Topic: CB550 Clutch kit problems

[Ottawa_550F]

Hello all.  I found that my clutch was slipping so ordered a new set of friction disks.  They are from EBC and came with 7 disks.  One of them is too wide to fit into the clutch basket on my bike.  I have used one of the old disks for now but may cut the wide one down.  Has anyone faced this problem?   This engine I believe is from a 77 550K. 

 I also put in new steel disks and received 6 from the honda dealer.  My bike's clutch has five plus a double one attached with rivets and what seems like springs.  I ended up using 5 of the new steel plates and put the double one in 3rd from the bottom as the manual states.   I am wondering what the effect would be if I used the 6 new steel plates and just left the double one out??

Also, the springs came from Barnett and state this part # - MV-17-MT104.  They measure about 36mm and seemed to be way to long.  I couldn't put enough pressure on the springs to start all the bolts.  The old springs were about 30.5 mm.  Does anyone know how long normal springs should be when new? 

[bryan]

All the friction plates will fit in.  The wider plate is harder to get in, but it does fit (you should not need to grid it).  The double disc is a anit-rattle disc, so you should leave that one in.  I am having a similar problem with the springs, but the old ones are longer than the new ones.



Let us know how it works out.

[Ottawa_550F]

I ordered another set of springs, this time the Honda part instead of the Barnett.  They are the same length - 35.5 mm but seem a bit softer.  The clutch is still pretty tough to pull.  I am still wondering about this and why the old Barnett springs I had purchased in the 80's were only 30.5 mm.  I wonder what the proper length is supposed to be..

The new steel plates from Honda were a bit thicker than the old ones, and with 5 of the new ones plus the old double one in there I was not able to adjust the clutch lever at the engine.  I could not get the line on the lever to line up with the mark on the case.  I would loosen the locknut and turn the screw counterclockwise...the lever would rise a bit but not even close to the mark on the case.  I was able to put the cable onto the lever attachment by hand without any resistance.  So I was unable to disengage. 

 I took out the double plate and just used the 6 new steel ones and now the clutch is better.  It engages and the lines match but there is some shakiness as you let out the clutch lever, until it is fully engaged.  When it is engaged though it does not slip at all.   The shakiness of the bike as you let out the clutch is strange and perhaps I just need to adjust the cables better??

[bryan]

I noticed the shakiness on my bike when I put the new clutch together.  I think the clutch was plusing on engagement and neutral was impossible to find. However, the upshifts were very smooth  Now, I'm using a clutch assembly from my spare engine along with new springs. I've had problems putting the cable back on, but in my case I had the lifter plate in the wrong position.  I had to remove the clutch case to slove that problem.  My clutch is tough to pull too with the new springs ( lubing the cable helps a bit though)

Did you soak the fiber plates in oil for at least one full day? I didn't do this, but when I reinstall the new discs I will.

[Ottawa_550F]

I only soaked the friction plates for about an hour...probably not enough but I was anxious to ride and had just picked them up at the store.   Neutral is not impossible to find on my bike though.  I will try to adjust the cable more and also lube it.   I will try to get the adjustment to the point where I don't have to pull it in too much to disengage but it will still hold well and not slip when released.  I may be dreaming but I am gonna attempt it!   I am wondering if it would be worth it to pull the clutch out and soak for awhile in oil?