Topic: Need Steps On Removing and Mounting/Aligning Rear Wheel

[no718.com]

Hey All,

If anyone already knows of a thread on this topic please point me there I've tried looking. If not, here's my situation . . .

I have a '78 CB750 K4 and want to change the rear pads and wheel bearings before I get her on the road for the season. This will be my first time ever removing and mounting a rear wheel and understand it's very important to have things pretty close to dead center when mounting.

If you have pointers or must do's that are needed that's always appreciated.

Also, what are the chrome looking adjuster pieces bolted onto the end of the frame/wheel axle? Looks like an adjustable spacer of some sort?

You're all probably reading this and saying geez this guys doesn't know his ass from his elbow . . . but how else do I learn.

Thanks for all help in advance.


   

[Toxic]

Dude, you need to get your hands on a manual and start reading.  It's all very well detailed in there.

You can find a link to a free download version on this site

[Kong]

The best way I've found is to strap a long straight edge to the sides of the rear tire.  The straight edge needs to extend under the bike to past the front wheel.  Then you simply straighten out the front wheel and adjust the rear wheel until they are parallel.  Alternatively you can simply measure from the swing arm bolt to the axle to assure yourself that the factory marks are correct on your bike.  The problem with measuring or with just using the factory marks is they don't tell you if the front and rear wheels are tracking parallel to each other.  There are bikes that have the wheels offset, but even they must run parallel to each other.  Long sections of aluminum "L" shaped or channle section (sold at Lowe's and Home Depot) work just fine for this.  I've been told that long florescent light bulbs work too, but I've never tried one of them.  Strap your straight edges on with surgical tubing.

[cameron]

Also, what are the chrome looking adjuster pieces bolted onto the end of the frame/wheel axle? Looks like an adjustable spacer of some sort?
 

Look, man.... here's some advice:
Until you can answer the question above.. DO NOT remove your rear wheel. You will die.

Start with the basics. Learn about chain adjustment and routine maintenance. Maybe do a little tune up,,, adjust the breaks, the chain and the clutch.

Once you can do those things, THEN lets talk about bearings and pads, ok?

And if you already know all that stuff.. i intend no offense.

[Grabcon]

By the way your chain is way stretched. It looks like you are out of adjustment. Get the manual and do a little reading.

[wildcatmahone]

Also, what are the chrome looking adjuster pieces bolted onto the end of the frame/wheel axle? Looks like an adjustable spacer of some sort?
 

Look, man.... here's some advice:
Until you can answer the question above.. DO NOT remove your rear wheel. You will die.

Start with the basics. Learn about chain adjustment and routine maintenance. Maybe do a little tune up,,, adjust the breaks, the chain and the clutch.

Once you can do those things, THEN lets talk about bearings and pads, ok?

And if you already know all that stuff.. i intend no offense.

Yeh man get it done by someone who's knows what they're doing it's your ass on the line.

[no718.com]

Thanks guys. No offense taken. You all obviously have my best interests in mind.

I will def get a copy of the manual an start doing the reading and for now, you are all absolutely correct It is my ass on the line so I'll bring her to a shop for now until I've gotten more experience thoroughly understanding the way the bike functions and works.

[cameron]

Screw that... don't take it to a shop!
They will kill you just as dead! It's not like they work on these old things every day.

Just start at the beginning. You probably dont even need new pads and bearings ANYWAY.
Start with routine monthly-type maintenance.... work up to the other stuff.

[chickenman_26]

I'll bring her to a shop for now until I've gotten more experience thoroughly understanding the way the bike functions and works.

Smart man!

[Kong]

To remove the wheel loosen the axle nut first*.  Then loosen the vertical bolts on the chrome adjusters on each side of the axle all the way (back them out).  Once they adjusters have been loosened pull the wheel backwards a little bit by hand and swing the adjusters either up or down, but get them out of the way.  Then remove the vertical bolt at the top and extreme rear of each side of swing arm.  Removing that bolt on each side will allow the stop blocks to fall out of the big slot in the rear of the swing arm and once they are gone the rear wheel slide out as soon as you disconnect the chain.  Reassembly is done in nearly the reverse order, except that the last thing you will do is reconnect the chain and replace the chain guard.  I think that pretty much covers it, but if I missed a step someone will tell you.

For most alignment you will notice a set of raised hash marks on the vertical fin looking part of the swing arm above where the axle resides in it, there is also a mark on each adjuster.  By turning the bolt that exits the rear of each adjuster you move the axle and do so until the alignment marks on each adjuster are lined up with corresponding marks on the swing arm on each side - the marks are pretty accurate.

And that is how you do it.  The process is slightly more complicated than changing a set of spark plugs, but not as hard as removing a front wheel; its about the same difficulty as putting in and setting a new set of points but requires fewer specialized tools.

* Remove the chain guard first if it hasn't been taken off already.

[drones76]

+1 on what Kong said. 

Also, get very familiar with the exploded diagram for any part you plan to disassemble.  They can be found at www.cmsnl.com

If you can identify each part in the diagram as you take it apart, I find it easier to put it back together.  I keep a small whiteboard in the garage for quick notes.

Take pictures before and during disassembly.  Do NOT trust your memory.