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Author Topic: 74 CB550 Fork Rebuild failure  (Read 580 times)

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Offline groovygravy

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74 CB550 Fork Rebuild failure
« on: March 18, 2020, 05:54:33 PM »
Howdy folks! I am trying to rebuild the front forks on my 1974 CB550K, but I can NOT get the 6mm allen screw out of the bottom no matter how hard I try. Let penetrating oil soak for HOURS but none of it seeped down into the threads. Both the impact driver AND the heavy duty impact gun did nothing, even stripped one rata tatting away. What secret tricks do you guys have up your sleeves to get out stubborn fasteners? Or am I completely hosed and need to start looking for a new set? Thanks!
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Offline Stev-o

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Re: 74 CB550 Fork Rebuild failure
« Reply #1 on: March 18, 2020, 06:08:37 PM »
The trick is to jam a wooden broom handle down into the lower, then loosen it.
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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline ckahleer

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Re: 74 CB550 Fork Rebuild failure
« Reply #2 on: March 18, 2020, 07:10:23 PM »
Try a slightly larger hex bit. Maybe a English size will work, or grind down the next size larger hex bit so it is hammer in tight.
Use a hand impact tool you wack with a hammer. You want your impact to be downward as well as rotational.
As a last resort, you could drill off the head, and hopefully be able to remove whats left of the bolt when the tube is separated.
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Offline kerryb

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Re: 74 CB550 Fork Rebuild failure
« Reply #3 on: March 18, 2020, 07:53:22 PM »
Been there, tried tried that, you may be reduced to drill bits.  The good news is the "stuck" part is probably between the screw head and the copper washer that seals the joint to keep the oil in.  With bolt (screw) head removed, the threads should turn out easy with a pair of pliers.
See this.  https://classicgoldwings.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=9463&p=143616&hilit=Stuck+fork+bolt#p143616

all part of the adventure...
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intrigued by the wail...seduced by the scream.

Offline dave500

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Re: 74 CB550 Fork Rebuild failure
« Reply #4 on: March 19, 2020, 12:34:26 AM »
as stevo says,broom stick and impact rattle gun,often theres loctite been used in the past.
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Online bryanj

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Re: 74 CB550 Fork Rebuild failure
« Reply #5 on: March 19, 2020, 02:23:38 AM »
If the hex has gone use a 6mm drill bit to drill the head off then the forks will come apart and you can get the piece out of the damper. New allen bolts and new copper washers
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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 newday777

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Re: 74 CB550 Fork Rebuild failure
« Reply #6 on: March 19, 2020, 05:24:37 AM »
Always remove the bottom allen bolt while the spring is in the fork with the cap on, to put the necessary pressure on the internals so the impact gun can loosen the bottom allen bolt. Otherwise you have to wedge a stick down in to put the necessary pressure on them guts.
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Stu
Honda Parts manager in the mid 1970s Nashua Honda
My current rides
1975 K5 Planet Blue my summer ride, it was a friend's bike I worked with at the Honda shop in 76, lots of fun to be on it again
1976 K6 Anteres Red rebuilding project, was originally my brother's that I set up from the crate, it'll breath again soon!
Project 750s, 2 K4, 2 K6, 1 K8
2008 GL1800 my daily ride and cross country runner

Prior bikes....
1972 Suzuki GT380 I had charge of it for a year in 1973 while my friend was deployed and learned to love street riding....
New CB450 K7 after my friend returned...
New CB750 K5 Planet Blue, demise by ex cousin in law at 9,000 miles...
New CB750 K6 Anteres Red, to replace the totaled K5, I sold this K6 at 45k in 1983, I had heavily modified it, many great memories on it and have missed it greatly.....
1983 GL1100A, 1999 GL1500 SE, 1999 GL1500A

Offline Johnie

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Re: 74 CB550 Fork Rebuild failure
« Reply #7 on: March 19, 2020, 08:07:51 AM »
Great advise from newday777...that always works for me.
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1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline groovygravy

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Re: 74 CB550 Fork Rebuild failure
« Reply #8 on: March 19, 2020, 09:18:29 AM »
Thanks for all the advice, folks! The sun is shinning bright so I'll try everything listed and see if I can't get the stubborn buggers out
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