keep seeing people bring up the wrench. you can also you a 9/16 spark plugs socket being that the most often have flats you can get a wrench on while your flat blade is through the drive end of the socket. If you don't feel like buying a special tool

[@grazyjeeper]

The wrench used is a 9/16" Facom No. 75 Angled Pass Thru Design Socket Wrench SAE

[@Segsy59]

I just got one off E-bay

[@steved5518]

They must be made out of unobtainium. Can't find one whatsoever.

[@daveco1270]

Thanks for this info. I finally picked one of these up on Ebay for 10 bucks. Works great for clutch adjustments. There's a couple places that sell them new, but after shipping fees it's over 30 bucks.

[@championn3c574]

If that doesn't fix it, check the expander/ball ramp is the right one. They made a different one for the later models with alloy levers & you get too much lift if you use it with chrome levers. The later ones had an "X" stamped on them.

[@vlone_slime3472]

This is a great video on this! Need that wrench though

[@paulhoughtonhhoughton9188]

vione, I have a box spanner with a ring spanner, does same job or get a socket welded onto a dog leg ring spanner,

[@michaelszczys8316]

Should have shown just why it clicks like that so people can know just what is going on. Like that wrench, gonna have to make me one.

[@Patrick-jq3lw]

Thank you I just saw this video I have a 2001 Triumph Trophy 900 with a clutch issue rode bike home stored for winter then start of bike season no tension on clutch and engine stalls trying to put in gear.

[@daveco1270]

What kind (and what size) 90 degree curved wrench is he using?

[@Tradesman1156]

Thanks that was a simple fix!! Where do I get the wrench?

[@stevekwall925]

were can i get a lock nut wrench like that?

[@whitjonw]

For sure ! That doesn't look homemade !

[@grazyjeeper]

9/16" Facom No. 75 Angled Pass Thru Design Socket Wrench SAE

[@coltonwancho6571]

You can also you a 9/16 spark plugs socket being that the most often have flats you can get a wrench on while your flat blade is through the drive end of the socket.

[@bonkeydollocks1879]

@@coltonwancho6571 yep that's what I thought of 👍🏼

[@davealderson2051]

Hi where can I find the tool you used and has it a special name please

[@johnmalone9853]

When I release the clutch centre nut the screw turn too. It seems to be seized into the nut. So I just retightened it for now. However when re tightening it feels like it’s going to strip so I haven’t run it up tight yet. What I want to ask is do I need a new pressure plate or can that nut and screw adjuster be replaced? Would a needle roller pressure plate fit a standard clutch or do I new the whole thing? Thanks

[@mineericsmith]

did anyone find out about the lock nut wrench? I really want one.

[@pauliebots]

Raber ain't answering I guess.

[@johnmalone9853]

Just weld a bit of bar on the side of a 14mm or 9/16” socket.

[@paulhoughtonhhoughton9188]

Knock one up from a socket and a dog leg ring spanner then get em welded together

[@charlesbrianmintus2727]

Hello Sir; the big problem I am have now is the nut on the clutch basket was tighten to 75 ft/# This was too much so now I am down to 20 Ft /# with locking washer. The rod and diaphragm are placed correctly then the adjusting nut is 1/4 turn off the rod. The efforts to get this high torque I may have screwed something up, because once I put my clutch cable together the basket does not move. I have snapped a cable pulling the clutch in.....Strange....any ideas? Thanks and I hope you are enjoying your long weekend.

[@pattoallen1981]

Ive tried mutiple times exactly that way and still cant get rid of it the drum was pretty ripped up proply strip it again tomorrow and clean up the drum and try again

[@jaydowney3661]

Any idea on the fix for clutch plates sticking? Pulling in my clutch lever on my 79 T140e does not disengage the clutch when in gear. Bike did sit for several years.

[@bonkeydollocks1879]

start it in second gear by someone pushing you and lightly accelerate and back of repeatedly whilst using the clutch, have you set your clutch up like in the video?

[@jaydowney3661]

@@bonkeydollocks1879 thanks, I did jump start it like that a bunch of times. I could ride it all around my neighborhood and it still wouldn’t disengage. I ended up putting in a Norman Hyde 7 plate clutch and it works great now. My old plates were basically seized together.

[@bonkeydollocks1879]

@@jaydowney3661 bloomin heck Jay that's crazy, glad you sorted it and can enjoy it, ride safe pal

[@5hawks]

"all the way in" as in ALL the way in then back out 3/4 turn. Is that correct? The push rod on my '69 TR6R was 11-15/16" long. I think someone made a "special." I cut it back to factory spec. without really knowing wth I was doing or why except to try to get away from that popping and gear grinding.

[@billking698]

please...where can i buy the tool he was using ?... thank you

[@paulhoughtonhhoughton9188]

What about a clutch that crunches as each time it goes in 1st gear, happens when engine is warm/hot? what tip can you suggest, please.

[@paulhoughtonhhoughton9188]

@@grahampeters Graham, not sure yet but have re set the clutch adjustment via the primary case, have not tried it yet as whether is so crap, hope it get better soon tho, Champion suggestion sound a good idea, but I think am still on the original parts m8

[@dannymacarthur13]

Hi Buddy, I have just bought my first Triumph a TR6C and when engaging first gear the gear seem to grind. Bike drive great when moving. I have tried adjusting the cable but still the same problem. Can you offer me any advice. Cheers

[@pauliebots]

Clutch plates may be sticking. Ride it more.

[@bonkeydollocks1879]

If the clutch plates were sticking it would happen in all gears, you may well have a leaf spring gearbox (1970 to 1972) that needs a new leaf spring and the selector cam reindexing (setting up)

[@dannymacarthur13]

@@bonkeydollocks1879 Hi Buddy, Thanks for the advice. My bike is 1970 but it's not the oil in frame model. Does advice still stand? Cheers

[@bonkeydollocks1879]

@@dannymacarthur13 hi, no the leaf spring was only oil in frame models late 1970 to 1972. They went back to the ball and spring plunger from 73 onwards. If yours crunches into first gear on the first change of the day do you know about freeing the clutch off first? Pulling the clutch lever in and kicking it over a couple of times until it kicks free with no resistance. If it still does it it will need a clutch strip and clean and lightly dress the clutch tangs with a file so they really are a free running fit in the basket. Failing that I think you have to Change the basket due to wear to where it fits into the first motion shaft, have a look at 'lunmad' on KZbin he has covered EVERYTHING on triumphs, done about 30 videos, it will be covered on there

[@dannymacarthur13]

@@bonkeydollocks1879 Cheers buddy, Really helpful. Regards

[@stevepercival4774]

my t140 clutch would rather brake a cable then disengage ,cant move operating mechanism even with a massive screwdriver