Squishy clutch

[cppilot89]

Over the past couple of weeks I have noticed that the friction zone on my (hydraulic) clutch on my '99 Nomad 1500 has been slowly getting smaller. i.e. I've had to squeeze the clutch progressively further to release the transmission.

I'm afraid if I let this go unattended it will get to a point where I can't engage the clutch at all.

Should I bleed the clutch system? If not, other suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Cajunrider]

Your clutch spring may be getting weak. Have you noticed any slippage in 4th or 5th when rolling hard on the throttle? Many here have already changed the spring and upgraded to a Mean Streak spring with Judges Washers or to the Barnett MT-25 spring without the washers. I have my MT-25 ready for when the time comes. The spring is $20 +/- $2 or $3 depending on who you order it from. You'll also need a right side engine cover gasket. Go back in this board and read the threads about clutch spring failure symptoms and the fix. Gadgets web site has detailed instructions with pictures on changing the spring. I'm sure some of the experts will answer your question better than I can. Good luck Adam.

[ndbigfish]

Howdy Adam,

First how many miles does the bike have? Has the clutch spring ever been changed? First I would check the condition and level of clutch fluid. If the fluid is older than two years I would bleed the clutch and change the fluid. Next is the clutch spring. My original spring was worn half way through at 19,000 miles on my 99'; it didn't slip but it was severely weakened. I would install a set of Judge's washers to protect the spring, if and when you open it up. Like Mitch said, you'll need a clutch cover gasket, a spring (Barnett or Meanstreak), heavy grease and preferably Judge's washer set to protect the spring and eliminate the slipper style clutch function. This will make a big improvement in the function of the clutch.

[cactusjack]

First, I'd flush the hydraulic clutch and bleed it with nice clean fluid. Then see how the clutch feels. If you feel it didn't improve, then look at the clutch spring.

[delivery58]

" I concer Doctor" Just plan on doing the Spring upgrade and thank us all later.

[cppilot89]

Consistent answers... that's what I like to see :)

Thanks for the advice everyone. The bike just passed 70K miles, and I don't really know the history of it pre-50K miles. I'll plan on flushing the clutch fluid, and what you described, Cajunrider, about the clutch slipping under a load in 4th and 5th gearis very symptomatic of my bike. It sounds like I have my answer, thanks everyone.

[macmac]

Yeah you are very likely to find a groove worn in the diaphram spring.. Replace with Barnett's spring first, and the meanie spring 2nd... The barnett will elminate the built in slip feature and for the first time you will have a real clutch. Just be sure you down shift correctly.

A bad down shift can lock up the rear wheel, like it does on any rear wheel with a real clutch.

[billmac]

Originally Posted by macmac

Yeah you are very likely to find a groove worn in the diaphram spring.. Replace with Barnett's spring first, and the meanie spring 2nd... The barnett will elminate the built in slip feature and for the first time you will have a real clutch. Just be sure you down shift correctly.

A bad down shift can lock up the rear wheel, like it does on any rear wheel with a real clutch.

I agree with everyone and definitely with Mac saying you will have a "real clutch" with a M25 spring. I have the spring and my Nomad has a not for whimps "real clutch."