Topic: CB350F Question

[petersy]

Just bought a Honda CB350F (1973) but I am concerned that the speedometer gearbox on the front wheel revolves freely around the wheel spindle.
Does anyone know if this is how it should be, or should I be concerned about the gearbox seizing one day and the cable wrapping itself around the spindle, throwing me onto the hard stuff?

[flybox1]

As long as your axle nut is torqued down properly, and the axle ends are snug into the fork lowers (nuts properly torqued), you'll be fine.  It should be held somewhat in place by the axle 'stack' and when its tightened down into the fork lowers.
Its a good time to clean out all that old grease/road grime from the speedo drive gear, and replace with new, and do new front wheel bearings 

[petersy]

Thanks for your reply. I'll check that out next week when I take the wheel out, after putting the rear one back in after a good clean.

[jonda500]

The front axle nut hasn't been done up tight. I neglected to tighten mine once but found that you can tighten this without taking the wheel off- just loosen the two axle clamp nuts on the side with the wheel axle nut only, tighten the wheel axle nut and then retighten the clamp nuts (-first twist the gearbox to point the speedo cable right)

[petersy]

Flybox1 and jonda500 you were both right.
I took the front wheel out today and the axle nut was that loose, I could undo it with my fingers.
After re-packing the speedo geabox with grease, I tightened the axle nut and replaced the wheel.
The speedo gearbox is no longer loose on the axle which has put my mind at rest. so thank you both for your help.