Topic: Speedo drive woes

[petercb750]

I've had this unhealthy noise coming from the front end (of the CB750, not me haha), suspected the speedo or cable (hard to pinpoint on the move). Disconnecting at the speedo didn't stop it, but at the speedo drive did, so thought it had to be the cable. Removed it and the noise largely disappeared. Inner cable appears to be quite good (but will get a new one anyway) but jacking the bike up and spinning the front wheel results in a lot of "chatter" from the drive area.
I assume these are fairly simple to remove once I drop the front wheel out, but are the speedo drives repairable or are they throw away or could it just need a good grease? A new one from DSS is 130pounds, which I'm a little reluctant to spend at this point. Should I just buy earplugs?
Peter.

[MCRider]

I've had this unhealthy noise coming from the front end (of the CB750, not me haha), suspected the speedo or cable (hard to pinpoint on the move). Disconnecting at the speedo didn't stop it, but at the speedo drive did, so thought it had to be the cable. Removed it and the noise largely disappeared. Inner cable appears to be quite good (but will get a new one anyway) but jacking the bike up and spinning the front wheel results in a lot of "chatter" from the drive area.
I assume these are fairly simple to remove once I drop the front wheel out, but are the speedo drives repairable or are they throw away or could it just need a good grease? A new one from DSS is 130pounds, which I'm a little reluctant to spend at this point. Should I just buy earplugs?
Peter.

I've never heard of one failing. Its a little difficult to break the axle nut loose, if it has been on a long time. But that's all that's keeping the speedodrive. 

Don't know if they are reparable, but a good used one should be reasonably priced. hint: I think i may have one. 

[petercb750]

Thanks MCR, once I get this one off (a job for later when the weather's not so good for riding) I'll see what's needed and maybe take up your offer of that "reasonably" priced one........

[Gaither]

FWIW

Fortunately, I haven't had this problem with the bike. Had it many times in years gone by with older cars (most, but not all, in cold weather). Lubing the cable always stopped the noise - on the cars.

Both have a cable & housing. So, you might consider removing the cable from the housing. As you feed the cable back into the housing, slather it good with grease. Might be worth a try and doesn't cost much.

Also, can you also lube the drive? I have no idea about the drive.

Just a thought.

[petercb750]

yes, well that's the main question - can the drives be greased? I've pretty well determined there's not much wrong with the cable...I'm fairly sure the problem is in the drive.

[bird]

My bike sounded crook too. Removed the front wheel and found the drive mount torn apart. Photo evidence attached. Dunno how it happened, but not a good look. Replaced with an old spare and now all good. Hope this helps.

[petercb750]

Ah ha, thanks for that bird. Will be interesting to see what I find.

[dave500]

you can completley dissemble the drive unit and wash and repack it,a small circlip holds the gear in,a small grub screw holds the end cap over the worm gear which can take a little wrangling to remove,i GENTLY tapped the cable drive flat with a brass drift to start it moving then GENTLY trapped the cap in the vise and GENTLY wiggled it out,its splined so dont try to twist it as you go!!

[petercb750]

thanks dave, that's what I needed to know....will report my findings!

[dave500]

theres a small washer/shim not to lose both ends of the worm gear,hidden in grease.