Topic: CB550F Rear axle parts

[Cirkitbreaker]

I'm in the process of replacing my chain and chewed up sprockets and realized that the sprockets don't line up. Also, the wheel doesn't like up with the mud guard. I put the wheel on without the brake side collar and it looks like I would need a 9-10mm spacer on the sprocket side and the same amount removed from the rear brake panel side collar. The lengths of the collar now is 37.5mm. Can anyone confirm that this is the correct length?

[calj737]

You wouldn't trim the brake panel side, there's a narrow spacer for a stock install. Can you post some pictures and maybe someone has the correct spacer available for you.

[Cirkitbreaker]

Not sure if it matters but it's a 1977

Uploading pics is causing issues so here are links:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B56BLpARxH82UzYtR19zak5aSWc
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B56BLpARxH82cGEwTTFGX0xwRjQ
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B56BLpARxH82RjNzenZkczRsZUU
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B56BLpARxH82RVFhSUxhY1h6M2s
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B56BLpARxH82anowTTVCSFQyQ28

[calj737]

Yours should look like this:
Brake panel side -  http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550k3-four-1977-usa_model1015/partslist/F++10.html#results

Sprocket side - http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550k3-four-1977-usa_model1015/partslist/F++11.html#results

[Cirkitbreaker]

I've also been looking at the parts diagrams to make sure I wasn't missing anything. Looks like everything is there. In fact, everything fits on the axle nicely, just offset. I noticed the arm that holds the brake panel wants the panel to be over more as well, if that makes sense.

Maybe they replaced both collars as a set?

[RAFster122s]

The 550 K and F bikes used different spacers, not sure if the F and 77-78 had same offset & spacers?
Someone might have changed out the rear drum?
David

[jonda500]

Your spacers look like the correct ones - if you slide the wheel all the way over to the left, the right side spacer looks like it'll fit in just right. That brake arm is a K one but will work fine - if it angles too far outward just gently bend it in till it lines up with the brake plate.
John

[Cirkitbreaker]

I was able to put it together and ride it before....that's how it all got chewed up 

When I had it together, I can hear the chain make a sound like it's catching; when I align it like in the 3rd pic, it turns without a sound.

Here's a pic of how it looks when I push it to the left all the way: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B56BLpARxH82Uml6LVZzbXVTc3M

You can kinda see that the alignment is off, like a chain's width.

[jonda500]

Is your swingarm bent?

[Cirkitbreaker]

It doesn't look like it...is there a way to check?

Also, if so...is it an easy fix?

Thanks for the help so far guys.

[RAFster122s]

Fix is generally replacement.
Check it by measuring height without any components on it. Measuring the distance with bike on center stand. Measure floor to bike frame at passenger pegs to see if distance is equal.
check the height of swingarm at several spots opposite of each other on both sides of swingarm.

[jonda500]

Also stand behind the bike (with the rear wheel back in and the spacers correctly installed) and see if the wheel lines up with the bikes centre... e.g. is it exactly central in the rear mudguard, in line with the front, etc.
John
p.s. these swingarms can definately be bent, I have one which is so bent that when fitted it puts the rear wheel over an inch to the left of where it should be!

[Cirkitbreaker]

With the wheel installed using the spacers I have, the wheel is left of center about 1/2 inch. I also had a problem getting the axle to line up evenly with the marks but I assumed it was the chain pulling it off-center.

I just want to make sure it is that and not just a spacer issue. I had an issue with the kickstand not holding the bike up (foot was too close to the bike) and ended up buying a different kickstand that still doesn't work. I wouldn't want to buy a swing arm and have it be the wrong spacer.

I'll give it a better look tomorrow and report back.

[Cirkitbreaker]

Could someone please post a pic of their 550f rear wheel setup so I have a basis for comparison?

[jonda500]

Not sure if this helps - I have a '77/78 rear wheel so the R.H. spacer is shorter than earlier wheel/brake one.

I didn't identify my bent swingarm as being definately bent until I swapped it for another one - then it was clear that the original was bent!

[Cirkitbreaker]

I'm not sure if it's the angle, but your wheel looks off-center too....about as much as mine is. Is that the bent one?

As best as I can tell, my shocks look in line, which I assume would be skewed if the swingarm is bent.

[jonda500]

I'm not sure if it's the angle, but your wheel looks off-center too....about as much as mine is. Is that the bent one?

As best as I can tell, my shocks look in line, which I assume would be skewed if the swingarm is bent.

No that's a straight one - i have had a different mudguard as well as a different swingarm and also a different wheel on this frame and the wheel always sits a little left of centre in the mudguard so I think it's the rear of the frame that's slightly bent.
The 500 frame which I put the bent one in had the wheel out by a lot more - probably a whole inch looking at it between the frame rails - changing the swingarm for a different one put it dead centre to look at.
John

[Cirkitbreaker]

Well, was going to go for a replacement swingarm and thought I'd double-check. It looks straight, maybe even a smidge toward the opposite side.

Before I end up with the same swingarm and no fix, is there anyway it could be reassembled incorrectly or maybe parts are from a K model or something?

[jonda500]

There is no combination of K spacers that would end up the right length overall. If the rear section of your frame and mudguard are straight then I would say the swingarm must be bent... big if I know...
It does look very similar to mine, however my chain alignment is good but yours is not!

[RAFster122s]

If the wheel was respoked/rebuilt the offset of the assembled wheel could be changed,  Right?
It is possible to lace the wheel with it not centered from right to left and still be true.
could that be contributing to the issue?

Pulling the swingarm and laying it on a table or floor that is flat may tell you if it is twisted. Hold down one side and the portion that the swingarm bolts to the frame. You can then see if the other arm touches in the same way or if it is in the air. Alternatively, measuring the sides of the swingarm precisely as well as the front could tell you the same thing. Measure both sides at the front to ensure it is level. Then you have a baseline to reference. If one side is a mm lower then adding a mm to that side's measurement for the slot of the axle would be appropriate.

Good luck!
David

[jonda500]

If it was just the rim that was offset that wouldn't put the chain alignment out.

I think with the shocks, axle and wheel bolted in it would be hard for the swingarm legs to get bent up or down (twisted) - whereas I know they can be bent sideways as I have one that is.

It is hard to know where to measure with these frames- notice how the right side footpeg has a longer stem than the left side one - the frame is not symmetrical, the lower frame rail is more inward than the left to make enough room for the brake pedal, kickstart and exhaust to all fit there. As such the swing arm isn't symmetrical either. Plus with a 40 year old frame who knows which bits may have gotten bent over the years...

I am afraid the only way that I can think of to know for sure is to try another swingarm.. maybe someone else in here knows another way - I am happy to take some measurements or more photos of mine if you like, John

[calj737]

I think with the shocks, axle and wheel bolted in it would be hard for the swingarm legs to get bent up or down (twisted) - whereas I know they can be bent sideways as I have one that is.

It is still quite possible for the arms to be bent vertically by undue torque on the wheel. The shocks will not prevent the arm from bending if there is sufficient force to cause the metal to suffer. (Just making the point...)

It's also very possible that the arm was bent while off the bike, but it's all speculation as to how and why. The fact is: yours does not seem to fit and until you can verify why, the solution will evade us all.

Me, I'd make custom axle spacers and be done with it. Make them from aluminum of steel, whichever you prefer. Life is too short to untie proverbial knots all day while riding weather awaits 

[jonda500]

This probably is no help at all, but here's a bent and a straight 'K' swingarm. In the first picture the bent one is in front of the straight one, in the second picture it is behind. Seems mine is bent the other way to yours though. John

[Scott S]

 I can get you pics of my 550F set up in a little bit. That spacer looks short compared to mine. Can you show us what the brake backing plate looks like? I think the F and K use different backing plates and spacers.

 Also, while you're at it, I notice the front sprocket retainer ring on the ground....maybe get a pic of the front sprocket? Just to make sure the alignment issue isn't up there? And a pic of the side stand.