Topic: Clutch function ???

[beelsamin]

I've just replaced the clutch springs on my 1978 CB550K. The clutch is now non functional (and no, I didn't have any bits left over)
Can someone give me a brief description as to how the clutch functions and what I might have missed ? I've had it apart 4 times now and it absolutely will no longer work...I'm ready to take it to a mechanic which is not what I want to do. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or descriptions.

[TwoTired]

Can you post a detailed pic of the assembly order you used?

Does it not engage or does it not disengage?  (Both fit the non-functional description.)

[beelsamin]

Hi Two-tired, it does not disengage...and reading some other posts a steel ball is mentioned..I did not see it.
I simply pulled the clutch cover off and pulled the snap ring,pulled the clutch assembly out, removed the plates, oiled the new ones,installed in the same order as the old,replaced the springs(new as well) slipped the assembly back on the shaft, put the spacer on the shaft,inserted the snap ring bolted the spring cover back on...replaced thr lifter rod, bolted cover back on...adjusted clutch to spec but no disengagement...by the way where is this steel ball located that someone said I may have left out

[crazypj]

There is no steel ball in 550 clutch, it has a short pushrod with ball bearings welded to ends.
 Either its missing or you haven't adjusted it properly.
 The screw at bottom of cover is unscrewed to tighten clutch adjustment (it moves pivot closer to clutch pressure plate)
 There should be a 'dot' on cover and a line on cable attachment/operating arm.
 They should line up

[beelsamin]

Yup. I have the adjuster with ball at both ends installed and the adjuster lines up with the case mark...I've adjusted the 550 clutch many times so I'm not sure my adjustments are the problem...Somehow I've missed something on the re-assembly....

[strynboen]

more..this are bigger

[beelsamin]

Yes, I have a manual and parts fiche for the 550K and have identical clutch, have re-installed as shown in the diagrams..I'll take it apart again and see if I've missed something stupid....arggghhhh

[crazypj]

Did you measure thickness of new plates? (they are thicker than old ones?)
 Apart from that it would have to be thrust washers #14,#15 or bearing #2

[mattcb350f]

How does the clutch feel when you pull the lever in? If it feels normal than it may be that the plates are just 'stuck' together.

It seems to happen to me often enough  ...all I do is get it going and drive around with the clutch lever pulled in until the plates 'break' appart. Then, go to work on the fine tuning adjustments.

 Matt.

[beelsamin]

Just counted my original friction plates and have only 6 ? my new set has 7 as indicated in the manual and fiche.I have all the plates installed correctly as manual and fiche show and now it won't work? Obviously the PO had done something to the old clutch but how it worked with plates missing and now won't work when returned to spec is really making me crazy !!@!!

[crazypj]

 With an extra plate it would usually be very difficult to get springs in
The only thing I can think of now is plate #6 has dropped off pressure plate and is locking everything up.
 The internal pressure plates take a bit of getting used to when assembling.
I find it easier to assemble on the bench 'wrong way up', (use the outer center part with clutch drum to locate all the plates)  lift out as a unit then put one spring in outer cover with spring retainer swiveled sideways so you can get circlip back on.
 Description may not be the best but if you have parts on bench it may make more sense?

PJ

[beelsamin]

I'm not understanding that, putting the springs on and the spring retainer is easy...does that mean I'm doing it wrong?
I think that I'll just put the old plates back in and live with the occasional slippage..wow, I screwed up a simple job...I can't believve I messed this up

[crazypj]

Putting springs on is easy, problem is , you have internal pressure plate, (the back moves)
 It's possible for one of the inside plates to move and lock things up, I see it all the time in work (same set up is used on a lot of ATV's)
 If you fit outside part upside down you can make sure all the plates are in properly (everything lines up) fit pressure plate, flip entire thing over,  one spring with spring plate swiveled 180 degrees and use just enough pressure to hold all plates together then reverse and fit without dismantling.
 A picture would explain things easy but I don't have 550 clutch handy at present (pretty sure I know where it's stashed though)

[beelsamin]

Crazypj I'll try re-assembling the plates that way tomorrow, right now my hammer is way too easy to get at and I am tempted to use it I didn't see any references to putting the plates in a particular alignment, just the correct order, anyway I'll give it another try...got to get to work now, thanks.