Honda-SOHC

SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB500/550 => Topic started by: Murf on October 31, 2025, 10:48:24 AM

Title: Installing new rear wheel bearings 75 K1 550
Post by: Murf on October 31, 2025, 10:48:24 AM

Following on from removing the Cush drive I decided to renew the wheel bearings because they did not feel great.
I have now got the new bearings and plan to install them next week.
On most Hondas I have worked on the wheel bearing on one side should be fully seated and the other bearing pressed in until it has light contact with the distance piece.  I have looked in the 550 manual and there is no mention of this, in fact very little information at all. 
So can anyone tell me which bearing should be put in first and fully seated.
Thanks
Bike is 75 K1 550.

Title: Re: Installing new rear wheel bearings 75 K1 550
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on October 31, 2025, 01:27:36 PM

Not sure if this helps its my 500 project should show you how I fitted the bearings.


https://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,28541.735.html

Title: Re: Installing new rear wheel bearings 75 K1 550
Post by: Bryanj on October 31, 2025, 02:23:48 PM

Fit the one with the retainer first

Title: Re: Installing new rear wheel bearings 75 K1 550
Post by: Murf on November 01, 2025, 09:27:32 AM

Thanks for the help, I will get the bearings changed and hopefully get some time to start getting the rear end of the bike back together.

I like your tip about the slotted plastic tube for holding everything in line Ted, will definitely be using it, as they say  ‘every day is a school day’

Title: Re: Installing new rear wheel bearings 75 K1 550
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on November 01, 2025, 04:33:55 PM

I used push fit 15 mm type pipe iirc, it was a bit tight so I did a lengthways saw cut.
Perfect. fit

Title: Re: Installing new rear wheel bearings 75 K1 550
Post by: exvalvesetdabbler on November 01, 2025, 06:27:08 PM

Or just use the axle, well greased of course.


Regards
Dave

Title: Re: Installing new rear wheel bearings 75 K1 550
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on November 01, 2025, 08:56:24 PM

The advantage of using plastic pipe is you can cut it so it's not as long as the axle, this means the bearing is easy to drift in
Knocking in a bearing with the axel sticking out too far makes it difficult imho.