Tips for changing 185s rear axle

[foster]

Despite the fact I'm useless with tools, I'm going to soon tackle changing my rear axle.
The thought occurred to me that I will likely need other new parts.
Let me explain: all I have is the axle. I assume I should take the opportunity to change my sprockets and chain, which are original and showing slight signs of wear.
Also, will I be able to put all the other old rear-end parts back on, or are there parts will naturally have to be replaced?
And if so, what are they?
I can't believe I would be so lucky that I can take apart the arse end and everything will be able to be put back on, right?
Thanks in advance.

[MTS]

I would highly recomend new rear carrier beaings for the axle, or at the very least re-pack them, they have gota be one of the most neglected things, they get tons of water in there and get wrecked easy, and you could go with new sprockets and a chain as a set, use some good chain lube or chain wax on them, check the brake pads see if they need replacin, there like 30 bucks, tip", silicone the brake drum cover back on and make sure the seal in the cover is good, helps keep the water out if you silicone it rather than the rubber gasket,....

[danteross77]

Definetly change your bearings, they are cheap and easily replaced, but more importantly buy yourself a set of axle wrenches, it will make the entire process go more smoothly, also don't forget some new cotterpins. Sounds kind of silly, but you don't want to have a rear wheel come off, Not very proud of it, but it almost happened to me on a atc 110. Good luck.

[foster]

This is all great stuff.
Thanx and keep 'em comin'!
P.S. What are axle wrenches. More accurately, if I go ask at the hardware store for axle wrenches, will they know what I'm talking about or do they go by any other name as well?
Cheers

[slothminx]

Alot of this

http://www.autoone.net.nz/wd40_big.jpg

Spray aload on all the axle parts that are going to be coming off the day before you attempt it and before you go to actually remove the parts. Should make it alot easier and less traumatic lol

[foster]

This world would be a much worse place if not for WD40, I agree.
Thnx for that, Slothminx. I wouldn't have thought of it.
Like I said (and it's good to keep this in mind when feeding me tips) I'm really pretty incompetent as a mechanic. Always eager to learn, though, and I can only learn by DOING it.

[MTS]

They wont have a clue what you mean if you say axle wrench's, i find a big crestent wrench on the nut and a pipe wrench on the axle works best.

[danteross77]

You can buy a set of axle wrenches off of ebay, or you dealer. They are perfect because they are thin and will not cut up your axle nut like a cresent wrench or lord forbid pipe wrench. The 185 should have 2 axle nuts about 1/4 inch wide that hold the axle in the housing, it is hard to find a wrench that large that is that narrow. I bought a set of axle wrenchs specially designed for hondas off of ebay for $18 bucks delivered. If the bike has never had them off they will be a little stubborn having the right tools makes the entire process alot easiler, trust me I have done it both ways.

[bigredhead]

Princess Auto has the BIG wrenches.. you just need to know what size you need. they are frickin huge.

I did it on my 84 red using adjustable chanel locks but the wrenches would be better to keep the nuts in good shape.

Hey Foster.. you plan to do this soon ? If you have all the parts and can do it all within one weekend, i can offer a HEATED GARAGE !!!!, and have alot of tools to help with the job at hand.

Let me know, alot more fun working in T-shirts vs gloves and winter coats !!

[darrel632]

Foster; you need 2 X41mm to pull the nuts off,, tough work with a cresent or pipe wrench

[foster]

You guys are great. As always.
I'll definitely get the proper tools, because they aren't that expensive compared with the time and aggravation I will save.

BRH, I haven't got all my parts yet. Wanna get bearings, sprockets and chain first. Thanks a lot for your offer! I will definitely take advantage of it.
I take it I could pay the garage rent in the form of beer? :D Sounds good to me!

[bigredhead]

Sounds good to me !

I finally installed a buch of fluorescent lights in there so we can see what we are doing and have the ceiling plastic lined to keep the heat nice and low !!!..

I spend more time in the garage than in the living room !!! lol...

Next thing the garage needs .. is a plasma TV and a fridge !.. actually.. i have the fridge already !! woo !!!..

Anytime man ! just pm me when you have your parts ready !

[foster]

Thank you.
I usually do my wrenchin' in a ridin' buddy's nice heated garage, but I can tell he is NOT too enthusiastic about tackling this project. So that leaves my unheated baby barn -- very cold and very cramped.
I'll let ya know when everything is set to go.
Merci again!

[foster]

Two more questions.
1) I will be ordering new chain and sprockets this afternoon. I see on ebay the prices vary. Is there any chain or sprocket that is better than another?
2) I've forgotten the second question. :lol:

[bigredhead]

1- chain and sproket quality vary like everything else.. the more you pay the better you get.. usually.

2- bearings.

[foster]

Bearings, yes, thank you! Doh! Brain fart. . . .
I presume it's the same deal with bearings, ie normally a higher price = better quality?

[darrel632]

No, not so, SKF are as good as it gets same of federal or any other major bearing manufacturer they are all ISO 9000 certified, if its in a Honda package you're gonna pay more for the same bearing. period.
Sunstar makes good sprockets, any good 520 chain is a good 520 chain for a 185 your not applying a whack of torque through the system.

[dooner17]

I have a Honda 200s and the chain was new when I got it. I have to tighten it every time I go out. Now it's toast. What chain brand would you reccomend that wont have to be tightened so often?

[atctim]

I have a Honda 200s and the chain was new when I got it. I have to tighten it every time I go out. Now it's toast. What chain brand would you reccomend that wont have to be tightened so often?

If the chain was new, but the sprockets were old, this would toast a chain. A new chain is designed to fit new sprockets. Old sprockets would force the chain to stretch and wear pre-maturely. Also, it seems to me non-o-ring chains strtch fairly easily because their quality is not that of a fairly expensive o or x ring chain.

[foster]

Ok, new axle is on hand.
Chain and two sprockets are being shipped out today.
New front and rear bearings were shipped out yesterday.
It's a "GO."
I feel like I'm waiting for the birth of a child or somethin'.

[foster]

Oh, and new stickers from "Oldman," too!
Can life get any better? Maybe if someone could lend me some money? I just spent all mine. :lol:

[bigredhead]

Awsome.. all you have to do now is save up for a case of beer and we have a project on our hands !! lol.. !!! oh yeah..

[foster]

Ok, bearings just arrived, along with new rear fender stickers.
Still waiting on the sprockets.
I did buy a 2-4 but it's mostly gone now, ahahahaha. I'll start saving up AGAIN!

[foster]

Still waiting for the sprockets and chain, and waiting, and waiting, and . . . .