Author Topic: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K (Read 16341 times)

denward17 · « **Reply #125 on:** January 17, 2024, 12:30:11 PM »

Forks complete with new Honda seals, new bolts/washers in the bottom, and oil, ready to install.
I did use a little thread sealant, not worried if I have to take them back out.

Next on the list is cleaning up the caliper/rebuilding, and the master cylinder rebuild kit. Most of the paint on the bottom of the caliper had been washed off by brake fluid, or fork oil.

Can the caliper be re-painted, or should I leave it aluminum color?

Also need to check the stem bearings.......

Mark1976 · « **Reply #126 on:** January 17, 2024, 12:42:51 PM »

I repaint them, black caliper paint, but you could polish or leave unpainted as well...

denward17 · « **Reply #127 on:** January 17, 2024, 02:13:18 PM »

Just so happens I have some left over caliper paint, so will use that, Thanks Mark.

BenelliSEI · « **Reply #128 on:** January 17, 2024, 05:37:50 PM »

Definitely paint. Nice progress!

MauiK3 · « **Reply #129 on:** January 17, 2024, 06:42:27 PM »

My forks may need re-finishing here, this marine climate is brutal on aluminum

denward17 · « **Reply #130 on:** January 18, 2024, 12:55:14 PM »

Cleaned and painted calipers........will rebuild with a new seal/piston in a few days.

Took apart the master cylinder in prep of rebuild kit, decided it need a good cleaning in the ultrasonic bath first.

BenelliSEI · « **Reply #131 on:** January 18, 2024, 01:03:42 PM »

Dennis…. Probably already asked; what solution do you use in your tank?

denward17 · « **Reply #132 on:** January 18, 2024, 01:05:51 PM »

Simple Green aircraft and Dawn dishwashing detergent.

Mark1976 · « **Reply #133 on:** January 18, 2024, 03:02:13 PM »

That master looks spotless...

denward17 · « **Reply #134 on:** January 19, 2024, 10:55:15 AM »

Completed rebuild kit for master cylinder........

Found a mystery spring in the corner of workshop, looks bigger than the fork rebound spring, not sure where it came from.

I'm about 99.9% positive I put the fork rebound springs in correctly.

I don't remember seeing a spring like this anywhere that I have disassembled.

Any ideas?

denward17 · « **Reply #135 on:** January 19, 2024, 10:56:05 AM »

another view of spring

BenelliSEI · « **Reply #136 on:** January 19, 2024, 11:40:05 AM »

That looks like the spring from under the oil filter to me? Spring, washer, then filter that slide down on the centre bolt/relief valve.

newday777 · « **Reply #137 on:** January 19, 2024, 11:56:06 AM »

Quote from: BenelliSEI on January 19, 2024, 11:40:05 AM

That looks like the spring from under the oil filter to me? Spring, washer, then filter that slide down on the centre bolt/relief valve.

Agreed 👍

denward17 · « **Reply #138 on:** January 19, 2024, 11:59:02 AM »

^That's it !

Thanks Guys, my mind is going in too many directions at once....

BenelliSEI · « **Reply #139 on:** January 19, 2024, 11:59:56 AM »

Did the clutch lever show up?

denward17 · « **Reply #140 on:** January 19, 2024, 12:01:55 PM »

Quote from: BenelliSEI on January 19, 2024, 11:59:56 AM

Did the clutch lever show up?

Not yet... I'll let you know..

denward17 · « **Reply #141 on:** January 19, 2024, 12:08:19 PM »

Removed the headlight bucket to check the steering better.

I feel a very noticeable stop (detent) straight ahead in the steering stem, and a couple more in other places while turning left/right.

I suppose I need new steering stem bearings while I am there.

I will probably look for the All Balls tapered bearings, is that a good choice?

grcamna2 · « **Reply #142 on:** January 19, 2024, 12:32:26 PM »

Quote from: denward17 on January 19, 2024, 12:08:19 PM

Removed the headlight bucket to check the steering better.

I feel a very noticeable stop (detent) straight ahead in the steering stem, and a couple more in other places while turning left/right.

I suppose I need new steering stem bearings while I am there.

I will probably look for the All Balls tapered bearings, is that a good choice?

All Balls is ok,I use them in one of my Honda's;I prefer bearings made in Japan,like early Suzuki's which come with tapered steering bearings stock.

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #143 on:** January 20, 2024, 05:49:14 AM »

I have used dozens of AllBallz steering head bearing kits and they seem to hold up well. The first one I did, I still own the bike and it is still perfect after 12 odd years and 10s of thousands of miles. But recently, a good riding buddy has had recurring failures from their wheel bearing kit for a KTM dirt bike. I bought a tapered roller bearing steering head kit from Yamiya recently but have not installed it yet. We will see how it goes. The main problem I see with AllBallz is they are always sourcing different bearing suppliers (probably whatever chinese company has them cheapest) so you never really know what you are paying for. Some chinese bearings are fine, others less so.

denward17 · « **Reply #144 on:** January 21, 2024, 11:34:01 AM »

Been working on removing the steering stem/races and such over the last couple of days.

Ordered the All Balls tapered bearing set.

Installed the upper and lower races, note how the upper race sits proud by about 2mm. I searched many threads and found this to be normal.
One search found a guy who thought something was wrong with the upper race and used a press and eventually ruined the neck (frame).

I measured before hand and knew it would sit proud, just didn't think it was right before searches concluded it was.

Anyway, stem/lower tree is in the freezer until my next chance to pack/install bearings.

Smallest thin washer will be used on bottom of stem, then seal, then bearing. Top will probably get just the bearing/seal and spanner nut. Will see if washer fits.

BenelliSEI · « **Reply #145 on:** January 21, 2024, 11:37:14 AM »

I’m never sure which washer (thin or thick) to use! Mock it up and then make sure the fork ears and rubbers fit snuggly in the tree “gap”. I’ve had to do this twice more than I care to admit!

newday777 · « **Reply #146 on:** January 21, 2024, 11:50:48 AM »

Quote from: BenelliSEI on January 21, 2024, 11:37:14 AM

I’m never sure which washer (thin or thick) to use! Mock it up and then make sure the for ears and rubbers fit snuggly in the tree “gap”. I’ve had to do this twice more than I care to admit!

It is the thin washer John. It gives the proper fit of the headlight ears.

BenelliSEI · « **Reply #147 on:** January 21, 2024, 12:00:45 PM »

Quote from: newday777 on January 21, 2024, 11:50:48 AM

Quote from: BenelliSEI on January 21, 2024, 11:37:14 AM
I’m never sure which washer (thin or thick) to use! Mock it up and then make sure the for ears and rubbers fit snuggly in the tree “gap”. I’ve had to do this twice more than I care to admit!
It is the thin washer John. It gives the proper fit of the headlight ears.

Benefits of this Forum!

denward17 · « **Reply #148 on:** January 22, 2024, 10:58:07 AM »

Put the steering bearings in and have both trees mounted (loosely for now) while I fit things.

The fork ears fit with about 1/4" clearance or so at the top (maybe a little less), I assume this will be ok?

On the top I used the bearing seal, then the Honda coupler. The big Honda washer may not leave enough threads for the big Honda nut to get a good bite, so I substituted the washer that was supposed to go under the coupler, I will use it for the outside just under the big Honda nut.

Does the pic look like there is enough bite?

Also have some wiring connectors to repair, found evidence of the front left turn signal connector had been soldered. I already have a few connectors so hopefully can fix.

The bulbs that fit in the dash; all the rubber had disintegrated and wires were exposed, so ordered a Pilot lamp wiring harness for the bulbs found at PartsNmore. #11-2181

BenelliSEI · « **Reply #149 on:** January 22, 2024, 11:24:03 AM »

Dennis….. That looks like plenty of threads to me. That cap nut doesn’t do much of the work.

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Author Topic: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K (Read 16341 times)