Author Topic: Easy front end removal? 550k  (Read 474 times)

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Offline steeldoncb550

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Easy front end removal? 550k
« on: February 22, 2020, 04:13:10 PM »
Looking to remove the front end on my 77’ CB550K. Engine is removed and everything behind it minus centre stand. I’m hoping I can remove the front end from the frame without taking it totally apart is this possible?

Offline kerryb

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Re: Easy front end removal? 550k
« Reply #1 on: February 22, 2020, 09:46:22 PM »
The easy way to remove the front end is take it off in pieces.  That way the individual parts are light to handle and its easy to inspect them as they come off.  You don't have to drain any fluids, or take apart the the fork tubes or brake assembly.
1.  Jack up the frame at front engine mounts to raise front wheel.  Remove speedo cable at hub or the gauge.
2. Remove front wheel by removing four nuts & washers.  Don't squeeze brake lever after this point.
3.  Remove. Brake caliper and pivot arm from fork tube 3 bolts & 1 screw with spring and nut.  Hang brake caliper Assembly from frame with coathanger wire.
4. Remove front fender. 4 screws on fork slider top and two fender stays bottom. (3 & 4 might be easier in reverse!)
5. Fork tubes will now slide out of the triple trees when clamp bolts are loosened.  To make this easier you can remove the bolt from the lower trees and GENTLY tap a flat blade screwdriver in the the slot to spread the clamp, just a tiny bit and be prepared to catch the tube as it slides down out of the trees.
     Probably a good idea to undo the headlight from the ears before step 5 because rubber grommets will be the only thing holding the ears between the triples.

How far apart do you want to take this?  The manual will show steps to remove the triple trees, and catch the bearings falling from the races with a magnet and a towel.

Come to think of it, you can't take the front end off as a unit , but you can slide the forks out of the triple together after removing the brake caliper and speedo cable.

The EASY way takes longer, the quick way is harder to manage alone.
If the rest of the frame is empty I suggest strapping it down so it doesn't fall over or forward off the centerstand.

If you take the headlight out of the bucket, the bucket is light enough to just hang from the wire harness.
If the h-bars are coming off, loosen the controls first, then undo the handlebar clamps to slide the bars far enough to one side to slide the switch assemblies off the bars.
SEE?  Easy peezy in a whole lotta steps?
Did you get your jis screwdrivers yet? 
I'm sure I missed a bolt or screw somewhere because I'm sitting on the couch working from memory...oh yeah, the brake junction bolted to the lower triple, undo that before the bars.

Be relaxed and have fun...and bag&tag the loose bolts and parts for reassembly...not necessarily in reverse order ;)
« Last Edit: February 22, 2020, 09:51:05 PM by kerryb »
intrigued by the wail...seduced by the scream.

Offline bryanj

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Re: Easy front end removal? 550k
« Reply #2 on: February 23, 2020, 12:19:48 AM »
You might get it out in one piece but the ball bearings will go everywhere and you wont get it back
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!

Offline steeldoncb550

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Re: Easy front end removal? 550k
« Reply #3 on: February 23, 2020, 06:12:32 AM »
Thanks for the replies. I agree that by taking it apart piece by piece is probably the preferred and smarter option but I still feel like I’m looking for the quick option lol. The ball bearings don’t matter because I’m going to roller bearings. So I guess I’m just wondering if it’s possible to loosen and drop the lower triple for example. Really hoping to keep it together if possible

Offline kerryb

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Re: Easy front end removal? 550k
« Reply #4 on: February 23, 2020, 06:26:23 AM »
Yup, as bryanj says, pull the top triple and the rest will slide out of the head tube in one piece.
Give a little thought before hand what you will do with the master cylinder flopping around on the end of the brake hose.  I hang the handlebars from the ceiling completely assembled!

I'm curious...if the rest of the bike is stripped clean, what process are you in the middle of that you don't want the trouble of dis-assembling the front forks?
intrigued by the wail...seduced by the scream.

Offline steeldoncb550

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Re: Easy front end removal? 550k
« Reply #5 on: February 23, 2020, 07:38:19 AM »
I'm curious...if the rest of the bike is stripped clean, what process are you in the middle of that you don't want the trouble of dis-assembling the front forks?
The top end weeps oil so I’m doing the top end. Then I decided to pull the motor to do it and it just snowballed from there. I’m getting the frame and swingarm sandblasted and powdercoated and it’s just going beyond what I planned on doing. Just trying to save myself some time to remove it and my space isn’t that big to work so I don’t want parts everywhere bagged and tagged.

Offline kerryb

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Re: Easy front end removal? 550k
« Reply #6 on: February 23, 2020, 12:55:31 PM »
Now it makes perfect sense...next go-around you can start from the front and quit when the storage starts to fill up! ;D
intrigued by the wail...seduced by the scream.