Topic: CB350F Front Axle

[cadman]

The front axle is held in place by a long nut that is clamped to the bottom of the fork leg.  I cannot find a torque spec for that nut.  Specs say about 35ft.lbs. for axle nut but I don't believe that is correct.  This puts a side load on the front wheel bearings and seems excessive.

[flybox1]

torque specs are correct, but probably isnt needed.
for that nut, just use a few wrenches by hand and snug it well.

if its putting any pressure in the bearings inner race, you might want to verify you have the spacer and axle on the correct sides, and ensure your bearings are fully seated.  there shouldnt be any excess pressure on the bearing here. 
well, not enough to deform in anyway... 

[cadman]

I don't think these are angular contact bearings - putting 30 ft.lbs on a standard bearing just seems excessive - I think hand tight plus just a bit more is sufficient.

By what I see the nut goes on the left side - Some bikes have a spacer in the hub to prevent over -tightening - the parts diagrams I see show a "collar" apparently for spacing the inner races - I am not sure if this has one.

[flybox1]

the torque value is not for compression of the inner race of the bearing.  its for the nut so it doesnt come loose.
these are standard bearings.  if you torque the axle nut, and it excessively compresses the inner race of the bearings, you'll ruin the bearings.  like i said, the axle stack should be snug, but not to the point it changes the geometry of the bearings.  If it does, your stack is not correct or your bearings are not fully seated.

check the axle stack sequence in the 350F fiche at cmsnl.com

[cadman]

The axle nut is not what actually holds the wheel in place.  The nut holds the axle in place and the axle is then clamped to the fork legs.

[flybox1]

The axle nut is not what actually holds the wheel in place.  The nut holds the axle in place and the axle is then clamped to the fork legs.

Yes, i'm well aware of this...

your original post and concern were that tightening #15 below puts excess pressure on the inner races of the bearings....well, im trying to convey that if you tighten #15, and the spacer(#4) is putting excess pressure on bearing (#19) then your stack on the axle is wrong, or, if you've installed new bearings, you havent seated them completely.
Please compare what you have to this picture.  Tightening #15 properly, should snug things up, but not distort the inner race of both bearings (#19) 
Do you have the spacer (#7) correctly installed?

[cadman]

Unfortunately some one else assembled these wheels (supposedly a professional) with new bearings - the bearings seem seated and tight.  There is a spacer #7 -  Currently I have the nut snug plus a bit. At this point the wheel seems to turn freely.

Something that bothers me (you might know) the axle on the right side is just flush with the outer side of the fork leg. Seems to me at one point it was sticking out a bit - could be I am thinking about another bike.

Just finished a 1965 Honda Dream - just got this 350F a month or two ago - found another one I will probably buy.

Thanks - Don.

[flybox1]

correct, the fixed end of the axle just fits flush with the outside of the fork lower and and its clamp piece.

[cadman]

Great - Now onto the wiring - I think the previous owner was in the cafe racer mode - No turn signals, etc. 

Thanks for the confirmation on the axle.