Topic: 1975 CB550 Cylinder Stud Die

[campbmic]

I snapped a cylinder stud on my 1975 CB550. I still have a lot of stud left and was thinking the best method would be to use a die (like in a tap/die kit) to rethread the stud and pull it out. From what I've read on the forum the 750 cylinder stud is a M8x1.25 thread, anyone know if thats the same for the 550? I've never used a tap or die so Im not sure if I should by the right hand or left hand?

I'm guessing the right hand would make a normal thread and the left hand would make a reverse thread? Please let me know if this is right.

I know there is a double nut method to try and get the cylinder stud out, but that did not work when I tried it. So my plan is to get a left hand die and a reverse thread nut, then I would just tighten down the nut and it would cause the stud to reverse out. Let me know if this would work. Thanks!

[caluser2000]

The portion of the sud left is not under any load so once the threads a freed up a pair of vice grips should work. You may need to use something as a lever like say a piece of two inch pipe. A bit of heat will help a well. Ali expands quicery than steel does.

[campbmic]

I tried vice grips and heat, still wouldnt come out. Thats why I was thinking of using this die idea.

[goodtryer]

The double-nut thing should work. Sometimes i have to use a second wrench to hold the locking nut in place. Give that another chance.

Also don't be afraid to use heat & penetrating oil.

[caluser2000]

Yeah getting those threads losend is the key. Don't use WD40. It's wax and totally hopeless. Use CRC556 or similar.

[craz1]

If you have split the cases put the upper half into an oven and heat slowly to 425 deg. If your going to replace it anyway just use a small pipe wrench to break the threads free. Mine were a bear to remove. I like using APE studs which allow a bit more torque on the head and cylinders.

[flybackwards]

If the studs are like the 750 studs the then the centre portion is thinner - might be a problem to thread it properly and then you have fresh hand cut threads weakening the remaining stud and causes stress points to snap it.

Heat, penetrating oil, soak and repeat a couple of times - then use two sets of vice grips 180 apart and real tight to rotate both directions a bit until you feel it starting to move - patience is key to not damaging the internal threads. Two vice grips allows more torque and also you can feel the movement better.