As brake pads begin to wear in, the parking brake pedal will move further when the parking brake is applied. Inspect and adjust the parking brake:
- At regular intervals. Refer to Service Intervals and Records → Service Records.
- Periodically after extensive rear brake usage.
- After replacement of rear brake pads or other rear brake service.
NOTE
The following inspection and adjustment procedures can be used to adjust the parking brake between service intervals. For regular service intervals, see a Harley-Davidson dealer or service manual for complete maintenance instructions.
Inspection
| 1. | Park vehicle (with normal load) on a steep incline. Turn ignition switch to OFF and shift transmission into first gear. | |
| 2. | Apply front brake and cover rear brake pedal with right foot. | |
| 3. | See Before Riding → Parking Brake → Parking Brake. With left foot, firmly push down parking brake pedal until it cannot be pushed any further. The brake gives a number of clicks before reaching its maximum position. | |
| 4. | With parking brake applied, release front brake and gradually pull in clutch lever. | |
| 5. | The rear brakes should hold securely and vehicle should remain still. See ADJUSTMENT to adjust parking brake as necessary. |
Adjustment
| 1. | Place vehicle on a flat level surface. | |
| 2. | Release parking brake. Verify vehicle moves easily when pushed by hand. | |
| 3. | See Figure 1. Pull the boot back. Loosen jamnut. | |
| 4. | Push parking brake pedal to first click. Attempt to roll vehicle. a. If some resistance is felt, go to next step. b. If wheels turn freely, release parking brake and lengthen adjuster. Check and repeat until resistance is felt. | |
| 5. | Push parking brake pedal two more clicks to third click. Vehicle should not move when pushed. If wheels turn, release parking brake and lengthen adjuster. Check and repeat until wheels will not turn. | |
| 6. | Release parking brake pedal. Verify vehicle moves freely. NOTE Apply grease to adjuster threads to ease future adjustments. | |
| 7. | Hold adjuster and tighten jamnut. Torque: 12–16 N·m (106–142 in-lbs) Parking brake adjuster jamnut | |
| 8. | Install boot over adjuster. | |
| 9. | See INSPECTION to check performance of adjusted parking brake. |
| 1 | First notch |
| 2 | Jamnut |
| 3 | Adjuster |
Figure 1. Parking Brake Adjustment