Knuckle, Pan and Shovel: Transmission repair with spare parts and accessories for 4-speed transmissions

The last four-speed gearboxes were fitted to Harley's 1340 Big Twins almost 40 years ago. A repair would therefore be nothing unusual, even if these parts were built really solidly. Incorrect (too tight) chain tension for example exerts a lot of strain on the transmission output bearings. The two shifting clutches and the recesses in the gearwheels will develop round "edges" at some point. So it's time for a general overhaul at the latest when your transmission begins jumping out of gear frequently.

The bearing bush in 4th gear

The weight of the clutch exerts excessive strain on the bearing bushing in the 4th main drive gear. Even in 4th gear, i.e. when the main shaft is not rotating in the bushing at all, the bushing is under load, but then hardly gets any oil without the shaft rotation. Thus it is easy to imagine that sooner or later this said bushing will wear and call for exchange.

No grease, please

There are rumours about Harley owners who have run Shell Ambroleum grease instead of oil in the gearbox to avoid the constant leaking. Unfortunately, grease means the death of the plain and needle bearings in the Harley Big Twin 4-speed gearbox - a complete repair is inevitable. The factory had something in mind when they prescribed monograde oil.

Don't despair, ask Andrews

... or BAKER, or JIMS or PanAm. Since the 1970s, Andrews parts have been among the preferred parts when it comes to gearbox repairs. Since the 1990s, JIMS, Carlo's, PanAm and BAKER have been added to W&W Cycles' selection of 4-speed transmission parts. In any case, the right stuff for every emergency and occasion.