Topic: help

[BobbyRc51]

I bought a 1974 cb550 few months back and it is having front end problems.  The front end isn't original and has dual disk.  The speedo binds and has snapped a cable.  Can anyone identify this front end so that I can order the correct parts or just replace the front end with the original? 
Also my front brakes also don't release(relax) after use so they are always grabbing make the bike hard to move around or drive.  Is this the master cylinder or the 4way joint that is the the issue.  I cleaned and calipers and the master cylinder with no luck.  any help would be great!!

Bobby

[KeithTurk]

That looks like a stock front end with an additional disc added on the right side.... which is where the speedo fits.... there is a thread somewhere in here that talks about "how" to build a dual disc front end.... and it looks exactly like yours...

K

[seaweb11]

My guess is that the right brake caliper was not shimmed properly. You can also file off a bit of the lower caliper mount on the left fork to correct this.

Previous owner probably just bolted it up without the needed corrections.
Pull it a part and post a photo of the speedo drive side. There are tricks that need to be done to that as well to make a fully functional twin disk set up.
Here is some reading for you

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=53532.msg573976#msg573976

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=77033.msg859365#msg859365

[BobbyRc51]

Thanks guys I will read these strings and also take apart the front end for some pics.
As far as shimming the caliper mount.  This I'm unclear about.  It feels like the front brakes don't release after I apply pressure. Is that a clearence problem or master cylinder problem or something else?
Thanks
bobby

[seaweb11]

read......... and then disassemble young skywalker

[Don R]

I'm not well versed in the 550 but the calipers look to be 76 to 77 750F or 77 to 78 K Note ther center location on the bleeder and inlet fitting also lack of fins.

[333]

The brake not releasing may be a separate issue.  You may have to rebuilt the master cylinder.

[Duanob]

You don't want that dual disc set up anyway. Send it to me. I'll take care it 

[BobbyRc51]

The master cylinder is bad, I will rebuild it and it should work properly then.  Does anyone make a brake line kit that goes from the master cylinder to the calipers, bypassing the four way joint?
Thanks

[seaweb11]

You can use a longer dual banjo bolt on the M/C and using longer lines to go direct to calipers

[BobbyRc51]

The the caliper end isn't a banjo style fitting.  Any suggestions?

[seaweb11]

No, the one at the M/C is. There are a number of ways of doing it,  fittings etc.
I suggest you thoroughly read the links I offered, and try a search off the main page for dual brakes.

Lots of photos as well.

[BobbyRc51]

Thank you all for your suggestions.   So far I found that the master cylinder was rusted and leaking, one of the ports was also plugged.  The lines are ok, but what I found that was disturbing was on the joint down on the tripple clamp.  This was a stock unit with one hose coming and two going down the brake calipers.  When the previous owner did this mod he didn't invest in a double banjo so only one line was getting direct pressure and return.  Not good. I will rebuild the system and purchase the correct banjo bolt for the job.

Thank u all

[seaweb11]

Yeah, that would do it