Battery change - Harley Forum

Hammerhead Pat · #1 09-20-2009, 03:26 PM

Time for a new battery on my 05 sporty and I can't seem to get at the nut on top of the tranny case that holds the negative cable. If I put a socket on it (nut), I can't put the rachet on it because it( ratchet) then hits the frame. I tried using a wrench coming in from the right side of the bike between the belt and rear exhaust but no room to move the wrench. Any tips from you guys. It appears that if I loosened the rear exhaust bracket and remove the sprocket cover I would have a bit more room but that seems pretty extensive to remove all that to remove one nut. The service manual doesn't offer any tips. Thanks in advance!

unclepsycho · #2 09-20-2009, 03:29 PM

I have used needle nose vise grip pliars on the socket... if you have room for that... drop on the socket, the reach in with pliars and lock on and twist....

unclepsycho · #3 09-20-2009, 03:31 PM

I just re-read your post... no room for wrench... probly no room or even less for pliars....

hmmmmmm

Hammerhead Pat · #4 09-20-2009, 03:54 PM

Thanks for the reply(s)

It's real tight in that area and of course every hose and bundle of wiring is nestled in there. Rather than get in a hurry and screw something up I just walked away from it for now. Thanks again, time for a few cold ones and some football!!

grampadac · #5 09-21-2009, 06:27 AM

My hands were too big to get to mine on my 05 so I enlisted the help of my son. He used a 1/4 drive ratchet with a swivel socket. Even at that it was difficult.

Hammerhead Pat · #6 09-21-2009, 04:24 PM

Grandapadac, I just stopped on the way home and got a set of universal joints for my socket set. Getting ready to dive in!! Kind of glad to hear it's not just me

Hammerhead Pat · #7 09-21-2009, 07:16 PM

Mission accomplished! Switched batteries in about ten minutes and all is well, all I neeeded was the joints, errr I mean universal joints

grampadac · #8 09-22-2009, 05:09 AM

I love it when a plan comes together.