HD Clutch Recall 2018...Over 200,000 Affected!

[MDO]

Here is a link to the info on the HD 2018 clutch recall. The info is in the Tri-Glide forum.

https://www.triketalk.com/forum/thre...-clutch-recall

This is potentially very dangerous! The clutch could fail due to a loss of fluid.

If you are going to continue to operate the vehicle, I urge you to check the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder. I checked mine & it does not appear to have a problem, but the MoCo wants to fix them all.

They are estimating about an hour.

My local dealer said the repair kits will start arriving at dealerships around 11/5/2018

I was there yesterday & scheduled my repair for 11/14/2018.

[beagleman]

Here is a link to the info on the HD 2018 clutch recall. The info is in the Tri-Glide forum.

This is potentially very dangerous! The clutch could fail due to a loss of fluid.

If you are going to continue to operate the vehicle, I urge you to check the fluid level in the clutch master cylinder. I checked mine & it does not appear to have a problem, but the MoCo wants to fix them all.

They are estimating about an hour.

My local dealer said the repair kits will start arriving at dealerships around 11/5/2018

I was there yesterday & scheduled my repair for 11/14 2018.

https://www.triketalk.com/forum/thre...-clutch-recall

I called my dealership yesterday as soon as I saw the recall announcement on the internet and was told the same thing about kits to arrive @ dealership on 11/5/18 but they also said the kits would be rationed out to dealerships in small quantities at a time to prevent any hoarding! I was told they were keeping a list of callers and would call me to schedule the service when the parts arrived. We will see if that happens. I recommend that people go ahead and make the call to your dealership to inquire. The HD site states that the repair can be done at any HD dealership whether bought there or not.

[MDO]

beagleman, that's sound advice. You can get warranty work done anywhere.

I'm in a unique position, as I purchased my 2017 FW in CA & rode back to MO after a 1,000 mile break in ride & the selling dealer servicing it. (Quaid HD in Loma Linda, CA) A great HD Dealership, if your ever in the area.

I interviewed all the dealers in the STL area & chose the winner & runner up & visit both. I will, most likely, never be back to my purchasing HD dealership again, as they are 2,100 miles west.

Doc's HD in STL scheduled my appointment yesterday, as I was 1 of the 1st to show up in person and ask.

Now, I just hope we don't have freezing rain on 11/14/18 and, of course, the parts arrive.

[Free Bird]

I want to thank you for giving us all the heads up Mike. I spoke with Docs yesterday and am in line for the fix just like you. It is odd that there has not been an email or other notification from the MoCo. When my car has been subject to recall, I got a letter saying so. I went to the Harley safety recall web site and it has the story but no official recall number posted yet. Just the description posted on the Tri-Glide forum

Number: Not Available

Recall date: OCT 18, 2018

Last updated Oct 26, 2018

The hydraulic clutch system with secondary clutch actuator part numbers 37200131and 37200131A on the subject motorcycles may exhibit an internal leak of fluid past the secondary clutch actuator piston/seal. If this leak continues for an extended period, the clutch master cylinder reservoir could lose enough fluid toexpose the hydraulic clutch circuit to air, which may result in the inability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch.

Model2017 Freewheeler

Safety riskIf this condition remains undetected, it could lead to a loss of control of the vehicle when started in gear, first shifted into gear, or coming to a stop.RemedyOwners of affected motorcycles will be asked to arrange service with an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer, who will confirm that the motorcycle is covered by this recall. If covered, the dealer will install a new secondary actuator piston assembly from the recall kit, P/N 91500093. This service will beprovided at no charge to the customer.We strongly urge you to take your motorcycle to your dealer to have the appropriate service performed as soon as possible. Should you choose to ride your motorcycle prior to this service, we urge you to be aware of this condition. Some product campaigns may have expired and you may have to pay for the service. Please see your local Harley-Davidson dealer for further details

[MDO]

I have a theory as to why no letters & I could be wrong, maybe they are in the works & coming later.

This is a voluntary recall, not 1 that is mandated by the NHTSB. It is already set to cost them a boatload of money.

I know auto mfg.'s, all the time do/have "Secret Recalls", where they just fix stuff when you bring the car in for something else.

[Free Bird]

Yep. Good Theory

I talked to the Service Manager at my dealership (Docs) and he said 60 kits in the first batch and 10 kits per day starting 17 Nov. until they are not needed at that rate

He also said that if a bike comes in that needs it, he is not allowed to release the bike until the mod is complete. So a few things about that....

1. The MoCo knows they have a serious problem and have a strategy for (nearly) universal compliance

2. It makes your "secret recall" theory a recall fact

3. There will be a lot of kits consumed so do your own oil changes or you might get a surprise waiting period (if kits are not available)

4. And.... like you said.... keep an eye on that clutch fluid

[MDO]

All I keep thinking about is did someone remember to order extra DOT 4 brake fluid.

[MDO]

Yep. Good Theory

I talked to the Service Manager at my dealership (Docs) and he said 60 kits in the first batch and 10 kits per day starting 17 Nov. until they are not needed at that rate

He also said that if a bike comes in that needs it, he is not allowed to release the bike until the mod is complete. So a few things about that....

1. The MoCo knows they have a serious problem and have a strategy for (nearly) universal compliance

2. It makes your "secret recall" theory a recall fact

3. There will be a lot of kits consumed so do your own oil changes or you might get a surprise waiting period (if kits are not available)

4. And.... like you said.... keep an eye on that clutch fluid

I have been doing all my own routine maintenance. I actually enjoy it.

I think the service dept. is glad that it happen now & they can get a lot of them fixed before the busy season next spring.

[priell3]

Our dealer will give us a call when the parts come in.

[MDO]

Our dealer will give us a call when the parts come in.

I am just trying to get it done before the 1st. snow/freezing rain hits.

[Free Bird]

The clutch leak recall has a number now: RCL:MY17-18 CLUTCH ACTUATOR

Here is a screen shot of the MoCo notice on their web site

[MDO]

There is a report from a Kansas City news station that Harley Davidson has documentation on 5 confirmed crashes from the clutch problem. It also stated there were no injuries involved . It also mentioned that layoffs started today at the KC plant.

Here is a link to the story:http://amp.kmbc.com/article/harley-d...tches/24438461

[MDO]

My favorite HD tech. John Maxwell, just released a short video explaining the problem with the clutch & discusses the recall.

[MDO]

I guess they are just going to remove the clutch hydraulic actuator & replace the seal.

I was kinda hoping for a new unit, but I guess that's not happening.

[Jack Klarich]

I guess they are just going to remove the clutch hydraulic actuator & replace the seal.

I was kinda hoping for a new unit, but I guess that's not happening.

This might clear some of this up



















OMB Control No.: 2127-0004

Part 573 Safety Recall Report

18V-734

The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573

Manufacturer Name :

Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Submission Date :

OCT 22, 2018

NHTSA Recall No. :

18V-734

Manufacturer Recall No. :

0173

Manufacturer Information :

Manufacturer Name :

Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Address :

3700 W. Juneau Avenue

Milwaukee WI 53201-0653

Company phone :

(414) 343-4056

Population :

Number of potentially involved :

177,636

Estimated percentage with defect :

1 %

Vehicle Information :

Vehicle 1 :

2017-2017 Harley-Davidson Touring, CVO Touring and Trike

Vehicle Type :

MOTORCYCLES

Body Style :

OTHER

Power Train :

GAS

Descriptive Information :

All 2017 Touring, CVO Touring and Trike model motorcycles are part of the recall

population. These models are equipped with a hydraulic clutch system with

secondary clutch actuator part numbers 37200131 and 37200131A.

The specific number of this make/model/model year is: 92744

Production Dates :

MAR 06, 2016

- JUN 17, 2017

VIN Range 1 :

Begin :

NR

End :

NR

Not sequential

Vehicle 2 :

2017-2017 Harley-Davidson Softail: FLSS, FLSTFBS, FXSE

Vehicle Type :

MOTORCYCLES

Body Style :

OTHER

Power Train :

GAS

Descriptive Information :

2017 Softail FLSS, FLSTFBS, FXSE model motorcycles are part of the recall

population. These models are equipped with a hydraulic clutch system with

secondary clutch actuator part numbers 37200131 and 37200131A.

The specific number of this make/model/model year is: 5115

Production Dates :

MAR 16, 2017

- JUN 28, 2018

VIN Range 1 :

Begin :

NR

End :

NR

Not sequential

Vehicle 3 :

2018-2018 Harley-Davidson Touring, CVO Touring, Trike

Vehicle Type :

MOTORCYCLES

Body Style :

OTHER

Power Train :

GAS

Descriptive Information :

All 2018 Touring, CVO Touring and Trike model motorcycles are part of the recall

population. These models are equipped with a hydraulic clutch system with

secondary clutch actuator part numbers 37200131 and 37200131A.

Page

2

Part 573 Safety Recall Report

18V-734

The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573

The specific number of this make/model/model year is: 79777

Production Dates :

MAR 06, 2017

- JUN 28, 2018

VIN Range 1 :

Begin :

NR

End :

NR

Not sequential

Description of Defect :

Description of the Defect :

The hydraulic clutch system with secondary clutch actuator part numbers

37200131 and 37200131A on the subject motorcycles may exhibit an internal

leak of fluid past the secondary clutch actuator piston/seal. If this leak

continues for an extended period, the clutch master cylinder reservoir could

lose enough fluid to expose the hydraulic clutch circuit to air, which may result

in the inability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch.

FMVSS 1 :

NR

FMVSS 2 :

NR

Description of the Safety Risk :

If this condition remains undetected, it could lead to a loss of control of the

vehicle when started in gear, first shifted into gear, or coming to a stop.

Description of the Cause :

An internal leak of fluid past the secondary clutch actuator piston/seal.

Identification of Any Warning

that can Occur :

In vehicles in which this condition is present, the fluid level in the clutch master

cylinder may become low.

Supplier Identification :

Component Manufacturer

Name :

BREMBO NORTH AMERICA, INC

Address :

47765 Halyard

Plymouth MICHIGAN 48170

Country :

United States

Chronology :

See attached chronology.

Page

3

Part 573 Safety Recall Report

18V-734

The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573

Description of Remedy :

Description of Remedy Program :

Owners of affected motorcycles will be asked to arrange service with an

authorized Harley-Davidson dealer, who will confirm that the motorcycle

is covered by this recall. If covered, the dealer will install a new secondary

actuator piston assembly from the recall kit, P/N 91500093.

This service will be provided at no charge to the customer. Pursuant to 49

CFR577.11(e), Harley-Davidson requests that it be exempt from providing

a notification of a reimbursement plan. Any pre-notification product

failure would have been replaced under the manufacturer’s limited

warranty. Accordingly, no person would be eligible for reimbursement

pursuant to 573.13.

How Remedy Component Differs

from Recalled Component :

The secondary actuator piston assembly in the recall kit (P/N 91500093)

has a lip seal with a different material. Additionally, the surface finish of

the piston assembly has been changed.

Identify How/When Recall Condition

was Corrected in Production :

The updated secondary actuator piston seal assembly was introduced at

the start of model year 2019 production.

Recall Schedule :

Description of Recall Schedule :

Harley-Davidson will notify the dealer network on or about 10/22/2018.

Owner notification letters will be sent beginning on or about

11/05/2018.

Planned Dealer Notification Date :

OCT 22, 2018

-

OCT 22, 2018

Planned Owner Notification Date :

NOV 05, 2018

-

NOV 09, 2018

* NR - Not Reported

[MDO]

Thanks Jack! Good information.

[dannymax]

According to the parts fiche the actuator is a contained unit, no separate seals or rebuild kits shown.

http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche....0SIDE%20COVERS

[Tucci]

If any one remembers Brian Bosworth (Seattle Seahawks) he once gave an interview that when he worked in a general motors manufacturing plant, he would tie a metal nut on fishing line and hang it in side a door panel. The nut would make noise and "drive" owners crazy trying to locate it. Now mentally picture what disgruntled employees can do to a $40,000 harley.

[MDO]

I guess its a good thing the trikes aren't assembled in KC.

[rhino 2]

If any one remembers Brian Bosworth (Seattle Seahawks) he once gave an interview that when he worked in a general motors manufacturing plant, he would tie a metal nut on fishing line and hang it in side a door panel. The nut would make noise and "drive" owners crazy trying to locate it. Now mentally picture what disgruntled employees can do to a $40,000 harley.

The union workers at Chevy during prolonged contract negotiations back in the 70's would leave a empty soda can behind the dashboard of some cars and then the dealer would have to take the dashboard apart to remove it for their customer...

I remember when the Police PBA in NYC were unhappy with their contract , So they went on a ticket blitz, And wrote tickets for the slightest thing...And turn pissing off the Citizens ....Instead of Not writing tickets and that would lose money for the city and they will settle sooner....But then you don't need brains to carry a gun....