Rear Wheel Rubber Dampers

[Neilw]

So I've managed to remove the Bearing Retainer with a nifty tool I got for a few quid on Amazon, it's adjustable and did the job beautifully.

The rubber dampers appeared to be in good condition, not damaged in any way, and when everything was cleaned up i refitted.

There is a small amount of movement from the Final Drive Flange that sits on top of the rubbers, probably a few mm either way and maybe a mm rocking up/down.  How much movement should there be before i should replace the rubbers? The manual doesn't say anything - either Haynes or Honda.

[Oddjob]

Should be no movement at all. That’s a 550 hub, different rubbers to the 500. Hard to find new these days. Is the movement with or without the bearing retainer fitted and tightened?

[Neilw]

Should be no movement at all. That’s a 550 hub, different rubbers to the 500. Hard to find new these days. Is the movement with or without the bearing retainer fitted and tightened?

It's without the bearing retainer fitted and tightened. Before I took it off, there was some movement, which led me to take it off, but after cleaning, the movement seemed a little less. Yes, its for the 550 and yes, I've found it difficult to find a supplier for a reasonable price.

[Oddjob]

When you reassemble it make sure you use some MolyD grease on the sliding surface of the sprocket carrier. Have you checked that yet, no grease makes them go oval and that may be your problem. Look at the grooves in the surface, they should all look the same and feel the same.

[Neilw]

When you reassemble it make sure you use some MolyD grease on the sliding surface of the sprocket carrier. Have you checked that yet, no grease makes them go oval and that may be your problem. Look at the grooves in the surface, they should all look the same and feel the same.

3 of the grooves are the same depth and profile, the 4th is worn down, see pics.

I only intend doing a few 100 miles a year, i've also found a supplier, Honda Classics that has the rubbers for £38 for a set. What's best to do?

[Oddjob]

Really bad and the grooves are almost gone. Yours isn’t fantastic but it may suffice. Remove the damper rubbers and fit the carrier with the retainer tightened. Check to see how much movement you get then. A new set of rubbers will help take up some of the movement so long as there isn’t a lot to start with.

[Neilw]

Really bad and the grooves are almost gone. Yours isn’t fantastic but it may suffice. Remove the damper rubbers and fit the carrier with the retainer tightened. Check to see how much movement you get then. A new set of rubbers will help take up some of the movement so long as there isn’t a lot to start with.

OK, I'll try that and see how i get on. I guess a second hand replacement in good condition may be difficult to find. there is one on Ebay https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/128050526747?_skw=cb550+rear+wheel+flange&itmmeta=01M1HKMSMVJQC1YMY99GX67WTG&hash=item1dd067fa1b:g:tY8AAeSwbS9qksm4&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAAA8GfYFPkwiKCW4ZNSs2u11xD1DiVzOs6d%2FBfLWg1LVd4ahzecGPJXxq4JXqnwR%2B4xtoHFCMH%2BUl4jORMvn67kVnCYqdWNhG1GKB7pGtKS%2FGcfyZ6HMdYOYVCp5MSs5Qy7mtYlONBTWo151BlXfTbAjWx2iSmylFL%2FBbdSxwzEgyxJRdZVDMASydl6l1LfGheB2dI3LKK%2F5C3pS2mrkN8HZVLI1cvkKA7Z7NHSAQrJpkuuNNKdn7tkNiDXybwVjgFqmDgZugIFUCVkzllhMlSI9GExTnosxB8XmTZi9x8GyqWo0L4ouQwweRV2gIt0yxmbGA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-ya07OMaA, but i cant tell the condition.

[Bryanj]

Problem is Hondas were so damed reliable that nobody ever took the retainer out so it never got re greased!!

[Oddjob]

For the price I would buy that. Dirt cheap for what it is.

[mickwinf]

that ebay listing is mine! glad its going to a good home. I have a retainer as well if required.

[mickwinf]

I stuck the retainer in the box, if you dont need it pass it on or chuck it.

[Neilw]

I stuck the retainer in the box, if you dont need it pass it on or chuck it.

Thank you.

[Neilw]

that ebay listing is mine! glad its going to a good home. I have a retainer as well if required.

Seems to be a much better fit, no wobble, although some minor rotational movement, which i guess is rubber-related. It's a few mm, so do I need to replace the rubbers, or will I get away with the existing ones?

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

What is the  general condition of the  rubbers, are they still soft enough to do the job or have they gone hard or do they look cracked or perished?   

Is the few mm movement  slack with no resistance or is there some resistance?
It's a judgement issue that you will have a gut instinct for.

[Neilw]

What is the  general condition of the  rubbers, are they still soft enough to do the job or have they gone hard or do they look cracked or perished?   

Is the few mm movement  slack with no resistance or is there some resistance?
It's a judgement issue that you will have a gut instinct for.

They are in good condition, not particularly hard and no cracks. I'm inclined to try it like is and see what it's like to ride. I guess i'll notice slip or a clonking noise if the rubbers are worn.