1. | Refer to the SEAT and BATTERY sections of the service manual. Remove the seat and disconnect the battery cables, negative cable first. | |||||||||||||||||||
2. | Remove the left side mirror and mounting hardware. Remove the left side turn signal if mounted on the hand lever bracket. Save all parts for later installation. | |||||||||||||||||||
3. | Remove the right side saddlebag, if so equipped. Refer to SADDLEBAG REMOVAL in the Service Manual. | |||||||||||||||||||
4. | To access the transmission side cover assembly, see EXHAUST SYSTEM REMOVAL in the Service Manual. For some models, the right side exhaust system will need to be removed. In most cases, you will need to perform at least the following: a. Loosen, but do not remove the front and rear header pipes at the cylinder heads. b. Loosen the exhaust support bracket at the starter. c. Loosen the exhaust system heat shields as needed to access the transmission side cover screws. d. Remove the clamp holding the rear exhaust pipe to the transmission bracket. Discard clamp. e. Remove and retain the two bolts and lockwashers attaching the right side muffler to the rear bracket. | |||||||||||||||||||
5. | Remove the magnetic drain plug at the bottom right side of the oil pan, and drain the transmission lubricant into a suitable container. | |||||||||||||||||||
6. | See Figure 1. Remove and retain the filler plug/dipstick (5) for later installation. Remove the six socket head screws with washers (6) to free the transmission side cover (1) from the transmission case. Retain two screws and discard the remaining four. NOTE If the hollow locating pins stay in the cover when removed, install pins back into the bearing housing. |
Figure 1. Riginal Transmission Side Cover | ||||||||||||||||||
7. | Actuate the clutch lever to break the cover seal. Remove the cover. Remove and discard the cover gasket (2). | |||||||||||||||||||
8. | Remove the clutch ramp retaining ring (8). Rotate the inner ramp (7) to a position that will allow the clutch coupling to be disconnected. Disconnect the clutch coupling and disconnect the cable end from the coupling. | |||||||||||||||||||
9. | Unscrew the cable fitting from the transmission side cover. Remove the clutch cable and fitting, and discard the cover. Leave the clutch cable in place at this point. | |||||||||||||||||||
10. | Remove the oil slinger (4) as an assembly from the transmission mainshaft. Discard the oil slinger. NOTE After the clutch cable has been disconnected at both ends, but before pulling the cable out, note the entire cable routing and the location of all cable straps and "P" clamps (if used). In many cases, you will be installing the new hydraulic fluid line the same way. NOTE Make sure you are using the correct retaining ring pliers. Verify that tips of pliers are not excessively worn or damaged. | |||||||||||||||||||
![]() Wear safety glasses or goggles when removing or installing retaining rings. Retaining rings can slip from the pliers and could be propelled with enough force to cause serious eye injury. (00312a) | ||||||||||||||||||||
11. | See Figure 2. Remove the retaining ring (9) from the clutch hand lever pivot pin (4). Remove the pivot pin and clutch hand lever (7) from the clutch lever bracket (3). | |||||||||||||||||||
12. | Remove the anchor pin (8) and the clutch cable eyelet (2) from the clutch hand lever. Remove any clamps retaining the clutch cable to the motorcycle, and remove the cable. Discard all components and hardware removed in this step. |
Figure 2. Original Clutch Hand Lever Assembly | ||||||||||||||||||
13. | Using a T27 TORX® drive head, remove the two screws (6) with flat washers securing the handlebar clamp (5) to the clutch lever bracket. If installing Kit 45380-02C (Chrome), discard the handlebar clamp, but save the hardware for later installation. If installing Kit 45992-03B (Black), save the handlebar clamp and hardware for later installation. NOTE Standing the motorcycle upright is required so fluid does not spill. Verify that the vehicle is supported securely. | |||||||||||||||||||
14. | If necessary, remove the left side passenger footpeg or footboard. See Figure 3. Using a T27 TORX drive head, remove the clutch inspection (derby) cover (8) from the primary chaincase (1). | |||||||||||||||||||
15. | Remove the clutch release plate retaining ring (4) and discard. Remove the release plate (3), adjuster rod (5) and nut (6) as an assembly, and discard. | |||||||||||||||||||
16. | Extract the pushrod (2) by pushing it through from the right (transmission side cover) side until it can be grasped through the clutch pressure plate (10). Pull the pushrod out of the chaincase opening and discard it. |
1. | Refer to Figure 4. Obtain the new release plate (3) and bearing (4) from the kit. Pressing only on the outer race, install the bearing into the plate to form the clutch release plate assembly (2). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2. | Assemble the new clutch release plate assembly to the new pushrod (1) as shown, with the large diameter first. Install a small retaining ring (5) from the kit onto the pushrod. |
Figure 3. Clutch Pushrod Removal
Figure 4. New Clutch Release Plate Assembly | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3. | Install the assembly into the clutch pressure plate. Fit the two ears (6) into the notches in the pressure release plate. Push in until the clutch release plate (3) bottoms out against the shoulder in the pressure plate. Install the new large retaining ring (7) in groove of pressure plate, and verify that the ring is fully seated. |
1. | See Figure 5. Obtain the clutch lever/master cylinder assembly (4) from the kit, and the two screws (1) and two flat washers (2) saved earlier. If installing Kit 45380-02C (Chrome), obtain the handlebar clamp (3) from the kit. If installing Kit 45992-03B (Black), use the existing clamp saved during removal of the original clutch lever. |
Figure 5. Clutch Master Cylinder/Reservoir | ||||||||||||||||
2. | Slightly loosen the two screws holding the left-hand switch housing to the handlebar. | |||||||||||||||||
3. | Position the clutch lever/master cylinder assembly to the handlebar, inboard of the left-hand switch housing assembly. Align the holes in the handlebar clamp with those in the master cylinder housing and start the two screws (with flat washers). | |||||||||||||||||
4. | Adjust the clutch lever for rider posture and comfort. Use a T27 TORX drive head to tighten first the upper, then the lower clutch lever clamp screws to 60-80 in-lbs (7-9 Nm). NOTE Tighten the lower switch housing screw before tightening the upper switch housing screw. This will leave any gap in the switch housing at the front of the switch housing assembly for best appearance. | |||||||||||||||||
5. | Adjust the switch housing for rider posture and comfort. Using a T25 TORX drive head, tighten first the lower, then the upper handlebar switch housing screws to 35-45 in-lbs (4-5 Nm). |
1. | Refer to Figure 6. Place the new cover gasket from the kit over the hollow locating pins (5) in the transmission housing. Line up the new transmission side cover assembly (which includes the secondary actuator [slave] cylinder and bleeder screw) on the locating pins. | |||||||||||
2. | Loosely install the two 2-1/4 inch (57 mm) long screws (saved from the old cover) into the top two holes in the new cover. Loosely install four new 1-3/4 inch (44 mm) long screws from the kit into the remaining four holes. | |||||||||||
3. | See Figure 7. For 2005 Softail models, tighten the side cover screws, in the sequence shown, to 84-108 in-lbs (9.5-12.2 Nm). For all other models, tighten the side cover screws, in the sequence shown, to 120-144 in-lbs (14-16 Nm). |
Figure 6. New Transmission Side Cover Installation Figure 7. Torque Sequence, Transmission Side Cover |
4. | See Figure 8. Carefully pry off the fork lock label plate (3) from the handlebar cover (2). Remove the entire plastic plate; do not remove the adhesive label from the plate. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
5. | Remove and retain the Phillips head screws holding the handlebar cover for later installation. |
Figure 8. Nacelle, Headlamp, and Handlebar Cover (FLHR/FLHRC Models) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
6. | Remove the headlamp assembly from the headlamp nacelle. See HEADLAMP in the Service Manual. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
7. | Route the clutch fluid line as follows: a. Into the left top opening of the headlamp nacelle. b. Down between the steering head and the harness mounting plate. c. Around the front of the steering head to the right side. d. Out of the nacelle, over the lower triple clamp, and over the right side engine guard. e. Down along the front of the right side frame downtube. f. Behind the rear brake master cylinder. g. Over the footboard brackets to the transmission housing. |
Figure 9. Nacelle, Headlamp, and Handlebar Cover (FLHRS Model) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
8. | Remove the cap plugs from the clutch fluid line and transmission side cover, if present. Install the fitting to the cover and tighten to 80-115 in-lbs (9-13 Nm). NOTE The "P" clamps should position the clutch fluid line to be at least one inch (25.4 mm) from the re-installed muffler or exhaust pipe and 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) away from any part of the exhaust heat shield. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
9. | Attach the clutch fluid line to the bottom right side frame tube using the two "P" clamps from the kit. Bring the clutch fluid line down in a reverse "S" curve to the bottom right side frame tube, then: a. Attach the line to the frame tube just below and to the rear of the cam cover. b. Just below and to the front of the cam cover. NOTE Attaching the "P" clamps in any other way will allow chafing of the clutch fluid line against the cam cover or crankcase. NOTE Position the clutch fluid line so any excess slack occurs between the frame and the steering head. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
10. | Attach the clutch fluid line to the motorcycle using the tie straps included in the kit: a. At two points on the bottom frame tube. b. Near the bottom of the right side frame down tube. c. To the front of the down tube above the reflector. d. To the switch wire harness near the handlebar cover. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
11. | Tighten the banjo fitting bolt into the master cylinder housing to 17-22 ft-lbs (23-31 Nm). Proceed to "Bleeding the Clutch Fluid Line". |
1. | Remove the bleeder cap from the transmission side cover bleeder valve. Install one end of a length of plastic tubing over the valve. Place the free end of the tube in a clean container. | |
NOTICE Do not allow dirt or debris to enter the master cylinder reservoir. Dirt or debris in the reservoir can cause improper operation and equipment damage. (00205c) | ||
2. | Stand the motorcycle upright so that the master cylinder is in a level position. Remove the master cylinder cover and gasket. NOTE Do not overfill master cylinder reservoir. | |
3. | Add D.O.T. 5 SILICONE HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID to the master cylinder reservoir until the fluid level is at or just below the fill line. Do not reuse old fluid. Use only D.O.T. 5 fluid from a sealed container. | |
4. | Activate the clutch lever 5-10 times. | |
5. | Open the bleeder valve. Clutch fluid will flow from the bleeder valve through the tubing. It may take several minutes for fluid to exit the bleeder. | |
6. | Once fluid exits the bleeder, close the bleeder valve. NOTE Do not overfill master cylinder reservoir. | |
7. | If necessary, add additional clutch fluid to the master cylinder reservoir until the fluid level is at or just below the fill line. | |
8. | Depress and hold the clutch hand lever to build up hydraulic pressure. | |
9. | Open the bleeder valve about 1/2 turn. Clutch fluid will flow from the bleeder valve through the tubing. Close the bleeder valve when the clutch hand lever has moved 50% to 75% of its full range of travel. Allow the clutch hand lever to return slowly to its released position. | |
10. | Repeat Steps 7 through 9 until all air bubbles are purged. | |
11. | Tighten the bleeder valve to 80-100 in-lbs (9.0-11.3 Nm) and install the bleeder cap. | |
12. | Again, if necessary, add clutch fluid to the master cylinder reservoir until the fluid level is at or just below the fill line. | |
13. | Verify proper operation of the master cylinder relief port. Actuate the clutch hand lever. A slight spurt of fluid will break the fluid surface in the reservoir compartment if all internal components are working properly. NOTE The angular shape of the clutch master cylinder cover makes one side thicker than the other. | |
14. | Install the clutch master cylinder cover (with gasket) on the master cylinder reservoir so that the thicker side is over the clutch line fitting. Fasten the cover with the two Phillips screws removed earlier. Tighten the screws to 6-8 in-lbs (0.7-0.9 Nm). NOTE The sight glass enables the rider to visually check clutch fluid level without removing the master cylinder cover. When the reservoir is full, the sight glass is dark. As the fluid level drops, the glass lightens up to indicate this condition to the rider. |
1. | Check the O-ring on the transmission drain plug removed earlier for tears, cuts or general deterioration, and replace if necessary. | |
2. | Install the drain plug and torque to 14-21 ft-lbs (19-28 Nm). | |
NOTICE Do not over-tighten filler or drain plug. Doing so could result in a lubricant leak. (00200b) | ||
3. | Fill the transmission with the proper transmission lubricant. See the MAINTENANCE section of the applicable service manual. | |
4. | Check the O-ring on the filler plug/dipstick removed from the old transmission side cover for tears, cuts or general deterioration, and replace if necessary. Install the filler plug/ dipstick into the new transmission side cover assembly. | |
NOTICE Be sure exhaust pipes do not contact frame or components. Contact will transmit vibration to the rider. (00348a) | ||
5. | See EXHAUST SYSTEM INSTALLATION in the service manual. Install and tighten all exhaust system components loosened or removed at the beginning of the installation. Any gaskets or clamps that were removed should be replaced with new parts. | |
6. | For 2004 and later FXSTS/I models: Replace the left side turn signal mounting bracket with a new bracket (Part Number 67355-04, purchased separately). For ALL models: Install the left side rear view mirror. Adjust for proper field of vision and tighten the acorn nut to 12 ft-lbs (16 Nm). Check mirror adjustment and reposition if necessary. | Figure 10. Torque Sequence, Primary Chaincase Cover |
![]() Connect positive (+) battery cable first. If positive (+) cable should contact ground with negative (-) cable connected, the resulting sparks can cause a battery explosion, which could result in death or serious injury. (00068a) | ||
7. | Refer to the service manual, and follow instructions to connect the battery cables, positive cable first. | |
8. | Follow the instructions in the service manual to install the seat. | |
![]() After installing seat, pull upward on seat to be sure it is locked in position. While riding, a loose seat can shift causing loss of control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00070b) | ||
9. | If necessary, install the right side saddlebag. | |
10. | Test ride the motorcycle. If the clutch does not work properly, it may be necessary to re-bleed the clutch fluid line and re-measure the clutch plate lift. |
Item | Description (Quantity) | Part Number |
---|---|---|
1 | Clutch master cylinder | |
Clutch lever/master cylinder assembly, chrome (for kit 45380-02C) | Not Sold Separately | |
Clutch lever/master cylinder assembly, black (for kit 45992-03B) | Not Sold Separately | |
1a | Clutch reservoir assembly, black (for kit 46448-05) | |
1b | Lever assembly, polished (for kit 46448-05) Includes lever, pivot pin bushing, retaining ring, bushing, and roller kit. | 46243-01 |
2 | Clamp, handlebar control, chrome (for kit 45380-02C only) | 45282-99 |
3 | Bolt, banjo | 41747-82A |
4 | Gasket, brake line (2) | 41731-01 |
5 | Gasket, transmission side cover | 36801-87C |
6 | Screw, 1/4-20 x 1-3/4 inch (4) | 3480A |
7 | Side cover assembly (includes items 8 through 10) | |
Chrome (for kits 45380-02C and 46448-05) | 37121-03A | |
Black, (for kit 45992-03B) | 38689-03A | |
8 | Cover, side | Not sold separately |
9 | Bleeder screw | 44613-02 |
10 | Cap, bleeder screw | 44613-02 |
11 | Clutch line assembly (braided stainless steel w/chrome fittings) | |
(Not in kit 46448-05) | 38669-03 | |
12 | P-clamp (2) | 69336-03 |
13 | Screw, 1/4-20 x 3/8 inch (2) | 3652 |
14 | Locknut, 1/4-20 (2) | 7686 |
15 | Cable strap (6) | 10006 |
16 | Release plate | 36731-91 |
17 | Bearing | 8885 |
18 | Pushrod service kit (includes items 19, 20 and 21) | 36818-03 |
19 | Pushrod, clutch release | Not Sold Separately |
20 | Retaining ring, internal, 2 inch | 37909-90 |
21 | Retaining ring, internal, 3/8 inch | 11143 |
Items mentioned in text, but not included in kit: | ||
A | Original equipment screws | |
B | Original equipment washers | |
C | Handlebar clamp is not included in Black kit 45992-03B, use the original equipment black clamp. | |
D | Clutch release plate components | |
Also available: | ||
E | Master cylinder repair kit 46244-01 | |
F | Piston repair kit 37963-02A |