Author Topic: CB550 wheel alignment seems off relative to front sprocket (Read 3358 times)

jakec · « **on:** May 21, 2019, 08:26:03 PM »

Got the wheels back from the shop with new tires. I tensioned the chain and aligned the wheels via notches. Rolling it around the shop it was noisy so I took the sprocket cover and chain guard off. It looks to me like the wheel is too far to the left. However I have double checked and looked at the fiches and I’m pretty sure I have the spacer set up correctly.

When I doing the wheel the chain is loud and the link don’t fall on the front sprocket nicely. The chain is hitting the inside of the teeth like the chain is being pulled to far to the left side by the rear sprocket. I’ve tried adjusting the sides of the axle individually to point the rear sprocket more toward the center of the bike. But the chain still falls over the front sprocket in a nasty way. I also checked the whole chain when I reinstalled it and there are no kinked/seized links. Bike has 5500 miles.

DaveBarbier · « **Reply #1 on:** May 22, 2019, 02:20:12 AM »

First, measure the distance from the axle ends to the swing arm pivot bolt ends and make sure they’re the same. That’s a better way to check wheel alignment than using the hash marks on the swing arm.

Is the sprocket loose on the hub?

jakec · « **Reply #2 on:** May 22, 2019, 07:43:49 AM »

Looking at the back of the sprocket, it looks flush with the hub on all four points of contact.

jakec · « **Reply #3 on:** May 22, 2019, 10:32:00 AM »

I have checked and double checked.. I'm not missing a spacer on the chain side of the wheel, however that is how it seems. Seems like the wheel should be moved toward the left side of the bike...

DaveBarbier · « **Reply #4 on:** May 22, 2019, 10:39:59 AM »

So before the shop work there was no problem but now after reassembly it doesn’t seem right. Did you align the wheel by measuring up to the swing arm yet?

And all the shop did was put new tires on your wheels?

jakec · « **Reply #5 on:** May 22, 2019, 11:42:32 AM »

I removed the wheels myself and took them to the shop, to save on labor. Then reinstalled myself.

I did not try the string method yet. However last night when I was working on it, I had both sides of the axle loose, sliding them around to try and find a better position which would align the chain better (no luck).

The only thing I changed was I tightened the M6 retaining bolts on the front sprocket about 1/16 turn each. That and reinstalling the wheel and brake linkage. I should probably disconnect that while I am trying to realign the wheel. Will try string method tonight.

DaveBarbier · « **Reply #6 on:** May 22, 2019, 11:57:26 AM »

You could align the front wheel to the rear with the string method, that works really well but only if the forks are aimed perfectly straight.

For measuring the swing arm, use a tape measure or a yard stick, something more rigid than string.

Don R · « **Reply #7 on:** May 22, 2019, 12:12:16 PM »

Could the 7 and 14 spacers be reversed? It appears you have the correct amount of axle sticking past the nut and if one was missing things would bind up when you tighten the nut.
Just a guess but I've done that on a 750 before.

jakec · « **Reply #8 on:** May 22, 2019, 12:30:05 PM »

I never took off the sprocket, so unless it was that way when I go the bike, I don't think so. Unfortunately I don't remember if the chain "clicked" when I initially got the bike. I don't think so, though.

Marks78 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 22, 2019, 12:46:19 PM »

This is a long shot but -- if the shop that mounted the tires had to take the hub apart to put it on their tire changing machine then they could have put it back together incorrectly.

jakec · « **Reply #10 on:** May 22, 2019, 01:13:31 PM »

I can call them and ask about that.

CB400JAY · « **Reply #11 on:** May 22, 2019, 01:33:31 PM »

You are missing a spacer on the left side. I'm pretty sure that it's number 7.

jakec · « **Reply #12 on:** May 22, 2019, 01:43:43 PM »

Would #7 stick out past #2? Or does #2 rest on #7? Are you saying I'm missing the spacer because you should be able to see it in the photo?

edit: seems #7 would have to stick out past #2 to affect alignment.

CB400JAY · « **Reply #13 on:** May 22, 2019, 01:45:04 PM »

Yes, you should see it. Just had a look at my own CB550 to make sure. Somethings missing.

jakec · « **Reply #14 on:** May 22, 2019, 01:47:28 PM »

Just found this photo on ebay. Can't really tell on my photo due to the angle, but I will check when I get home.

jakec · « **Reply #15 on:** May 22, 2019, 01:48:29 PM »

I feel like my wheel wouldn't spin freely without this part (which it does).

CB400JAY · « **Reply #16 on:** May 22, 2019, 02:06:10 PM »

Mine is a 550F. Might be a different back wheel setup with a bigger spacer.

UPDATE:Just checked and the CB550F does use a bigger spacer than a standard 550. So that's probably not your issue.

CB400JAY · « **Reply #17 on:** May 24, 2019, 11:15:08 AM »

Did you solve this?

jgger · « **Reply #18 on:** May 24, 2019, 08:56:00 PM »

In the 1st picture what is up with your shock? The spring cover is cocked over to one side, is it missing a retainer?
Did the bike get wrecked or hit and tweek the swing arm? Something ain't kosher back there.

jakec · « **Reply #19 on:** May 27, 2019, 10:36:28 AM »

Have not worked on the bike since I made the post since I’ve been on vacation. I am planning to work on it again on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Regarding the shock cover I am not sure, I’ve never noticed that before. Maybe the cover is just tweaked. I don’t know if the bike has been down before, I just got it. It’s basically been sitting in the PO’s shop for years.

rosewood · « **Reply #20 on:** May 27, 2019, 02:02:57 PM »

Try removing the chain and checking with a straight edge on the rear sprocket how it aligns with the front sprocket. If you cant get it to line up and be parallel with the front by adjusting the rear wheel then maybe your rear swing arm may be bent.

If this is a new to you bike and you are unsure what it was like before you took it apart then I would double check with a straight edge as described above and then also check alignment with the front wheel with rear using the string line method.

You can also check with a plumb bob how the upper shock mounts align vertically with the mounts on the swing arm. How does your rear wheel look relative to the subframe? is it centered looking from the back and top?

So first check the rear wheel is assembled correctly then rear sprocket alignment with front then front and back wheel alignment.

I had a similar issue with mine and ended up having to replace the rear swing arm as it was bent. Once that was sorted my wheels were still not aligned front and back and I had to get the steering tube on the frame tweaked back by a specialist to correct everything.

There's a bit of worked involved but its worth the piece of mind knowing all the geometry is correct.

Hope this helps
rosewood...

jakec · « **Reply #21 on:** May 28, 2019, 09:17:57 PM »

I did not have the plumb bob so I measured the distance from axle to swing arm axle, and they were the same, about 17-5/8”. I also measured the shocks, frame to swingarm, and they were the same, about 12-1/2”.

I did have the chain a little tight. I loosened it a bit and decided to mark the links that “walked” over the front sprocket. All were repeat offenders, with the “main” loudest link being the loudest on every revolution. So I am sure I at least need a new chain. I guess I will order a new chain and sprocket kit and go from there.

Regarding the shock cover, it’s just loose. You can move it around by hand.

754 · « **Reply #22 on:** May 28, 2019, 09:32:44 PM »

You could have a few sticky links, oil them.
Check the chain for wear by pulling it away from the sprocket at the rear of bike.. how much does it move.
We sort of assume here that you started out with a lubed chain with no links sticking.

jakec · « **Reply #23 on:** May 29, 2019, 09:14:07 AM »

Well before I reinstalled the chain (after getting new tires) I tested the chain for links that were stuck since this happened on my 400. I only noticed that one link was a little tougher to "move" than the others. Maybe this is the one that was making the "clink" noise and walking across the sprocket.However there were also other links that made noise but not as bad as this one link.

Any tips to clean the chain? If I can clean the chain and save myself $50 I'd be happy.

jakec · « **Reply #24 on:** May 30, 2019, 06:07:48 PM »

I soaked the chain in gasoline for about 20 minutes and then reapplied chain oil. The sticky link is still stuff, pictured below. There is one other link where the rivets look mangled, but that link works just fine. Time for a new chain?

754 · « **Reply #25 on:** May 30, 2019, 06:34:25 PM »

Like I said put chain on sprocket and see how far it pulls away .. at the back Installed. Or just wrapped around a sprocket.
I a d many others cat see chain wear in a pic dirty or clean.

754 · « **Reply #26 on:** May 30, 2019, 06:43:34 PM »

I finally looked at your pic.. usually a serviceable chain and new look pretty similar..
Before we try to tell you the obvious m try answering these questions.
Do you think the peened link being tight, May have something to do with being peened to far....i.e. tight.?
Do you think its ok to have cracks in your sideplates. .?
DO YOU THINK IF THERE IS WEAR on the inside of your chain links that it is supposed to be like that ?

jakec · « **Reply #27 on:** May 31, 2019, 08:55:11 AM »

I do think the tight link is probably the one that was making noise although I haven't marked it and reinstalled it to be sure. I don't know how the link could get that wear on it, especially on only one or two links. I thought maybe someone would know. I am buying a new chain now and hopefully that will run smoothly. I have been waiting to install exhausts/start the bike due to this chain issue (can't torque axle with exhaust on).

pjlogue · « **Reply #28 on:** May 31, 2019, 05:22:02 PM »

Yea, new chain time. I would carefully inspect the sprockets. That bound link may have ruined the sprockets as well if it was run on them for any length of time.

-P.

754 · « **Reply #29 on:** May 31, 2019, 07:02:56 PM »

Again, (if only to learn something ) put chain on sprocket and try to pull it away.
When you get a new one, take a mental not of what it looks like when you pull on the chain.

With a new chain or piece of chain, test the sprocket, put chain on then try moving it against the teeth, if everything is good it will barely move.

If you get a too long chain and trim it, keep that piece in your tool box to check chains and sprockets.
Up to you now to try lifting chain from sprocket to test it.

jakec · « **Reply #30 on:** June 01, 2019, 12:47:37 PM »

I tested the old chain, it was able to pull away from the sprocket a bit but not quite enough to see light come through. I ordered a 530P 100L DID chain, will install when it comes on monday or tuesday.

jakec · « **Reply #31 on:** June 04, 2019, 07:23:02 PM »

Just installed the new chain and it rolls smoothly. So that fixes that. However once I put the sprocket cover on, the chain rubs on the part shown below, some kind of chain guide I’ve not seen on other bikes. When I put the bike down off the center stand it doesn’t rub. But when the wheel is free hanging it rubs. What gives? Is this normal?

tlbranth · « **Reply #32 on:** June 04, 2019, 08:48:14 PM »

Looks to me like spacer #7 is missing. Hard to tell. But if it is, you'll do some damage. That spacer goes to the inside race of the left bearing. Better pull the wheel and take a look.

jakec · « **Reply #33 on:** June 04, 2019, 09:09:56 PM »

No the chain is rolling fine, I don’t think the wheel was out of alignment after all, just the kinked chain causing it to walk sideways over the sprocket as it seated.

Now it’s like the wheel is too low (chain hits the part inside the cover even when way too tight). If I put load on the wheel (compress springs slightly) the chain doesn’t hit anymore.

bryanj · « **Reply #34 on:** June 05, 2019, 12:15:38 AM »

Shocks are too long.

jakec · « **Reply #35 on:** June 05, 2019, 12:32:19 AM »

That’s what I was thinking too. I didn’t measure the shock length yet. The tab that’s rubbing goes under the chain. The tab is removable with a couple m6 bolts. Can I just take it off?

jakec · « **Reply #36 on:** June 05, 2019, 10:06:43 AM »

I'm trying to find the shock length for the 550 listed online. The shocks on there look stock, but maybe the front end rake is having an effect. I have a nice set of 400 shocks that I'm not using, if they're a little shorter maybe I can use them

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Author Topic: CB550 wheel alignment seems off relative to front sprocket (Read 3358 times)