Harley Shifter Shaft Seal Replacement
Bob LaRosaDescription
In this lesson we take a look at a Harley shifter shaft seal replacement. This demonstration is intended for Sportster or Softail models that are set up with a mid-shift assembly. In this type of set up, the shift linkage travels through the primary drive and exits from the outer primary cover. These seals have longevity under normal riding and routine maintenance. However, they can be more prone to leak if the outer primary cover has been removed without replacing the Harley shifter shaft seal or if the shift shaft has been compromised in any way.
Before attempting to remove the Harley shifter shaft seal, the shift arm needs to be removed from the shaft. It is good to make a small mark on the shaft with permanent marker so that there is no mistaking the correct location of the arm upon reassembly. Often times, the shift arm will be difficult to remove by hand. It is acceptable to pry off with small pry bars or screwdrivers, but it is of utmost importance that care is taken to protect the primary cover and the finished surface of the shift arm.
Depending on the year and model, there may be a small rubber spacer behind the shift arm. This spacer needs to be reused. If it has been damaged or deteriorated over time; it needs to be replaced. Removing the seal can be tedious. Extreme care must be taken not to damage the outer primary cover or the surface of the shift shaft. If the surface of the shaft is scored, the new seal may leak as that is the sealing surface.
Try to puncture the old seal with a small pick or screwdriver. You will typically have to score, at least, couple of spots on the seal in order to get it on the move. Sometimes the seal will begin to spin out. Other times, you will be able to hook and pull the seal out. Lube the new seal and use a layer of clear packing tape over the splined area of the shift shaft to protect the new seal upon installation. Gently tap it into position with a deep socket or spacer.
Regardless of how the Harley shifter shaft seal removal is approached, patience must be practiced. Don’t rush. Don’t become frustrated if the seal does not pop right out. There is no one correct, set process to accomplish this repair; it is only correct if the job is completed with a properly installed, new seal, and without damage to any areas of the motorcycle.
Related Video:
Shift Shaft Seal when doing 6 speed Trans Rebuild at about 14 minutes into video
Hi, I'm Bob LaRosa, welcome to Fix My Hog. Let's take a look at replacing the Shifter Shaft Seal on the XL model. I'll start by loosening and removing the linkage assembly. This will expose the end of the shifter shaft. You'll notice there's a rubber standoff. You wanna to reuse this so don't destroy it when you remove it. If it does tear, make sure you replace it. It's necessary to be in there. Behind there is the seal. Now in order to remove the seal you cannot cause any damage to the aluminum primary where the seal goes. So you wanna use caution and you wanna use a tool that you're comfortable with. Lotta times I'll just use a straight pick and I'll gently tap around the circumference of the seal, not into the primary. You may have to approach it from a few different sides. A lotta times if a pick won't do you can go to a small straight blade screwdriver. Now depending on the condition of the seal obviously you're not gonna reuse it. You can tap on it, get it to rotate, possibly puncture through it and pull it away. Whatever works without causing damage to the primary cover itself is really the key factor. And you can see once you get it on the move it'll lift right outta there. Wanna be patient. Don't wanna cause any damage to the aluminum primary. Once that seal starts to move away, make sure you note orientation of the seal and install the new seal the correct way. I'll remove the old seal, set it aside, I'll use a little light cleaner like Spectro Suspension Cleaner, clean where the seal belongs. Make sure you clean the shaft good. Everything cleaned up. I like to use a single wrap of clear packing tape and just protect the spline. Wrap it right around the spline. This'll protect the inner portion of the seal as you go over the spline on the shifter arm. I'll get my new seal. I'll make sure I'm installing it in the correct direction. I'll give it a good thorough wipe of lubricant both on the seal and on the clear packing tape. You don't wanna allow the splines to tear up the sealing portion of the new seal. You can then carefully work the new seal over the packing tape in splined areas. Get everything lined up. I'll use a 9/16 socket and just carefully push the seal in nice and square and straight. I'll push it the majority of the way in by hand and then just give it a light tap. All this light tap is gonna do is seat it fully so the seal line is flush with the outer primary. I can then remove my packing tape, reinstall the rubber sleeve, reinstall the shift arm, reinstall the bolt and torque at the factory spec. This is one of those seals, if it's leaking, it will leave a constant stream of primary fluid out of the primary and leave a half dollar size puddle on the ground every time you park and put the motorcycle on the kickstand. Take your time and replace the seal with the correct seal for your year and model.
Can we get part numbers in the future (oem/replacement company numbers) .. trying to confirm these numbers can be a pain