DOC HARLEY | WHEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY HARLEY-DAVIDSON HYDRAULIC CLUTCH FLUID?

This week Doc explains how to check your hydraulic clutch fluid and know when to change it.
#harleydavidson #motorcycles #motorcyclelife #lowcountryharley

[@schachat01]

Thanks again for the great tech tips-like the idea of using a dial indicator to verify the correct spec for the clutch👍

[@bradduffield2860]

Thanks doc. Everything I learn is a plus.

[@jerrybrown66]

Just to get set up to flush the fluid, it takes me two hours to get the heat shields, header pipes, floorboard off or loosened , get the trans cover off, then get the reservoir level. After all that, flushing is no problem. Then put everything back together. Don't have the fancy gauge for the pushrod, so I just go by feel.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I admire your work and effort to service your bike. You have made this decision and commitment to do it right. Buy the tools and manual…..Doc

[@dieselsoggydog6299]

I remove the old fluid and put new fluid in the reservoir. Then I just pull a vacuum on it at the bleeder like I do the brakes. and pull new fluid in making sure to keep the fluid topped off. I have never had a problem with air in the system and no pumping the clutch lever required.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for sharing....Doc

[@cluuck4617]

On the clutch I use the push method.

[@randyluna4905]

Thanks doc, even if I am not turning the wrenches myself I still like to know what the techs are doing to my scoot.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Cool.....Doc

[@BobsGT235]

You forgot to mention that on the M8 touring models, because of Harley moving the catalyst converter to the rear more than on the twin cam models, to remove the cover to get at the bleed screw, the exhaust system needs to be loosened. Makes doing the job a real pain in the ass.
Dumbells at Harley should have noticed that before designing it that way.

[@tomb.8485]

I had a simple job turn into a project when replacing the fluid for the clutch on my 2018 Street Glide. Pain in the ass, for sure!

[@BobsGT235]

@@tomb.8485 Exactly. All the so called engineers at Harley had to do was take a little bit of material off the metal cover and it would easily clear. But they were to ignorant to even realize that it would be a problem.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I don't mind you sharing but lets leave the hard comments out...Doc

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

A insight to a Techs daily life...Doc

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Sometimes engineers don't wrench....Doc

[@donwaltman4276]

Thanks Doc, great video, this is the kind of content that I'm looking for. Keep up the good work!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you Don....Doc

[@trevorhall9524]

Thanks Doc, no idea this tool existed

[@CenobiteBeldar]

Just to be sure, Harley went back to clutch cable, right? So this is like pre-2020?

[@randyluna4905]

2021 and up run a clutch cable. My 2020 is still a hydraulic clutch.

[@rykerolaoghaire8781]

Always something to learn. Thanks Doc!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

So True Ryker.......Doc

[@ocglide2566]

Thanks Doc, The slave cylinder being so close to the CAT on the M8 touring bikes I would think it might degrade quicker than the brake fluid because of the additional heat from the CAT.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

A good thought....Doc

[@williwichtig9344]

Thanks Doc 😉
Again greetings from good old Germany.
Uncle Harry
P.S. That tool is available overseas as well and significant to use

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Good news. I was afraid it went with the Dawn....Doc

[@larryzuney3772]

Great video and useful tip. thank you.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you for taking the time to watch....Doc

[@randysiler7458]

Thanks Doc! Good video 👍👍

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for watching Randy… Doc

[@stanwerner7484]

Also, HD should have made a remote access point to the slave clutch just for this service/purpose. thanks again

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

A good suggestion..Doc

[@bradwiebelhaus7065]

Great, thanks.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for watching Brad….Doc

[@stanwerner7484]

Great content --(As usual) thanks Doc! PS exhaust system does not need to be moved to gain access to the clutch cover?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

On many models yes....Doc

[@genebulford8636]

Thank you doc now I don't have to call someone and ask once again you help me out thank you sir

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Glad we can help....Doc

[@jondoe8816]

what about the old gravity bleed.. will that work DOC

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

????…..Doc

[@daviddunn5264]

👍👍👍

[@albertovp8402]

Thanks Doc. I prefer to change it once a year, it takes no time to do it when I also change the brakes fluid. Great video!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

A great practice Alberto....Doc

[@michaelsweeney6596]

Great advice, thanks

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for tuning in Michael....Doc

[@rebel_ltz]

You can do the measurement with a regular multimeter.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I do not know...never tried....Doc

[@fredbiacsi624]

I rebuilt the master cylinder with 46244-01 kit and the clutch piston with kit with 37963-02a. Then flushed it with Dot 4 instead of Dot5. I only get .070 movement, but the all seems to work fine. This is on a 2004 CVO Deuce. How critical is that .086" of movement?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Less than could possibly wear clutch plates faster and not allow transmission to shift smoothly….Doc

[@fredbiacsi624]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson What can I do to get the additional travel? I do have 40,000 miles on the bike.

[@hokaheyrider059]

I put a label below my ignition switch on any carburated bike I have that says, "TURN THE GAS ON DUMMY!

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Doc.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Welcome....Doc

[@JakobKaizen]

Hey Doc! When should I look into doing anything to my clutch and if so, what should I do? I´m about to surpass 23000 miles on my 2014 FXSB. This season I´ve installed some S&S 570 cams, 2-1 performance exhaust together with an FP3. I figure that it might be time... Would a diaphragm spring be enough for me? Riding quite ´lively´ from time to time! Really appreciate it

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Check with AIM. They are specialists in clutch items….Doc

[@okiemale1589]

😎👍

[@erikjensen6503]

Great video and great information as always. How do i know when i need new clutch plates?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

There are measurements in the Factory Service Manual...Doc

[@deathbyyamaha3834]

Also when the clutch don’t work no more 😂

[@CATmanATL22]

Good thing to know Doc. But I’m still old school ….. lol still a cable

[@CATmanATL22]

Hi Doc …. What did I win ?? Love your videos

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for watching. Spam is now following Doc.....Doc

[@kennethanderson1685]

💕💕💕💕

[@randybard224]

I bled mine multiple times
The most I get with a dial indicator is .068 to .070
Not sure why ???

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Stock clutch assembly and push rod? Might be the master cylinder or slave unit in cover…..Doc

[@randybard224]

Stock clutch
REKLUSE slave unit
Stock master cylinder ??

[@kenkooper5958]

Hi Doc. Can you post details about the moisture sensing tool you bought off Amazon to test brake and clutch fluid?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

There are several on Amazon listed under Dot 4 brake fluid liquid tester, Moisture Analyzer.....Doc

[@joemesserhd1]

thanks Doc ...good information ! was wondering if the hydraulic fluid clutch could be changed to a cable like the new bikes ... and would it be worth it since H-D went back to the cable ...i have a 2019 Ultra Limited... Thanks

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

At this time, No. HD changed the way the Clutch switch works...Doc

[@johnherman8861]

hey Doc, the DOT 4 tool isn't expensive, but how much is that clutch meter?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Bought it a long time ago. No idea the cost now....Doc

[@efreund1]

How can I fix common clutch reservoir leak on Rushmore model? They replace it a few times, and it keeps leaking out and ruining the cover.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Are you replacing lids, gaskets , both or the entire assembly? Are your handlebars stock with stock lines or aftermarket crazy bars with aftermarket braided lines? It all matters. If All Factory parts call Harley-Davidson Customer Service. Their techs need to get involved….Doc

[@efreund1]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thanks for quick responses. It was all stock for a number of years until about two years ago. I replaced my handlebars. But it’s been a total of two or three times that they replace the entire assembly in the same thing keeps happening. They said it’s a standard thing for Rushmore model. But idk 🤷🏻

[@goranslava843]

What is the name of the dial tool you used for checking on the clutch push rod?

[@stevensams8341]

Dial indicator with a magnetic base

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Steven answer your question...Doc

[@johnherman8861]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson but which 1?? which 1 do you use Doc?

[@vanislandsteve]

Hi Doc. I am being told that I have won a prize pack from Low Country on my last comment. Is this a scam?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Yes. Some one or some computer is following Doc

[@Steverinomeister]

No link to that tester Doc!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I'm not here to promote anyone just suggest it is easy to purchase....Doc

[@MrMcbuck48]

I want one, what do i call that thing ?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Dot 4 Brake Fluid Tester...Doc

[@richardpitts6284]

Does the 2006 Dyna Super Glide have a hydraulic clutch?

[@bennemets4471]

No. Should be a cable

[@stevek8829]

No

[@myride7216]

You should change the hydraulic clutch fluid immediately. Immediately. Change it to…a cable clutch.

[@aaronmilliken5213]

If you like raggedy clutch feel sure...

[@myride7216]

@@aaronmilliken5213 maybe you need to learn how to use the clutch

[@deplorableredneck4.02]

I would be lost if I bought a new bike

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

That's why we are here. Enjoy the ride....Doc

[@deplorableredneck4.02]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson and I 100% thank you..

[@bradstrouse8685]

When you sell it and get a real bike

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

So Share Brad, What Real Bike do YOU ride.....Doc