Topic: 77 CB550F swing arm bushings

[GardenGnome]

So I was in conversation with Calj727 about my swing arm being too tight to install. The conclusion that we came to was the bronze bushings were too thick white the dust caps go. It was recommended that To fix this issue to sand down the ends some to get them to fit correctly. While I agree that this would work, I am uncomfortable attempting this.

I am wondering what input there is towards the plastic looking ones from Davidsilverspares V.S. the bronze ones? If the bronze ones are more recommended where can I buy them so I don't have to do any modifying to them?

Thanks much for reading.

[DaveBarbier]

I bet you can find a machinist near you to turn them down a bit (you’d have to give him a measurement) for pretty cheap.

You could ship them to me if you want, I’ll do it for free. But I’m in CT 06468.

How much would they have to be reduced?

[shads]

Gnome, Ive got a '77 550K3 (looks to have the same swingarm as yours) and ive got the same concerns about the using the bronze bushings - specifically im concerned that the lip on bronze bushing will be to thick/thin length-ways when compared to the OEM plastic ones.  Ive got the Kenosha Kid ones off ebay by the way.

Unfortunately, I chucked out the OEM plastic ones out shortly after removing them (didn't realise how tricky these old swingarms are at the time!), so don't have anything to measure.  Can you accurately measure the lip thickness of the OEM ones?  Ill report back what bronze ones are when I get a spare 5 mins to measure them.

 

[Smudgemo]

Just throwing out possibilities here.  Is the frame straight?

I had mine straightened and was told it had lived a "spirited" life.  Bought those same bushings (I presume) and it all went together just fine.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I have a NOS set of plastic ones from a NOS CB750F0 swing arm that I could measure IF they are the same part number. I used Kenosha Kid's set instead without any problems but again my bike is a 750F.

[rosewood]

I haven't rebuilt my swing arm yet but I was considering machining off the lip/shoulder of the bronze bushings so they would fit completely inside the swing arm and then installing the OEM plastic end caps that some models came with that didn't have the shouldered bush.

I have heard the the shoulders/lips on the bronze ones have a tendency to break.   

[shads]

I have a NOS set of plastic ones from a NOS CB750F0 swing arm that I could measure IF they are the same part number. I used Kenosha Kid's set instead without any problems but again my bike is a 750F.

Yeah, yours looks to be the same part number as the 77/78 550.  If you could measure the lip that would be really helpful!

https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550-four-cb550k3-1977-usa_model1015/bush-rrforkpivot_52108457300/

[Stev-o]

Just throwing out possibilities here.  Is the frame straight?

Also - did you loosen the engine mounting bolts?  [if the motor is in the frame]

Try to get an accurate measurement, how much too wide is it?  This is not common.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I have a NOS set of plastic ones from a NOS CB750F0 swing arm that I could measure IF they are the same part number. I used Kenosha Kid's set instead without any problems but again my bike is a 750F.

Yeah, yours looks to be the same part number as the 77/78 550.  If you could measure the lip that would be really helpful!

https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550-four-cb550k3-1977-usa_model1015/bush-rrforkpivot_52108457300/

They WERE hanging on my wall........... I'll have to do more digging in the basement archives.

The thickness of the lip is 1.8mm

[shads]

Ok, I just measured my bronze ones.  1.95mm lip.  So maybe they do need filing/turning down a bit.  Is 0.15mm on each side too much?