Author Topic: Cb550 Fork tube weirdness  (Read 604 times)

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Offline Kenzo1979

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Cb550 Fork tube weirdness
« on: May 14, 2021, 10:59:50 AM »
74 CB550K0:

I will start by saying that this bike has never posed a real problem with the front suspension, recently changed my fork oil to ATF, but I think it’s a little too thin, because I’m getting a clunk noise every now and again when I hit bumps.  And that only seem to have started after I changed the fork oil to the ATF.  so now I’m filling it with AW-15 hydraulic oil. 

Anyway I never paid that much attention because I thought it was just something that changed between models, but my K0 500 four definitely has a threaded rod that runs up through the spring and attaches to a nut, just like in the picture from the manual. According to the manual the 550 was supposed to be the same design. However, there was only a spring and no rod inside my tubes. They measure about 18 1/4 inches long and I put a tape measure down to where they were hit inside the tube which is about 18 1/2 inches down. At the bottom I can see the circlip, oil seal and what appears to be a large roll pin somewhere in the center down the hole a little further. Couldn’t really get a picture of that for this post.

anybody have any idea if this was just something people modded back in the day? I got the bike from the original owner years ago.  He had also put a different rear hub and wider wheel on that I since converted back to stock. Other than that everything was pretty much stock except for the seat. No serious modifications. If anyone could shed any light on this, I’d be interested in knowing what is really going on here.  Thanks.









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--Kenzo
** 71 CB500, 74 CB550, 76 CB400F, 77 CJ360t **

Offline Kenzo1979

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Re: Cb550 Fork tube weirdness
« Reply #1 on: May 14, 2021, 11:14:28 AM »
And when I say I measured down to where the spring touches inside the fork tube, that is uncompressed. Which is about 2 to 2 1/4 inches down from the top of the bottom fork case (where the fork seal is, just below the gaiter).


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--Kenzo
** 71 CB500, 74 CB550, 76 CB400F, 77 CJ360t **

Offline bryanj

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Re: Cb550 Fork tube weirdness
« Reply #2 on: May 14, 2021, 12:10:49 PM »
The 550 was supposed to have the later fork designe that did not have the threaded rod, try checking the parts list
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).

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Offline Kenzo1979

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Re: Cb550 Fork tube weirdness
« Reply #3 on: May 14, 2021, 12:36:04 PM »
The 550 was supposed to have the later fork designe that did not have the threaded rod, try checking the parts list
Cool, I was hoping that was the case. My parts fiche is on my computer at home, sometimes these Clymer manuals don’t show exactly everything.  Will do.  Thanks!


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** 71 CB500, 74 CB550, 76 CB400F, 77 CJ360t **

Offline Deltarider

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Re: Cb550 Fork tube weirdness
« Reply #4 on: May 14, 2021, 12:44:17 PM »
The Clymer manual is a non manual. Period. Consult the original Shop Manual Honda CB500-550 and the CB550 Parts Lists. They're all here: http://www.honda4fun.com/materiale-documentazione-tecnica/parts-list/parts-list-cb550
I doubt the viscosity is a problem. I run 7,5 wt no problem and mine has the same legs yours has.
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Offline flatlander

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Re: Cb550 Fork tube weirdness
« Reply #5 on: May 14, 2021, 01:19:08 PM »

Cool, I was hoping that was the case. My parts fiche is on my computer at home, sometimes these Clymer manuals don’t show exactly everything $h!t.  Will do.  Thanks!


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fixed that for ya. no thanks needed  8)

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Offline Kenzo1979

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Re: Cb550 Fork tube weirdness
« Reply #6 on: May 14, 2021, 01:34:40 PM »

Cool, I was hoping that was the case. My parts fiche is on my computer at home, sometimes these Clymer manuals don’t show exactly everything $h!t.  Will do.  Thanks!


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fixed that for ya. no thanks needed  8)

sent from my laptop using my fingers.
Hahaha.  Yeah I’ve got the real manuals downloaded, just didn’t have access at the time.  Figured It was quicker to poll the crowd, which it was.  SOHC4 forum for life!


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--Kenzo
** 71 CB500, 74 CB550, 76 CB400F, 77 CJ360t **