Topic: '75 CB550K rear bearing retainer thread direction

[db22]

Time to change out my wheel bearings, now that snow has already fallen here.  In researching bearing changes, I have found posts stating that some 550 rear retainers are left-threaded, some right-threaded.  As far as I can tell, my wheels are original to the 1975 frame . . . so should I pound the wrench clockwise, or counter-clockwise?  I made a retainer tool as demonstrated in a post here, and it seems to fit the retainer well enough.  But the retainer is really tight -- I tried penetrating oil, will try a bit of heat from a torch this weekend.  I just don't want to wreck it by pounding in the wrong direction.  Thanks!

[luap]

wont go any direction until  you drill out the holes

[fiolola]

to loosen clock wise.may be a little tight at first.

[bollingball]

+1 for luap Have you drilled the stakes?
Ken

[dave500]

the front hub has a normal thread and the rear is always a reverse,or left hand thread.

[CapeCafe]

Definently take a small drill bit, find the indent/pin in each of the holes on the retainer ring and drill down about a 1/8".  Once the peens are drilled, use your retainer removal tool and turn counter-clockwise.  Be careful to keep the hub flat as possible to reduce the possibility of cross threading as the retainer comes off.   When you go to put the retainer back on, take care again to keep the hub flat and make sure the retainer is threading smoothly. Take it all the way down until snug and the drill holes (removed peens)show in each of the retainer holes.  Lastly I give each hole a drop of blue loctite.  good luck

[CapeCafe]

Sorry!  I meant to say clock-wise.  The retainer is reverse threaded.  Turn right

[greenjeans]

A heat gun and PB blaster go a long way towards loosening that thing up as well.

[db22]

Thanks to all for the informative replies!  I can't find any spots where the retainer was peened to lock it.  I'll go over it again with a magnifying glass, but I always assumed they'd be easily visible.

[dave500]

just get a punch and with care knock it in the undo(clockwise in this case)in each hole one by one,thatll break it loose,itll come off,,its a very fine thread,,be sure to clean both before you put it back together,,use a little engine oil on the threads.

[db22]

just get a punch and with care knock it in the undo(clockwise in this case)in each hole one by one,thatll break it loose,itll come off,,its a very fine thread,,be sure to clean both before you put it back together,,use a little engine oil on the threads.

Hoping to get back to it this weekend (gotta work all day tomorrow)...thanks again to all.