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Front Sprocket Removal
- rhinoboard
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Like many other people on this board, I'm having trouble removing the front sprocket. From reading posts in the archive, I've learned that the sprocket nut is a regular right-hand threaded nut and the socket size should be 1 1/16th and it will require a ton of torque to get this sucker off and it's best done with an impact wrench.
What I don't know is how in the world to get the sprocket to hold still. I kept the old chain on and attempted having someone stand on the rear brake while I torqued away on the nut, but this resulted in bending the torsion arm that holds the rear brake in place. There is a hole in the sprocket that looks like you should be able to put a drill bit thru and lock it into place on the engine, but it doesn't look like it lines up with any holes on the engine. The clymer manual says something about fashioning a sprocket holding tool using the old chain and a piece of wood, but I don't know what that means. Anybody have any experience with this?
One more question - the sprocket nut looks like a double nut - 1 1/16th and then a 1 1/4th behind it. Are these nuts two separate nuts? Or are they one nut together?
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- BSKZ650
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77 kz650, owned for over 25 years
77 ltd1000, current rider
76 kz900, just waiting
73 z1,, gonna restore this one
piglet, leggero harley davidson
SR, Ride captian, S.E.Texas Patriot Guard Riders.. AKA KawaBob
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- PLUMMEN
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Still recovering,some days are better than others.
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- Biquetoast
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- King Jeremy The Wicked
First off, I have a 1981 KZ440 LTD.
Like many other people on this board, I'm having trouble removing the front sprocket....
What I don't know is how in the world to get the sprocket to hold still....
fashioning a sprocket holding tool using the old chain and a piece of wood, but I don't know what that means. Anybody have any experience with this?
One more question - the sprocket nut looks like a double nut - 1 1/16th and then a 1 1/4th behind it. Are these nuts two separate nuts? Or are they one nut together?
If I remember correctly, it's a single 27mm nut, and there should be a lock-washer behind it. Perhaps the tabs/edges of the lock washer that are folded over are confusing you?
The Clymer reference probably means that if you jam a block of wood between the chain and sprocket, the sprocket can no longer turn (since the wood cannot trravel around the sprocket *with* the chain). I guess. I don't know...
Here's what I posted a while back on the "Kawasaki Twins" forum about this very situation...
Link to post
(1.) '75/'76 KZ400D - Commuter
(2.) '78 KZ750B3 Twin - Commuter
(3.) '78 KZ750B3 Twin - Commuter
(4.) '75 KZ400D - Sold
kz750twins.com
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- rhinoboard
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- apeman
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If you have mag wheels, you can insert a strong piece of wood (I used an old baseball bat) through the wheel, and let the wheel turn forward until the wood is locked against the frame. Then use the right sized socket wrench with a 4 foot length of pipe sliped over the handle for leverage. Also, it helps to heat the nut first with a propane torch, for maybe 3 minutes.
Let us know how you make out.
/
/
Petaluma and Truckee, CA -- member since Jan. 23, 2003;
PREVIOUS KZs: 1980 KZ750H with 108,000 miles; 1980 KZ750E with 28,000 miles; and KZ750H street/cafe project, all sold a few years back.
This is what I do for fun, not for work. It is art, with a little engineering thrown in.
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- Patton
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...sprocket nut looks like a double nut - 1 1/16th and then a 1 1/4th behind it. Are these nuts two separate nuts? Or are they one nut together?
Am guessing this is not the OEM (stock) nut, and hoping it's not a wrong-sized cross-threaded situation and that the shaft threads are undamaged. Would replace with correct nut after cleaning up the shaft threads. Might consider using nut splitter or cutting off with dremmel (could go part way through then delicately use hammer and chisel). Be careful not to damage the shaft. Idea is to remove the incorrect nut by any means possible without damaging the shaft or threads on the shaft. And please wear protective goggles.
Turning nut counter-clockwise to remove it -- right?
Good Luck!
EDIT -- Again I have learned from apeman. Glad to hear it's the correct nut.
Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/06/27 14:17
Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/06/27 14:51
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
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- Patton
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Worst case scenerio -- friendly advice to GFY.
BTW, is reason for removal being to replace an obviously worn out countershaft sprocket? Just asking because for whatever reason the same countershaft sprocket often seems well able to continue serving on through a second rear sprocket.
Good Luck!
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
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- wiredgeorge
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wiredgeorge Motorcycle Carburetors
Mico TX
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- mariozappa
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1977 KZ650C1
and the KZ650/KZ750 Conversion
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- rhinoboard
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I was able to hold the sprocket still by putting the old chain back on and then sticking a piece of pipe between the thick spokes on the back wheel and the frame (I have the super thick, 5 spoke rims). I had the socket and got a 4 foot extension pipe to add on to my breaker bar. Still no luck.
After asking just about everyone at work if they had an impact wrench, I finally came across somebody who did. I fired that thing up last night and the nut came right off! If anybody else is reading this post trying to get the sprocket nut off, just give up whatever you are trying to do with a regular breaker bar and socket and just ask around until you find somebody with a good impact wrench. It is unbelievably easy with the impact wrench.
Thanks everybody for your advice!
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- mariozappa
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1977 KZ650C1
and the KZ650/KZ750 Conversion
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