Broken Detent Spring

Hello, it’s been a while since I posted on the forum, although I visit on occasion to see what’s new. Just like enjoying the ride I guess!
Recently on a trip back from New England, my 08 Rocket Touring with 36k developed a problem with the tranny. On visiting the search on the forum I found the symptoms similar to mine…the shift detent spring. At first I thought I may have been tired and maybe missed a shift or two, but finally realized a problem existed…that false neutral talked about in some posts here. I used highway I-81 back to Florida, and realized the problem from Virginia on. Luckily, I decided to just gas and go, and made it home in about 16 hours….hit some rain and one bad accident which required helicopter service.
Decided to remove the front engine cover to look for that broken spring, and sure enough it was lying at the bottom of the engine case. I dug around in the deeper sump others had talked about and found the hook part of the spring as well. Now I will order the replacement parts and hopefully will be able to ride again soon.
It seems there is an awful amount of labor to endure for such a trivial item….Also it will be difficult to trust the new spring as I see no apparent reason for the failure in the first place. Will keep you posted on the outcome. In the photos, the main body of the spring was found at the bottom of engine case, and the hook part in the sump I am pointing to. Thanks to all who helped me with there previous posts....Mike

Good news that you made it home and thanks for the pictures, now get the polish out and shine that case up a wee bit.

kmrmike Hi mine went a week ago.How ease is it to do ?

its a fairly easy job. While you have it apart look at the lifter shaft and lifter piec to the clutch for any wear its easier to replace while it is apart. look for any signs of discoloration on the lifter shaft where the lifter piece engages it. also you will want to make sure you have the larger headed lifter piece in her it will work much better and last longer. Also remamber to buy a new clutch basket nut so you can restake it. Myself depending on the mileage I would measure the fibers and make sure they are still in tolerance. When you do this mak sure you do not mix up the one in the bottom of the back. And take a look at the anti judder spring and seat before you remove it so you put it back in the right way.
below is a comparison of the new lifter piece verses the older style





and the difference in how they fit in the lifter shaft

new


old

Thanks for all your comments....I wasn't going to replace the lifter shaft(mine is in like new condition) but after seeing the difference I am reconsidering it. Also, the clutch specs are in like new condition as well.


I do have one small problem though; when I removed the clutch disc and plates, the anti-judder spring fell into my drain pail before I could see its orientation in the basket...If I had to guess which way to re-install it i would place the larger diameter side against the plate and the smaller diameter against the washer...If someone could give me some direction here would appreciate it.

kmrmike said:

Thanks for all your comments....I wasn't going to replace the lifter shaft(mine is in like new condition) but after seeing the difference I am reconsidering it. Also, the clutch specs are in like new condition as well.


I do have one small problem though; when I removed the clutch disc and plates, the anti-judder spring fell into my drain pail before I could see its orientation in the basket...If I had to guess which way to re-install it i would place the larger diameter side against the plate and the smaller diameter against the washer...If someone could give me some direction here would appreciate it.

Click to expand...

correct the flat washer (anti-judder seat) goes against the back of the internal hub. the cone shaped one (anti-judder spring) goes against it and the cone points outward towards the the fibers. Do not wind the return spring to much when putting the cover back on or it will tighten to much on the lifter shaft when you acuate it and make the lifter shaft fracture after a while. Make sure the fiber with the large inside diameter goes in first it is the only one that will fit around the anit judder components.

Hey Scott, do you have pictures of the anti-judder components ? What is their purpose ? I'm guessing "judder" is a British term for rough engagement ? Inquiring minds want to know !

IMO it takes up the chatter or impact of the clutch like the the springs on the back of the clutch basket take up the back lash/ slop of the clutch pack closing. I do not use mine because I use the MTC fibers for more grip surface contact on the bottom of the internal hub.

Hi KMRMIKE can you post a picture when you replace the spring so we can see where the spring is meant to be.