Vmax starter clutch replacement

[Tommy Lee]

Hello,
I have a new to me 04 Vmax. It will not start. Everything I’ve read end online tells me it’s the starter clutch.
I’ve decided after watching several videos to do the job myself.
ANy tips would be appreciated.

 

[Corrugated]

Proper fitting, high quality puller for the hub assembly.

 

[MaxMidnight]

Agree with Mr Corrugated that you need a sturdy puller that does not flex - see attachment.

If you haven't used a puller before then the 'trick' is to tighten it then hit the centre nut with a decent size hammer. There is no need to keep tightening until the tendons tear out of your arm! Just keep tightening and keep hitting.

I've also attached the procedure.

 

[Marinetaz13]

How hard do you have to hit the center bolt before it pops off? I've been hitting it with a 3 to 4 pound hand sledgehammer and nothing yet?

 

[Corrugated]

How hard do you have to hit the center bolt before it pops off? I've been hitting it with a 3 to 4 pound hand sledgehammer and nothing yet?

I believe my hub popped off before even having to use a hammer at all. From what I've seen, 1 good solid hit with a decent sized hammer should do the trick..make sure you have tightened the bolts on the puller enough as well...alternate back and forth from hammer to tightening....

 

[MaxMidnight]

How hard do you have to hit the center bolt before it pops off? I've been hitting it with a 3 to 4 pound hand sledgehammer and nothing yet?

That depends on how 'springy' your puller is and how tight the centre bolt is.. The stiffer the puller and bolts are the less effort is required. If you have a cheap or lightly built puller then this becomes a 'kin big spring and you possibly won't get it off no matter how hard you hit it.

 

[jsplans]

Agree with Mr Corrugated that you need a sturdy puller that does not flex - see attachment.

If you haven't used a puller before then the 'trick' is to tighten it then hit the centre nut with a decent size hammer. There is no need to keep tightening until the tendons tear out of your arm! Just keep tightening and keep hitting.

I've also attached the procedure.

This should be stickied. Thanks Max!

 

[Semi239]

Proper fitting, high quality puller for the hub assembly.

I was able to get by with a Harbor Freight puller Although those bolts were shot after one pull. Completely warped the bolts, but the puller was still in good shape.

In hindsight, I'd still go with that puller, but upgrade my hardware to prevent it from slipping off the crank.