1985 Big Red Front Axle Problems

[Beck1979]

I am helping a friend work on his 85 Big Red. He just bought it and the front axle bearings are shot. We have got the front wheel and tire off but we cannot get either the axle out or get the piece that holds the bearings off the axle. We talked to a mechanic and he said that most of the axle's get seized in the front and you cannot get them out. The bearing closest to the brakes seems to be fine but we cannot get all of the old bearing off of the axle to just replace the other side. Anyone ever had a simillar problem or have any ideas on what are next thing to try should be. If anyone needs any pics to help describe what I am trying to say, let me know and I can e-mail digital pics. Thanks to everyone in advance.

[als250]

ooooohhhhhhhyyyyeeeaaaahhh!! Please, NO PICS HERE!! I've seen it! My advice, e-bay!! I just had same prob on my '85 sx. I heat, beat, drilled and pried. Could not get it out. Gave it to my bro in-law to take to work (they have 50 ton press). He couldn't get it punched out, so he cut axle($65.00 OEM Honda) in half and pushed it out from each direction. In the mean time I found one on e-bay got it for $5.00 + $10.00 s/h. Just make sure to e-mail and ask about bearings! Still taking your chances though. Well that's my experience.Good Luck!! ;)

Al

[atcmatt]

yea what a trailprotrailprotrailprotrailprotrailpro

im having the same problem except my bearings aint stuffed im just trying to get the axel out hammer and stuff doesent work so i took it to a guy to press it out it there as i type. God i dont like my chances of getting it out with a press now!!!!!!!!!! and id never find a new one here in Australia either an axel that is, damn.

good luck

matt
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[als250]

Good Luck guys! Never know,you might have better luck with yours! Hope for the best/expect the worst! :D

Al

[Clioboy1200]

I had exactly the same problem a few months ago. We tried the big chuffin hammer approach to start- no luck. Then we tried heatin the outside case until the alloy in the brake hub started to melt, and the big chuffin hammer- still no luck. Finally my uncle got it, and stuck it in a 20 ton press. it did the trick, but unfortunately the brake hub got smashed in the process, so now the bike runs with a spacer there the brake should be. Good part was he had a set of bearings in his work the same size, and replace the original bearing with a sealed type which should last me my lifetime! Best of luck, but if you know anyone in a foundary or workshop with a press it'll save the axle. The threads on my axle had to be reworked, but luckily my uncle again had the equipment.

Good luck!

[Beck1979]

Just wanted to let everyone know how it is all going. We did get the bearing carrier off using a 55 ton press. We tried and tried to get the axle out using a 1/2" impact and could not. We talked it over and deceided the worst thing we could do is end up having to buy a new shock and a new axle, so we put the 3/4" impact to it. After a few beers, couple hours and a lot of bad words, we did get the axle to come out without tearing up the threads on the axle or the shock. Right now we are thinking it is a miracle. Thanks to everyone that pitched in with info and if anyone needs the fine details on how we got all this done, please feel free to e-mail me and I will help where I can. Thanks again everyone!

[atcmatt]

good onya

but what is an impact and how odes it work

the engeneer that has mine hasent done it yet but i hope it comes out, good luck on fixing that red, im in the process of doin it aswell, but on a 200 red

matt