Topic: Rear Axle Assembly and Bearings

[Honda_Dan]

I just got my 76 CB750F up and running. Many thanks to all who helped with my fuel flow problems!

The bike seems a little bit squirrely on the road and I am wondering if it has anything to do with bad bearings or poorly lubed axle.


I have taken off the rear wheel several times to fix the brakes. (incidentally, only one of the pistons works on the rear caliper. It seems to stop the bike fine, but if you believe this is total hazard, let me know).

What is the best way to lube an axle and/or the spacers in between?

What is the best way to tell if the bearings are bad? Is it as easy as putting the bike on its center stand and seeing how play is in the wheel? How much play should there be?


Dan

[Harry]

Squirrely? What is the state of your tyres?

[Bob Wessner]

I can't gaurantee the same state with regard to your rear wheel bearings, but my bike is 35 yrs old and was in storage for 22. When changing the tires I was convinced there would be a need to either repack or replace the wheel bearings after all this time. Well, after all the extra effort to reach the front bearings, I found them fine and well greased, no issues. I didn't even bother going that far when I removed the rear wheel to mount a new tire. It seems Honda has done a fairly good job of protecting these areas.

Oh, but I should note there is only 15K miles on the bike, that could make a world of difference.

[Honda_Dan]

The tires are in pretty good shape. Plenty of tread and almost no weather cracking. Bike has 14k miles, so according to Bob's hypothesis, the bearings should be good. I'm not sure if I completely understand Supersport cb400f's directions.  Should I take the wheel and spacers off, then insert the axle and see if there is a wiggle?

Also, should I put any lube on the axle?


Daniel

[SteveD CB500F]

Yes.

And while its off, remove the rear shocks and check for play in the swingarm.

[Jonesy]

Not sure if you've had the bike the whole time, but after hearing about how my uncle's 750 seemed to eat speedo cables, I always take mileage with a grain of salt. My bike has had Lord knows how many owners before me and the mileage was only 23K. But, greasing the swingarm pivot was not high on anyone's priority list and when I removed the pivot it had rusted, and the rust helped grind out the swingarm bushings. A new pivot and bushings, along with new steering head bearings, made the ride much nicer! Also, as said before, remove the shocks before you test for play in the swingarm, as they can hide a lot it.

[Einyodeler]

The tires are in pretty good shape. Plenty of tread and almost no weather cracking.

If the tires have any weather cracking then get rid of them and buy a set of new tires.Rubber turns hard with age and believe me you don`t want to get caught out in the rain with old hard tires,you will go down.

[dpen]

Big no no. Old tyres mean sliding down the road on your ass. Cheap fix (in Australia at least) is Bridgestone Battleax. Quite cheap, long wearing & stick like sh*t to a shiny shovel.

[neckyzips]

dpen,
how much do you pay for a set??/
joe