Topic: CB400 Front Bearing Retainer Removal

[element137]

Hi all - some one has totally butchered the retainer ring on my CB400 - just going through it for some general maintenance stuff and found this - Have tried to drift it with a punch- but the previous damage is so bad it wont budge - I have not done the damage shown - that is how it started - and now it wont budge without further damage - not bothered about saving the retainer - but do not want to trash the hub - any ideas please ?

[newday777]

Welcome aboard the forum from across the pond in New Hampshire

Is the retainer split as it appears in the picture? If so I would try with a cold chisel to drive it towards the axle hole to split it away from the threads. If not, can you cut it with a die grinder cutting wheel?
If all else fails then replace the hub. I have a spare front wheel I can strip down to ship over if needed.

[element137]

Hi Thanks for reply - yes the retainer is spilt in a number of places - I did think about using a punch to collapse it  OR cut into it with a Dremel blade  - but worried about damaging the threads in the hub - appreciate the kind offer of a hub, I can probably source one here in the UK, but thank you anyway - I was curious to understand if anyone has removed one in similar condition ?- no doubt caused by previous owners not using the correct tool and trying to drift the retainer out I guess ?

[newday777]

Hi Thanks for reply - yes the retainer is spilt in a number of places - I did think about using a punch to collapse it  OR cut into it with a Dremel blade  - but worried about damaging the threads in the hub - appreciate the kind offer of a hub, I can probably source one here in the UK, but thank you anyway - I was curious to understand if anyone has removed one in similar condition ?- no doubt caused by previous owners not using the correct tool and trying to drift the retainer out I guess ?

In this case, a punch is not the correct tool now.
I haven't encountered any that bad.

[Mark1976]

   Yeah, they can get ugly if the wrong individual gets to it first, and they have in this case. That punch mark on the left side needs to to drilled back a smidge to remove it, there should have been another at 180° opposite it as well, but it looks to have been obliterated. You wouldn't think they're that effective at keeping the retainer in place but they are.
   Anyways, you're at that point where 'ya gotta do what ya gotta do' to remove it. Take up newday on his offer if all else fails or it just becomes to banged up (literally).

[Ozzybud]

In the picture you posted there is a stake punch mark at 9:00 and 2:30 those need to be drilled out before anything will move. After drilling them out use a heat gun to warm things up. Make or get a spanner wrench and use the 2 good slots remaining.

[element137]

In the picture you posted there is a stake punch mark at 9:00 and 2:30 those need to be drilled out before anything will move. After drilling them out use a heat gun to warm things up. Make or get a spanner wrench and use the 2 good slots remaining.

What's the best method to drill the stake/punch out please ? - drill into the gap between the retainer and the hub ? I did notice the stake mark - but due to the butchered state of the retainer ring - I never really expected to get it to turn anyway ?

[Ozzybud]

In the picture you posted there is a stake punch mark at 9:00 and 2:30 those need to be drilled out before anything will move. After drilling them out use a heat gun to warm things up. Make or get a spanner wrench and use the 2 good slots remaining.

What's the best method to drill the stake/punch out please ? - drill into the gap between the retainer and the hub ? I did notice the stake mark - but due to the butchered state of the retainer ring - I never really expected to get it to turn anyway ?

Yes drill right at the punch mark. I. Use a #40 (.098) dia bit.Drill down about 1/16 of an inch.  I also see one at 2:30 don't forget that one.

[bryanj]

If you use a dremel buy a metric thread file to clean up the hub, not expensive and always useful

[newday777]

Here's what it should look like. I just stripped down the roller frame I bought on Saturday for the fork lowers for a friend's 400.

[element137]

Thanks All - I will order up a new retainer ring and the correct removal tool - then see if I can cut through/collapse it -many thanks for the input from you guys, much appreciated.

[newday777]

My hope is that it goes well for you. Post back how it goes so all can learn from your situation.

[element137]

My hope is that it goes well for you. Post back how it goes so all can learn from your situation.

Planned for this weekend if the parts/tools I need have arrived - I will take some pics along the way as I am sure it wont be a unique problem - hopefully I can resolve it - although - even if I fail - everyone's going to learn something !

[BenelliSEI]

Before you start trying to unscrew the retainer (after drilling the punch marks) remove the disc and use a propane torch to heat up the outer ridge of the hub. It will expand slightly and give you a better chance. Good Luck!

[Nurse Julie]

If you join us on the UK forum, if you haven't done so already,, the chances are someone not too far away may be able to lend you any special tools.
www.sohc.co.uk