Topic: front wheel doesn't turn well when backing up in a circle

[acteg]

I've noticed on my 75 cb550 (just aquired and just got it running) that if I lock the handle bars to the right and try to back her up, she doesn't want to roll well as if something is binding the front wheel from turning.  If I lock the handlebars to the left and back her up, she rolls fine, no problem at all.  Moving forward left or right is no problem at all.  Any ideas?

[Johnie]

2 things come to mind: front brake drag and front wheel bearings.

[acteg]

I was thinking maybe bearings as well, but then I thought wouldn't I see the problem all the time and not just in one particular scenario?  Brakes are a possibility because last night when I was moving it around I felt it get tight when I was backing it up and I just man handled it to make it easer and after that the brakes started squealing a little bit when I was pushing it around.   But once again, with the brakes, I would think the problem would be evident for every scenario not just backing up with the wheel cocked ot the right.

[Johnie]

Try jacking that front end off the ground a bit and then rotate the wheel around and see what you get.  You should be able to notice brake drag.  How many miles?  Is that hydraulic on the front brakes? Could the caliper be hanging up on you?

[acteg]

24.8k miles

The bike was stored for years with all the fluids, the master cylinder is currently off the bike and the lines are filled with dried up goopy brake fluid.

[Johnie]

Since the master is off I would take off the caliper too.  Then you can spin that tire and see if the drag on the rotor is gone.  If not, then you are looking at 2 bearings which is not a big deal at all.

[acteg]

Thanks for the tips.  Ill give it a go this afternoon.