This is a new thread that captures the issue I had with the clutch in my '08 Ulysses. I figure the new thread title will help with searches.
The clutch lever was not adjusting properly, and the clutch was 'draggy', and then started making a 'chattering' noise. I pulled the primary cover, expecting carnage, but found nothing amiss!
The next day, I took the release plate assembly (#12) out for a look. One circlip/retaining ring has to be removed.
Note: While the clutch release lever can, the plate cannot be removed through the inspection hole in the primary.
While the plate looked fine, the bearing (P/N A8885) is shot. Very rumbly, and at least 1/16 in. of play. It doesn't look like a big deal to replace the bearing in the plate.
I closely inspected the clutch basket - knowing it is supported by a single needle bearing, I believe the 'wiggle' i have is probably normal. And, I believe the messed-up release plate assembly/bearing is almost certainly the cause of the clutch weirdness and noise.
I'm wondering where the bearing gets its lubrication. It's kinda stuffed into a cave.
Neither the local HD dealer nor any independent shops had the 8885 bearing in stock. The Dealership said they normally did have them. The part is used in most (if not all) Big Twins back to the turn of the century (funny to put it like that - I'm talking 2000) and several Sportsters.
Anyhow, while looking for the part online, I happened on several posts on HD-related sites, and a couple of videos that discuss the (relatively) high failure rate of that bearing, and the 'upgrade' to a F A G 7200-B-XL-TVP 'angular contact ball bearing'.
Intrigued, since it looks to be a much better application than the stock ball bearing, I've ordered one.
While waiting for the new bearing. I removed the old one. I don't think a NTN-branded bearing is the original #A8885, but photo below is for reference.
The second photo shows a little bit more 'play' in a ball bearing than is normal. I'm thinking I had only a couple more clutch lever pulls before I snatched the inner race out of the bearing. That would have fragged the primary with bearing guts.
As it was, the bearing and its 'cave' in the clutch basket were well coated with what looked like anti-seize compound - except it was bearing roller powder. Some can still be seen inside the outer race.
This is my opinion - I don't think a ball bearing should have been used - don't know why they (HD and Buell) did.
For size: 30MM O.D., 10MM I.D., 9MM width.
After installing the new bearing - carefully, as it is directional - and putting the primary back together, all is normal!
The clutch lever was not adjusting properly, and the clutch was 'draggy', and then started making a 'chattering' noise. I pulled the primary cover, expecting carnage, but found nothing amiss!
The next day, I took the release plate assembly (#12) out for a look. One circlip/retaining ring has to be removed.
Note: While the clutch release lever can, the plate cannot be removed through the inspection hole in the primary.
While the plate looked fine, the bearing (P/N A8885) is shot. Very rumbly, and at least 1/16 in. of play. It doesn't look like a big deal to replace the bearing in the plate.
I closely inspected the clutch basket - knowing it is supported by a single needle bearing, I believe the 'wiggle' i have is probably normal. And, I believe the messed-up release plate assembly/bearing is almost certainly the cause of the clutch weirdness and noise.
I'm wondering where the bearing gets its lubrication. It's kinda stuffed into a cave.
Neither the local HD dealer nor any independent shops had the 8885 bearing in stock. The Dealership said they normally did have them. The part is used in most (if not all) Big Twins back to the turn of the century (funny to put it like that - I'm talking 2000) and several Sportsters.
Anyhow, while looking for the part online, I happened on several posts on HD-related sites, and a couple of videos that discuss the (relatively) high failure rate of that bearing, and the 'upgrade' to a F A G 7200-B-XL-TVP 'angular contact ball bearing'.
Intrigued, since it looks to be a much better application than the stock ball bearing, I've ordered one.
While waiting for the new bearing. I removed the old one. I don't think a NTN-branded bearing is the original #A8885, but photo below is for reference.
The second photo shows a little bit more 'play' in a ball bearing than is normal. I'm thinking I had only a couple more clutch lever pulls before I snatched the inner race out of the bearing. That would have fragged the primary with bearing guts.
As it was, the bearing and its 'cave' in the clutch basket were well coated with what looked like anti-seize compound - except it was bearing roller powder. Some can still be seen inside the outer race.
This is my opinion - I don't think a ball bearing should have been used - don't know why they (HD and Buell) did.
For size: 30MM O.D., 10MM I.D., 9MM width.
After installing the new bearing - carefully, as it is directional - and putting the primary back together, all is normal!
