Topic: Help...advice needed, stripped threads on hub for retainer ring (CB500)

[etout00]

Hi all, I'm hoping I can get this fixed without having to install a replacement hub. I was replacing my bearings on my front hub and slipped while driving out the bearings....hitting the threads for the retainer ring seat

1973 CB500 (same/similar Front hub as CB550 and 750)

The bearings are out and the hub is otherwise perfect...except for the top 2 rows of threads for the retainer ring (couple areas on the top 2 rows were hit by my hammer)

Any suggestions for fixing the threads? I don't have a tap nearly that large.

Thanks

[Eight]

 A thread file , good eyesight, a steady hand and much patience .

[TwoTired]

I don't like cutting away metal with a tap.  The metal was bent to get where it is now.  Bend it back.

Think small chisel and find one that fits in the undamaged grooves.  Then use that to tap the threads back into line.

The other suggestion is to modify a tap so it rolls the  metal back into place.  Instead of cutting away using a sharp edge, make the entry side into a plow shape, so it will push the metal back to original position.

Sometimes you have to pay for your mistakes.  It's part of the learning process, on occasion.  If you are unsure, take it to a machinist.  If he tells you what you want hear, pay him to save the part.

Cheers,

[slikwilli420]

With a cast hub, its very unlikely you will be able to bend it back with any degree of success. A thread file, as suggested may work. Worst case is needing to remove those threads (Dremel or similar) and use a tap of the same pitch to dress what is left, then thread the retainer back in.

[MoMo]

With a cast hub, its very unlikely you will be able to bend it back with any degree of success. A thread file, as suggested may work. Worst case is needing to remove those threads (Dremel or similar) and use a tap of the same pitch to dress what is left, then thread the retainer back in.

You can do that just take your time

[CycleRanger]

In the past I have used a new retaining ring as a tap to carefully reshape distorted threads.
Grease it up and slowly work it back and forth to straighten the threads.
In combination with a little careful, patient file work you can probably salvage the threads.

[etout00]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm really kicking myself on this one as the threads were perfect before I hit them with the hammer, the original retainer ring came out very easily by the way.

For what it's worth, I have a brand new retainer ring and will try to file the mashed threads.

[MoMo]

Take your time, I'm sure you can make it work...Larry

[Airborne 82nd]

I don't like cutting away metal with a tap.  The metal was bent to get where it is now.  Bend it back.

Think small chisel and find one that fits in the undamaged grooves.  Then use that to tap the threads back into line.

The other suggestion is to modify a tap so it rolls the  metal back into place.  Instead of cutting away using a sharp edge, make the entry side into a plow shape, so it will push the metal back to original position.

Sometimes you have to pay for your mistakes.  It's part of the learning process, on occasion.  If you are unsure, take it to a machinist.  If he tells you what you want hear, pay him to save the part.

Cheers,

I've done it this way what I used was a tool out of a set of engraving tools. The ones for leather don't cut the metal as much you push the tool no hammer. I'm sure you could make one I'm just showing the link to give you an idea
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Jeweler-Gunsmith-Engraving-Graver-Tools-Renard-Vautier-Used-/172761248539

[754]

Use a shortened tap in a tap holder, then use it like a comb or rake to slowly. Cut the thread back into shape.
 I would not use new retainer, other than to check the fit.

[calj737]

I would not use new retainer, other than to check the fit.

Make sure you heed this advice ^^^^

Also, apply some AntiSieze to the new retainer when test fitting. If you get out of sorts and cross-thread the retainer, the threads will permanently sieze up. The reshaping needs to be done with steel tooling in order to recut/reshape the aluminum. And use a lubricant, not WD40, but oil or cutting fluid.

[etout00]

Success. I used a thread file and carefully filed out the mashed threads. The bearings are in and the retainer ring is back on.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[MoMo]

Good, how long did it take?

[etout00]

Good, how long did it take?

Not nearly as long as I thought it would, maybe 15-20 minutes with cutting oil and taking my time.

[flybox1]

Ive done this several times with a set of jewelers files....like these.




https://www.widgetsupply.com/product/SDE2-32NF.html?gclid=CjwKEAjw4vzKBRCt9Zmg8f2blgESJADN5fDgv9Fsdz-JeyHXa4AoQrtZjV0GILMh94gHn3XYxJtQAhoCzHjw_wcB