Ok, obscure and specific question here, but I know there are several Dopers with automotive knowledge who might be able to help me out here. I’m removing a motorcyle clutch. It’s held on by a large locknut, and you can’t get any leverage to socket-wrench it off since the clutch spins as you turn the nut. I briefly tried putting the bike in gear and holding the brake down, (thus, locking the clutch), but it felt like I was straining it too much, and I’d rather not break it. There’s some tool you can buy for this specific purpose, but I’d rather not have to sit around for a week waiting for it to come in (parts stores never have this kind of thing). Has anyone ever done this before? Any suggestions?
Is there a motorcycle shop nearby? I know there’s a wrench for automotive locknuts, maybe there’s one for motorcycles.
shrug
Are you sure it’s not a left-handed thread? I don’t remember any LH clutch nuts, but there’s always a first.
Just get an impact wrench. You can rent one for about $10.00, and that nut will come off in seconds. Don’t hold the basket when you use the wrench. The nut will come off even if the basket spins a little.
You might be able to put a bar through the fingers of the clutch basket and use that to hold it, but be very careful if you do. Any damage to the basket (dents, bending, etc.) will cause the clutch to drag. I’d just get the impact. It’s cheaper than a new clutch basket.
I’m not familiar with cycles, but wanted to throw out a couple more possibilities.
If the nut is staked, you’ll have to grind off that point.
If it was assembled with a locking compound (Loc-tite, etc.), heat will help loosen it.
Actually, I think cornflakes has the right idea, though.
When I had to remove the clutch from my 1975 Yamaha XS650, I jammed a big screwdriver between the gears to stop them from turning. The clutch basket still turned, so I got a smaller screwdriver and slid it through a hole in the basket to lock it in place. Of course, this is the “I don’t have $20 to buy a clutch plate locking tool” solution. It worked for me, but obviously it’s not the recommended technique.