Noisy Shift linkage

[ou812]

Is the Spherical Rod End used on the $100+ "bling" linkages any different than what is used stock on baggers (2008)?   My stocker rattles quite a bit, and I'm wondering if buying the chrome one would actually solve anything.  Or would I just have something that still rattle and I have to polish!  I really don't think I have the loose shifter arm on the tranny that so many report; seems like the rattle is all in the joints to me.

[Snuff™]

Switch out the stock ball and socket out for a helm joint type.  There are other brands out there than HD.  Nothing like going down the highway and feel something tapping the top of your boot.  That's the heel/toe shifter flapping in the breeze.

[PoorUB]

Check out http://www.mcmaster.com/ and look up 59915k483 these are a stainless steel rod end. If you want more bling, stop at the local home store and buy a chrome faucet supply tube and cut it to fit and slip over the stock rod on the linkage. Custom shift linkage for $30!

[FSG]

http://www.mcmaster.com/#59915k483/=p0x2mj

[Caper]

Did you check for play in your heel/toe shifter??Could just need new bushings in the front of the inner primary where the shifter shaft goes through it...

[mkd]

the stock Harley shifter ball and socket has a rubber  boot between the linkage arm and the ball and will keep pressure on the ball and socket so as it wears it doesn't rattle. if the rubber boot is worn or gone it can rattle. the heim joints are the way to go but I have heard the ones with the nylon spherical cup inserts don't last very well.

[Eglider05]

Also be sure the shift lever on the tranny is tight, these often come loose.

Rick

[ou812]

Thanks, guys!  Just placed my order with McMaster, and will pick up my chrome toilet line tomorrow.  Just my style. 

I do have some shop in the shifter shaft but not sure if it's any worse than when new.  Can this be re-bushed without removing the primary??

[dakota224]

Pull the allen head bolt out & put in a hex head bolt so you can torque that sucker down..

[Hossamania]

I also need bushings (or bushing) for my shifter shaft. A little info would be greatly appreciated. The wife says the rubber band I use to quiet the rattle is a nice touch, but i sense sarcasm.

[FSG]

You'll probably find it's just the Shifter Lever loose, else

http://harleytechtalk.com/htt/index.php/topic,10319.0.html

[truck]

I also need bushings (or bushing) for my shifter shaft. A little info would be greatly appreciated. The wife says the rubber band I use to quiet the rattle is a nice touch, but i sense sarcasm.

If it's the shifter shaft bushings where the heel toe shaft goes through the primary, I couldn't knock mine out, had to hacksaw them.

[attachment removed after 60 days by system]

[Hossamania]

Yes, it is the shifter shaft bushings. Were you able to install the new ones without disassembling the inner primary?

[Admiral Akbar]

Who the heck lets the shifter shaft bushings run dry till they rattle?

Anyone ever hear of preventative maintenance?

The Heim  (not Helm) joints will rattle as bad or worse than the stock HD ones unless you add a rubber washer between the Heim and the mount..

Max

[Hossamania]

[/color][/color]

Who the heck lets the shifter shaft bushings run dry till they rattle?

Anyone ever hear of preventative maintenance?

The Heim  (not Helm) joints will rattle as bad or worse than the stock HD ones unless you add a rubber washer between the Heim and the mount..

Max

Hey Max, I let them run dry. Got a problem with that? I may have let it get away from me. 

[Hossamania]

Just kidding about the "got a problem with that."

[Admiral Akbar]

Just kidding about the "got a problem with that."

Hey.. It's your motorsickle..   Do what you want.. The aftermarket loves you.. 

Max

[Hossamania]

So far the aftermarket has provided a 4 cent rubber band to solve this problem. I may have to spend a little more for a permanant fix. It's on my list.

[Admiral Akbar]

So far the aftermarket has provided a 4 cent rubber band to solve this problem. I may have to spend a little more for a permanant fix. It's on my list.

Don't worry... The aftermarket charge you 5 bucks for the part.. 

BTW I'm talking about the shifter shaft in the primary case.. Stock shift rods don't do to bad if you lift the rubber on them and add a couple drops of erl occasionally..Same for the shifter shafts.. 

Max

[truck]

Yes, it is the shifter shaft bushings. Were you able to install the new ones without disassembling the inner primary?

Yes, I did it on the bike, also drilled and tapped for a Zerk fitting at that time.

[HDFAT2001]

Truck,

What did you use to press out the old bushings and insert the new ones.  I've got to replace mine and if I can do it on the bike it would be a big help.

[truck]

Read this post http://harleytechtalk.com/htt/index.php/topic,67391.msg723897.html#msg723897
I believe I just tapped them in with a small hammer and maybe a nail set, it's been a while and CRS is a factor.

[HDFAT2001]

Thanks Truck,  Damn CRS keeps getting me too

[Blazing Saddles]

I've installed stainless steel heim joints on all of my bikes over the years and have never had an issue. No rattling, breaking and smooth shifting.  I've personally seem many stock HD shift linkages fall apart while riding - but not on my bikes! 

[gonenorth]

So far the aftermarket has provided a 4 cent rubber band to solve this problem. I may have to spend a little more for a permanant fix. It's on my list.

Don't worry... The aftermarket charge you 5 bucks for the part.. 

BTW I'm talking about the shifter shaft in the primary case.. Stock shift rods don't do to bad if you lift the rubber on them and add a couple drops of erl occasionally..Same for the shifter shafts.. 


Max

I had a stock shifter rod come apart on my first HD before I realized this was an issue.  I've dropped a couple of drops of oil under rubber seal with each service and haven't had an issue since.  I agree that the recommended joint ends are better, but this works for me.