Topic: '72 CB500K Front Wheel Removal - What's The Secret?

[Dr. Frankenstein]

Okay, I'm stumped...I'm trying to get the front wheel off my '72 CB500K and it just Does Not Want To Come! I have removed the front wheel axle holder on the right side, but the left side will not come off. I've tried heat/MAP gas, chisels to get into the seam where it meets the front shock, unscrewing the front axle while it's on the bike (that won't budge either), tapping it with a hammer to try to loosen it...BANGING on it with a hammer to try to knock it loose, harsh language and all of the above...there is no screw holding it on (underneath, for instance) and I don't get why it won't come off, so I thought I would seek some guidance here before I grab my Sawzall and go all Gorilla on it...(Kidding...! Kind of... )

[denward17]

Are you talking about the axle cap that fits underneath the axle?

If so, they should fall off when the 2 nuts are removed.

Sounds like one of your caps is still holding on, maybe the studs are bent, maybe it got glued on somehow.

Try some heat and a rubber mallet.

[Dr. Frankenstein]

Yeah, I tried that...time to get medieval on it's ass...

[Don R]

 If the other side is hanging down at all it will bind up the cap on the studs, try rocking the front wheel side to side while being sure to not tip the bike over.

[newday777]

If the other side is hanging down at all it will bind up the cap on the studs, try rocking the front wheel side to side while being sure to not tip the bike over.

I always leave the wheel touching the floor while taking the caps off, then jack the bike up so the wheel stays on the floor.

[Dr. Frankenstein]

I got it, and not too badly - I ultimately used a wood chisel to bite into the aluminum and was able to hammer it down off the stud, but it took a bit of force. Nothing broken, and the lower piece of the forks is not too bad - but it was as I thought, the threaded stud inside it was Very rusty; I assume it was that rust that was giving me problems. But, I do have to find another set of wheels for a '72 CB500 - the ones I have are rusted over, and no good. Anybody got any they'd be willing to part with?

[bryanj]

750 front will fit and any 500/550 up to 76 rear will fit but check the brake lining carefully as they do crack.
May be easier to lace on new rims