Question re. clutch bearing

[johanneshed]

Hey all,

First of all, great forum and website! I have been browsing the forum for some time, but I've only just become a member (and this my first post). Though I am amazed by the amount of information that can be found on these old bikes! I live in Denmark, and I have been the lucky owner of an NC30 for about two years now. Absolutely loving the NC30!

Unfortunately I have been having some problems with the clutch recently (noise and rattling/shaking when taking of from standstill). After changing the springs + plates with no change (and noticing what appeared to be a lose clutch basket), I recently took it to a mechanic.

He has just gotten back to me, and unfortunately the clutch bearing(s?) is close to failure. He estimates changing them will require removal of the engine, e.g. around 2 days work amounting to roughly 2000 pounds (is actually pretty fair for 2 days work in Denmark...). He is not a Honda specialist, and he mentioned a few things I thought I might try and get some input on from some more experienced (amateur) mechanics (I am very very novice):

Apparently there are two bearings that might require changing, one on each "side" of the engine. Is this correctly understood? If there are two, is it likely they will both need replacing and not just the one nearest to the clutch basket?

He mentioned that it would probably be wisest to take the engine out, change both bearings and have a look around for other parts, that may have been damaged from the worn bearing. This seems sensible to me, but the cost of such a repair doesn't seem justified compared to the price of a the bike...

I can understand from a few posts here, that one clutch bearing could possibly be changed without taking the engine out. Does anyone have specific experience with this? I asked the mechanic, but he did not think that would be possible. I might keep the bike "as-is" and attempt to change the bearing myself over the winter, but again, I am a complete novice..

Also, where would one even go about getting a new bearing of the correct type and size!?

Grateful for any help!

[Dynamohum]

The double bearing can be replaced in situ without the need to strip engine i have had this done the mechanic devised an improvised puller job done .
The bearing can be sourced from honda from memory it was around £56 .
The bearing itself showed signs of wear to the case hardening on the inner race mechanic had replaced two prior on nc30s .
The bike is perfect now symptoms I had was clutch noisy with lever in a graunch and shudder when releasing pulling away from start and excessive movement on the clutch basket itself Due to the worn bearing .

Your mechanic is correct in saying other side may require checking replacement as a worn bearing on one side through time will probably put a strain on the other but if caught quickly enough you should be OK replacing this one for now. Whether this will cause premature failure on other at a later date I don't know only time will tell.

[johanneshed]

Thanks dave - i've had exactly the same symptoms

My mechanic doesn't think he will be able to remove the double bearing without taking the engine apart. I think I will put the bike in storage and attempt the change myself during winter..

You don't by any chance have any experience fashioning the tool...?

[Dynamohum]

My mechanic i believe tack welded a puller onto the old bearing . Think someone else on here devised something using bicycle spokes as a makeshift puller ?

[johanneshed]

Thanks. I'll report back here if i'm successful