Topic: cb500four clutch push rod problem

[leftturnclyde]

I have a 73' CB500four and like many, my clutch push rod had broken into two pieces. To remedy this, I fabricated a push rod using a 5/16" zinc plated steel rod and shaped it like the original. My only problem now is that the rod gets shortened, ground down immensely on both ends after just a day of riding. This leads to ever increasing play in the clutch cable. The lifter assembly looks fine and ball bearing is in place. I have recently replaced that push rod with a solid stainless steel one but the same thing is starting to happen. The rod just spins and spins, leading to it becoming shortened. Is it normal for it to spin so much?

[Chris-Bartlett]

I had to fabricate my own rod as well and yes I have the same issue. My solution is every month or so I adjust the clutch lifter a little and I get the resistance back.

At the handlebar, I loosen the clutch adjuster (screw disc thing).
On the left side cover, I loosen the small lock nut, turn the big screw (adjuster) clockwise the smallest amount, then tighten the lock nut up. At the handlebar, I tighten the adjuster, then squeeze the handle to check resistance. Works for me.