Axle spacer turning

  • chuck hahn
  • chuck hahn's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 54
  • Thanks: 1

Axle spacer turning

24 Aug 2025 14:00 - 24 Aug 2025 14:13
#916378
Bike is a 81 KZ55A2. Kid burned up the bearing on sprocket side. Nut was so tight the wheel almost wouldnt turn. Today i got new bearings and put them in. However when I tightened down the nut same thing happens. So i loosened the nut till the wheel would turn freely and started the bike. I noticed the spacer on the sprocket side that goes into the dust seal will turn on the axle and its not supposed to. Looking at the parts fiche I noticed theres an oring, part number 671B255 on the sprocket side. I didnt see any oring when i took off the wheel and pulled the axle. I laid everything out in order for reassembly and no oring.
So my questions are where exactly is this oring and does it fit next to the bearing?? And second is why is the spacer turning and why when i tighten the nut does it seize the wheel? 
Only thing im unsure of is the spacer that fits inside the sprocket hub. Somethings definitely missing on the rear axle set up. Guess ill take it off the swing arm in the morning to check that everything i see on the fiche is there.
Last edit: 24 Aug 2025 14:13 by chuck hahn.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • asphalt900
  • asphalt900's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 1380
  • Thanks: 873

Re: Axle spacer turning

25 Aug 2025 05:35
#916392
Your wheel shouldn't bind but..if someone previously over tightened the assembly then you distort the hub spacer between the bearings. This makes the radial bearings ride on their sides, tightly. Sprocket carrier bearing shouldn't be affected. Might have to find an NOS hub bearing spacer or distance it slightly, like 004", very slightly. 

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Wookie58
  • Wookie58's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Moderator
  • Moderator
    Registered
  • Posts: 5450
  • Thanks: 3335

Re: Axle spacer turning

25 Aug 2025 06:01
#916393
When you fitted the new bearings did you seat them gently on the centre spacer (too much they will bind straight away, not enough they will bind when tightening the axle nut)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • H1Vindicator
  • H1Vindicator's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 779
  • Thanks: 125

Re: Axle spacer turning

26 Aug 2025 08:13 - 26 Aug 2025 08:31
#916407
the o-ring is #5 in the diagram. fits onto the shock damper side of the wheel into an outer groove. seals against the sprocket carrier. as to the binding. I would verify the wheel components. ebaayy photos can help. spacer #2 is captured inside the wheel between the bearings. collar/spacer #22 goes on the drum side. that comment about driving the bearings doesn't work for me. I drive bearings until they're seated. using a light coating of wheel bearing grease as a lubricant so they go in easier. bearings typically fit tight so the grease has no effect afterwards. except to deter corrosion. 

ebaayy item 303069682234. photo #11. Ltd rear wheel. should be pretty much the same.
partzilla 1980-81 550A1/A2 rear wheel. www.partzilla.com/catalog/kawasaki/motor...ake-chain-80-81-a1-a
Last edit: 26 Aug 2025 08:31 by H1Vindicator.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Wookie58
  • Wookie58's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Moderator
  • Moderator
    Registered
  • Posts: 5450
  • Thanks: 3335

Re: Axle spacer turning

26 Aug 2025 10:54
#916411
the o-ring is #5 in the diagram. fits onto the shock damper side of the wheel into an outer groove. seals against the sprocket carrier. as to the binding. I would verify the wheel components. ebaayy photos can help. spacer #2 is captured inside the wheel between the bearings. collar/spacer #22 goes on the drum side. that comment about driving the bearings doesn't work for me. I drive bearings until they're seated. using a light coating of wheel bearing grease as a lubricant so they go in easier. bearings typically fit tight so the grease has no effect afterwards. except to deter corrosion. 

ebaayy item 303069682234. photo #11. Ltd rear wheel. should be pretty much the same.
partzilla 1980-81 550A1/A2 rear wheel. www.partzilla.com/catalog/kawasaki/motor...ake-chain-80-81-a1-a
Obviously as always the choice is yours as to whether or not you choose to take any advice offered   

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: Street Fighter LTD
Powered by Kunena Forum