Great Success!! Clutch cable replacement

Stella, LML, Bajaj and other Indian scooters

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Maximus53
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Joined: Thu Apr 12, 2012 1:28 pm
Location: Chicago, IL

Great Success!! Clutch cable replacement

Post by Maximus53 »

On sunday I managed to break my clutch cable while attempting my own cable adjustment and broke the adjustment screw in half as well! I consider it an invaluable learning experience!

So now I get to learn by doing and replace the broken cable and screw....

Thankfully I live very close to Scooterworks and they had the spare parts on the shelf so I picked up the new parts (and a spare) on the way home from work.

There were a number of people interested in a step by step instructions on how to do this fix and was going to put something together until i found this: http://vespamaintenance.com/body/clcable/index.html :D

I followed these instructions and it worked perfectly!!

In the process however I learned several things that I think might be useful if you have never done this before

Adjusting the clutch cable:
The barrel part of the adjustment screw is attached to the threaded part, so to make the adjustment, you back the lock nut away from the hole in the engine case that the adjustment screw is screwed into then turn the adjustment barrel until properly adjusted, then tighten the lock nut back against the engine. (Not knowing this is how I broke the cable in the first place :roll: )

Installing the new clutch cable:
When feeding the cable in from the top (where the clutch hand lever is) put the barrel into the slot in the lever before getting the cable too far in. I had to remove the lever to insert the barrel and there were a bunch of washers to keep track of in there.

Set the adjustment screw somewhere in the middle before tightening the cable and attaching the pinch barrel. I had to redo the pinch barrel 3 times, first time the cable was too slack so there was not enough adjustment so then I set the adjustment screw all the way into the engine and then i got the cable on too tight and couldnt add slack to it. Third time was the charm with the adjustment screw out a bit then i could add slack or tighten as needed.

Wear disposable gloves when dealing with grease.

My vise grips where too big! I managed, but had to struggle to get them in position to grab a hold of the cable where it came out of the adjustment screw. Also you dont need a 4th hand tool, all you need is a properly placed vice grip and good to go.

For you seasoned guys out there please chime in with any other wisdom or tell me where I am wrong and just got lucky!

Hope this helps!
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Robbie
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Location: Desplaines Il.

Post by Robbie »

You did perfect....

Good to meet you as well.

Rob
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Alexis Ford
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Location: Ypsilanti, Michigan

Post by Alexis Ford »

needlenose visegrips are like duct tape, necessary for having around the house for everything. But what were you doing with so much grease as to warrant needing gloves? Correct me if I'm wrong but I thought the only things that required grease during a cable replacement might be the hinge on the lever and where the knarp goes. I mean, yeah, use some spray grease on the inner cable itself so it doesn't get roughed up by the outer, but really, I can't see making a big mess. Anyhow- grease is good, leaves your hands baby soft, especially after you know, getting brake or carb cleaner all over them. ha!
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Maximus53
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Location: Chicago, IL

Post by Maximus53 »

So now here is the new question, do I spend $12 on a pair of needlenose vise grips or same price on a 4th hand tool? I could see the needle nose vise grips having multiple uses.
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Alexis Ford
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Location: Ypsilanti, Michigan

Post by Alexis Ford »

how about $5 direct from china at your local Harbor Freight?

seeing as how you just replaced your clutch cable without the special tool - do you think you need it still?

I've used my lil' vise grips for fixing all manner of things electrical - usually to hold wires while I solder them, and they pinch off small hoses real excellent-like. also works good to turn the volume up on an old PA speaker that the knob fell off of. Cat doesn't like it too much when you pinch his tail, tho.

don't take it from me though, I am queen of the bodge job simply cuz I'm a real cheapskate. if I had the extra dough laying around, you can better believe that I'd have every specialty tool in the book
kgatesman
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Location: Chicago

Hello

Post by kgatesman »

Hi Chicago/Des Plaines folks!

I'll loan you the vice grips if you help me when my cable breaks.
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Maximus53
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Location: Chicago, IL

Re: Hello

Post by Maximus53 »

kgatesman wrote:Hi Chicago/Des Plaines folks!

I'll loan you the vice grips if you help me when my cable breaks.
Ha! I bought a set, but would definately be able to lend a hand if needed.
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Robbie
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Location: Desplaines Il.

Re: Hello

Post by Robbie »

kgatesman wrote:Hi Chicago/Des Plaines folks!

I'll loan you the vice grips if you help me when my cable breaks.
Welcome aboard!

Truth be told, if you are moderatly mechanical and sensative to the machine, your Stella, being a rather old design, enjoys the simplicity of its era.
I find it rather refreshing to be honest as it is so simple.
Simple cables for clutch and rear brakes....no hydralics other than the front brake.
Adjustments are obvious and straightforward.
Wiring is basic.....only one relay in the entire system and that is just for the electric starter.

Kindof takes me back to when I got into the business in the mid 60's......didn't realize till 20 years later how basic cars/bikes used to be.

Anyways, you'll have fun learning about it and keeping it in top condition.

Rob
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