Topic: Need help with front axle nut torque specs on CB 500

[Spike]

I replaced my front axle bearings with the kit from Alls-Balls.  Bearing removal and replacement went fine.  I checked the manual and found that the torque spec for the front axle nut is listed at 33-40 ft lbs.  It seems that there would be undue pressure on the bearings at that setting.  Tightening the axle nut to "just snug" for me puts the outside end of the axle nut flush with the end of the axle shaft and allows free spinning of the wheel.  This is much less than 33 ft lbs of torque on the nut.  When I take the nut much tighter than that the rotation of the wheel is not free.  What am I overlooking? 

[MoMo]

I have a feeling the bearings are not fully seated. What is happening to you should not happen...Larry

[Spike]

Thanks for the reply Larry -- I plan on pulling the speedo drive and bushings and checking that again.

[Terry in Australia]

Did you remember to replace the spacer between the two bearings mate? Cheers, Terry.

[Spike]

Did you remember to replace the spacer between the two bearings mate? Cheers, Terry.

Yes, the internal spacer is there, the bearing retainer is back in place and snugged down to the original position, and the bearing on the opposite side is installed ( I will go back and make sure it is set fully in its seat.

[Terry in Australia]

No worries, stick your finger through one of the bearings and make sure that the internal spacer is hard up against it with no noticeable gap. Cheers, Terry.

[dave500]

you can miscue the speedo drive gear jigger,by just a little,you should be able to way over tighten the axle nut and not affect its turning friction,,i just do them up real tight,back off the nut and square the speedo drive back again.

[MoMo]

you can miscue the speedo drive gear jigger,by just a little,you should be able to way over tighten the axle nut and not affect its turning friction,,i just do them up real tight,back off the nut and square the speedo drive back again.

That is most likely what happened-prongs in the drive aren't lined up correctly, but it also could be the bearings not seated...Larry

[MCRider]

you can miscue the speedo drive gear jigger,by just a little,you should be able to way over tighten the axle nut and not affect its turning friction,,i just do them up real tight,back off the nut and square the speedo drive back again.

I don't have anything to add about the 500. But i want to confirm this. Whether front or rear, the tightness of the axle nut should not affect the wheels ability to roll smoothly. If it does, something is wrong.

[bollingball]

+1 MC  If you cranked it up to 60# it should still spin freely. There should be no pressure between the inner and outer races. which is what you are doing
Ken

[Spike]

Thanks to all for your suggestions and support.  I'm such a dumbarse!!  I had in fact not seated the speedometer drive correctly.  The good news I didn't force anything and damage the drive.  Hopefully this exercise will help someone else down the line.

Moral of the story: work slowly and carefully, checking your work along the way and if you are true to yourself and have some skills you should trust your instincts.

I'm glad to be a part of such a great group.  Sometimes the moral support is all you need to get past a bump in the road.

[MCRider]

Thanks to all for your suggestions and support.  I'm such a dumbarse!!  I had in fact not seated the speedometer drive correctly.  The good news I didn't force anything and damage the drive.  Hopefully this exercise will help someone else down the line.

Moral of the story: work slowly and carefully, checking your work along the way and if you are true to yourself and have some skills you should trust your instincts.

I'm glad to be a part of such a great group.  Sometimes the moral support is all you need to get past a bump in the road.

Good on you! Very common mistake.

[dinosaurocker]

Appreciate this old thread, I just went through same thing with 1972 CB450 (speedo not lined up just right) . . . .sure is reassuring to find answers like this on forum . . . . Thanks all!