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01-01-2008, 10:02 PM razorboy Joined on 01-01-2008 Ojai, CA Posts 96 Removing the swingarm lock nut? Hey Guys, Just wondering what you fellas have come up with to remove the swingarm lock nut? I am disassembling the frame in prep for powdercoating. Cheers Bernie 1982 Honda GL500 Silverwing (Kermit)    Report

01-01-2008, 11:42 PM jhovel Joined on 01-02-2008 Near Bendigo, Australia Posts 69 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? You'll need to borrow or make yourself a "special tool" out of a piece of waterpipe using a hacksaw and file. Takes about 10 minutes... You cut a sensible piece - 6 inces is convenient - of the right size pipe (1 1/4" from memory), drill a 1/2" hole across one end for a tommy bar, mark and cut 4 cuts to outline the spaces in the castellations of the nut on the opposite end (measure!) and file out the bits in between. You can then simply slide it into the locknut ans stick a piece of 1/2" round steel or a large screw driver through the hole and unscrew it. Easy as. While you are at it, make the same sort of tool for your clutch locknut :) Cheers,    Report

01-02-2008, 12:33 AM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? Alternately, you can order the Honda tool.  The part number is in the Honda shop manual, and it can be ordered from PartsFish.  The link is under the Links tab above. Unfortunately Service Honda will not sell tools and they usually have better parts prices than PartsFish. Some folks cut a socket to fabricate the tool.  I tried but did not have much luck, especially on a really stubborn locknut. One handy thing about PartsFish is the lookup feature if you enter the part number directly.  It will tell you which bikes a given part is used on.  This knowledge is especially useful when searching on ebay.  For example, the basic GL500 brake caliper was used on many other models, particularly the popular Magna and Sabre in certain years - only the mounting bracket was different - and used calipers for these bikes are plentiful by comparison. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650 This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

01-02-2008, 1:32 AM Eurovee. Joined on 12-29-2006 Euroland Posts 513 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? That locknut can be a real swine to get out,and a proper tool is the only way to go. I`ve seen PO`s attempts which looked like they had attacked it with a hammer and chisel - not pretty... Pic of the tool i made; http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/esox/locnut.jpg CX650 Eurosprout CX500 Eurospurt GL650 Silverthing CX/GL 500 CX-periment 24 years and 140,000 miles a CXian...    Report

01-02-2008, 7:08 AM R80Dave Joined on 03-03-2006 Appleton, WI Posts 851 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? FYI: If you make the tool, weld an impact socket to the opposite end. Then you can take the nut out a lot easier with an impact wrench. Impact sockets can be welded easier and remain stronger than thinner standard sockets. Also, then you can use the same tool to torque it back properly if it needs to be torqued, like the clutch nut does. David in Wisconsin    Report

01-02-2008, 8:23 AM razorboy Joined on 01-01-2008 Ojai, CA Posts 96 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? Thanx for the help guys, I guess I will attempt to make one first and if that doesn't work, I will drop for the real tool from Honda. It will probably come down to how stubborn the nut is I guess? Bernie 1982 Honda GL500 Silverwing (Kermit)    Report

01-02-2008, 4:10 PM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? Here's a photo of the Honda tool. Note the tool has a "hollow" center section.  This is so a hex bit socket can be inserted to prevent the inner bolt from turning and tightening up while the locknut is being torqued.  That's something you may want to consider if making your own tool. My attempt to fabricate a tool by cutting up a socket was a dismal failure.  I hadn't cut the socket square enough to have much contact area and the tabs were not aligned properly so they would not all make contact at the same time.  Also, it was a standard socket so the wall was fairly thin, and its diameter was not exactly the same as the locknut.  All I really accomplished was wasted time, skinned knuckles, a destroyed socket, and a deformed locknut.  It may have worked if this particular locknut hadn't been torqued so tightly. Hopefully your luck will be better. I finally broke down and ordered the Honda tool.  It was a little expensive at the time but it made the job a breeze and has been used on several bikes since.  A good tool is truly an investment. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650 This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

01-02-2008, 5:36 PM mildhog Joined on 11-21-2007 Chesapeake, VA Posts 856 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? Dave, The P/N in the manual is 07908-4690001. The nearest I can find is 07908-4690003. Couldn't find a picture. Do you know if this is the same? Found it at Hondadirectlineusa.com for $60.80 incl shipping. Cheapest I could find but still pricey. Thanks. Arnie in VA 1980 GL1100I Goldwing 1982 GL500I Silverwing 1983 GL650 (The stable is full)    Report

01-02-2008, 5:51 PM DaveNearAtlanta Joined on 03-03-2006 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 500 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? Ouch, that's expensive!  My tool is stamped with 07908-4690003, and I'm fairly certain it's either the same as the original tool or slightly improved.  It seems like it sold for around $30 when I bought it. It also looks like PartsFish no longer carries it. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650 This User ID is no longer used. DaveF is my new User ID.    Report

01-02-2008, 6:00 PM mildhog Joined on 11-21-2007 Chesapeake, VA Posts 856 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? Sounds like the same tool. I might try to make one before I invest $60 for something I will probably only use once. Thanks again. Arnie in VA 1980 GL1100I Goldwing 1982 GL500I Silverwing 1983 GL650 (The stable is full)    Report

01-03-2008, 10:51 AM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,899 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? You can make what you need from a 12 point 1 1/8" socket by cutting away teh part in between 4 opposing ridges to a depth of about 1/4". I couldn't get a 12 point when I made mine so I had to use a single hex - it works OK but it was more work to make. One of the big advantages to using a socket is that you can put it on your torque wrench and tighten it up correctly. Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

01-03-2008, 11:26 AM mildhog Joined on 11-21-2007 Chesapeake, VA Posts 856 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? Thanks. Will do. Arnie in VA 1980 GL1100I Goldwing 1982 GL500I Silverwing 1983 GL650 (The stable is full)    Report

01-03-2008, 7:40 PM drneo Joined on 10-20-2006 Iowa City, Iowa Posts 378 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? My father and I made the tool out of a socket and it worked great. I didn have any trouble with the center spinning on me. If you would like, I would be more than welcome to send it to you, but it would take a couple of weeks since it is not with me at the moment. That offer goes for anyone. To get it to line up correctly, we ended up using Play-Doh to mold it without too much work. ~Thom 1982 GL500I - "Couchy" 65,000 miles down... 35,000 to go. www.trainwiththom.com    Report

01-03-2008, 9:08 PM mildhog Joined on 11-21-2007 Chesapeake, VA Posts 856 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? Thanks, but I've got several sockets I can use, so I'll just make one. Arnie in VA 1980 GL1100I Goldwing 1982 GL500I Silverwing 1983 GL650 (The stable is full)    Report

01-04-2008, 9:27 AM razorboy Joined on 01-01-2008 Ojai, CA Posts 96 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? Using Playdoh is pretty creative. I think I will give it a go at making one as well. You can buy impact sockets from Harbor Freight for pretty cheap. I won't have any isssues about hacking up chinese crap tools. Cheers Bernie 1982 Honda GL500 Silverwing (Kermit)    Report

01-07-2008, 8:38 AM razorboy Joined on 01-01-2008 Ojai, CA Posts 96 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? Just a followup..... I made a very quick, bastardized version of the Honda tool and even though it was quite ugly to look at, it did work. The locknut wasn't very tight however and came off with relative ease. I made the tool in less time than it would have taken me to go to town and order one thats for sure - so it can be done. Cheers Bernie 1982 Honda GL500 Silverwing (Kermit)    Report

01-07-2008, 9:08 AM mildhog Joined on 11-21-2007 Chesapeake, VA Posts 856 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? Thanks for the followup.  Haven't tried it yet, been sick.  But I'll give it a go this week sometime. Arnie in VA 1980 GL1100I Goldwing 1982 GL500I Silverwing 1983 GL650 (The stable is full)    Report

03-17-2008, 12:36 PM mildhog Joined on 11-21-2007 Chesapeake, VA Posts 856 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? Finally got around to making the tool out of a 1-1/8" Socket so I could disassemble my parts bike. Worked great. Thanks guys. Arnie in VA 1980 GL1100I Goldwing 1982 GL500I Silverwing 1983 GL650 (The stable is full)    Report

05-24-2008, 4:31 PM PirateYarr Joined on 04-16-2008 Corvallis, OR Posts 106 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? Drneo - I would love to have/use that tool you made.  I'm in no way setup to make such an item.  This is for the center locknut in the clutch housing correct? 1980 Cx500 Custom "Rusty Bob" - Sold New Bike: 1999 Honda Shadow Spirit VT1100C    Report

05-11-2009, 7:39 AM ChopperCharles Joined on 02-18-2006 Chapel Hill, NC Posts 613 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? You're lucky. I can't get the locknut off my GL500 to save my life, and I have the Honda socket and an air impact wrench. No way, no how, it's not coming off. Have to get my O2 refilled so I can melt it out with my cutting torch. Charles. 87 TW200 (STOLEN! Help me find it!) 93 EX500 Ninja Street Fighter Project 84 V65 Magna (daily rider) 75 GL1000 (in pieces) 79 CX500 Deluxe Street Fighter Project 81 GL500 Interstate Restoration Project Location: Durham, NC    Report

05-11-2009, 2:41 PM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,899 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? When we were setting Eccles up (CX650E with CX/GL500 rear end)  I couldn't get the locknut off. I ended up drilling through it in one of the notches where the wrench is suposed to engage. I think I used about a 1/8" drill bit. If you're careful you can split the nut without damaging the threads. After I drilled through it the presure in the threads was relieved and it came out fairly easily.If it didn't turn with one hole I would have drilled another opposite to the first one and removed it in 2 pieces. Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

05-11-2009, 5:43 PM ChopperCharles Joined on 02-18-2006 Chapel Hill, NC Posts 613 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? Yeah, that's what I plan to do with the cutting torch, just as soon as I can get my oxygen refilled. Charles. 87 TW200 (STOLEN! Help me find it!) 93 EX500 Ninja Street Fighter Project 84 V65 Magna (daily rider) 75 GL1000 (in pieces) 79 CX500 Deluxe Street Fighter Project 81 GL500 Interstate Restoration Project Location: Durham, NC    Report

05-12-2009, 4:12 AM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,899 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? I think drilling it, while a bit more work, is a better bet than using the torch. With the torch you stand a good chance of welding it on. Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

05-12-2009, 7:34 AM bri-guy-ga Joined on 06-04-2008 Powder Springs, GA Posts 702 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? Once you get the nut off, is there any reason you can't put on a more standard nut? Or is there something special about the factory one? 1982 GL500i (currently being rebuilt from ground up) NO! Try not. Do or do not do. There is no try - Yoda    Report

05-12-2009, 2:29 PM Sidecar Bob Joined on 03-02-2006 Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Posts 1,899 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? The nut we're talking about is #19 in the pic below. It threads onto the Pivot Bolt (#14) to keep it from moving out of adjustment as the swingarm pivots up & down. It has to fit inside a hole in the frame the size of the Swingarm Pivot Nut (#6). If you were to use a hex nut you wouldn't be able to get a wrench on it. The type of nut used is actually a fairly standard way of doing this kind of thing. The problem is that it has probably not been disturbed in 25+ years, during which it has not always been protected from the elements. Mr. Honda ('83 GL1000/Dnepr) summer The Famous Eccles ('84 GX650EI/Velorex700) winter WHY I HAVEN"T BEEN AROUND MUCH LATELY    Report

05-13-2009, 6:34 AM bri-guy-ga Joined on 06-04-2008 Powder Springs, GA Posts 702 Re: Removing the swingarm lock nut? Oops. Nevermind. When the time comes to do mine I will politely ask Dave to borrow his. 1982 GL500i (currently being rebuilt from ground up) NO! Try not. Do or do not do. There is no try - Yoda    Report

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