Fazer Owners Club - Unofficial

Bikes, Hints'n'Tips => FZS600 Fazer => Topic started by: Drezza on 01 May 2017, 02:44:18 pm

Title: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Drezza on 01 May 2017, 02:44:18 pm
Hi,


Bought a 2002 FZS600 last month, was praying that I wouldn't be one of the unlucky ones with a stripped countershaft, but looks like I am  :'(


I removed the front sprocket cover last week and was relieved to see no welded nut, and the sprocket was still there, so I assumed it was all fine. However after replacing the sprocket for a new one and tightening it back up, it would tighten a small amount, and then loosen again, so I'm lucky it didn't come off over the last 400 miles I've done.
[/size][size=78%](http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/olliecd/IMG_20170501_124929_zps2iiemcwc.jpg)[/URL][/size]


The threads on the shaft look shot, so I'm not sure if re-threading would work?


I'm thinking I may as well weld the nut to the shaft, would I have to weld the full circumference of the nut, or would some spot welds suffice?


I'd like to be able to grind it off and replace in the future if possible.


Also, will a garage be likely to weld this for me, or would it be classed as unsafe? 
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: HydrocarbonPrimate on 01 May 2017, 04:28:48 pm
If I was you I'd find a good tig welder, He / she might be able to run beads around the shaft thread to build it up and then re-thread it
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Drezza on 01 May 2017, 08:10:02 pm
If I was you I'd find a good tig welder, He / she might be able to run beads around the shaft thread to build it up and then re-thread it


Has this ever been done before? I'd be worried about not being able to get the nut on again if it couldn't be threaded.
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: joebloggs on 01 May 2017, 09:45:20 pm
Not sure if this good idea or not but how about a grub screw provided you managed to get the nut torqued up the grub screw would prevent it backing off
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Fazerider on 01 May 2017, 11:39:51 pm

A couple of decent spots should be sufficient.
Coincidentally, I changed my sprocket this afternoon… angle grinder to cut the old welds and clean up the end of the shaft, new sprocket, old nut back on which tightened up just enough to clamp the sprocket firmly and a couple of fresh welds and it should all stay put.


Nice idea to build up the shaft and then cut a fresh thread, you could actually choose a pitch suitable for the job. I doubt it could be done in-situ though, that much welding would probably get the shaft hot enough to roast the oil seal.
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Bretty on 02 May 2017, 12:23:13 am
Could you not drill down the centre of the shaft (using progressively larger drills). Then tap a thread in it. Then (with a load of loctite) refit and nip up the new nut and retain it with a big washer with hex screw down the middle of the shaft, again with loctite?


Just thinking out loud. I refitted the gearbox in my bike last Xmas. It cost me £100 in parts, gaskets and fluids and a three day weekend.
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Fazerider on 02 May 2017, 09:44:46 am
Could you not drill down the centre of the shaft (using progressively larger drills). Then tap a thread in it. Then (with a load of loctite) refit and nip up the new nut and retain it with a big washer with hex screw down the middle of the shaft, again with loctite?
Yes, someone on here (Unfazed?) did this a while back, though I can't find the post at the moment.
It certainly looked neater, it'd be interesting know how well it's held up.
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Bretty on 02 May 2017, 10:26:16 am
In my head it seems like a good idea...
but also in my head these sprocket nuts shouldn't be failing or require such high torques as they are under no load?!?!
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Drezza on 02 May 2017, 11:33:56 am
In my head it seems like a good idea...
but also in my head these sprocket nuts shouldn't be failing or require such high torques as they are under no load?!?!


Yeah that does make me wonder, perhaps if Yamaha used a reverse thread, then the nut wouldn't spin off?
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: fazersharp on 02 May 2017, 11:56:18 am
In my head it seems like a good idea...
but also in my head these sprocket nuts shouldn't be failing or require such high torques as they are under no load?!?!


Yeah that does make me wonder, perhaps if Yamaha used a reverse thread, then the nut wouldn't spin off?
The reason for it is that some bikes were produced with very slightly undersized (diameter) output shafts and t is Russian rulet as which one you have got. 
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Bretty on 02 May 2017, 01:27:07 pm
...The reason for it is that some bikes were produced with very slightly undersized (diameter) output shafts...

I've heard this said before. If this is true, does anyone know what diameter it should measure so we could check?
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Fazerider on 02 May 2017, 06:23:56 pm

...The reason for it is that some bikes were produced with very slightly undersized (diameter) output shafts...
I've heard this said before. If this is true, does anyone know what diameter it should measure so we could check?
Yes, I've seen the same claim many times, though all from the same source and it is only a theory.
17.8 mm is the typical diameter measured across the threads, Yamaha say to change the shaft if it's less than 17.5 mm. I've not heard of anyone measuring theirs and finding it undersize unless it's previously been battered to death by a loose nut and/or sprocket. Shafts being manufactured undersized will remain a myth until that happens.


The nut is of such soft steel that the threads on the shaft often survive it coming loose. The real damage is done if the nut falls off the end of the shaft, then the sprocket can move onto the threaded portion and chew it up. Later Fazers are at much greater risk of this because they lack the damper plate on the inside of the sprocket cover which tends to prevent a loose nut, particularly the 12mm one, from falling off the end of the shaft.


Earlier Fazers also had the factory nut put on with a ridiculously strong threadlock, anyone who's undone one can tell you that it requires a very long lever, a lot of force and it sounds like a gunshot when it finally lets  go. I was convinced I'd broken something!


The nut doesn't necessarily rotate to become loose. Several times when it's happened to me the washer was still engaged with both the nut and the splines meaning the nut has managed to "hop" a thread. There has also been excessive wear on the inside edge of the sprocket and I suspect the sideways hammering from the chain might be the cause of the nut becoming loose in those cases.
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Drezza on 02 May 2017, 06:30:12 pm
So how would my threads become worn if the nut had aways been on the shaft? My only thought is that it was manufactured under size.
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Fazerider on 02 May 2017, 06:54:58 pm
So how would my threads become worn if the nut had aways been on the shaft? My only thought is that it was manufactured under size.
How do you know it's never come off? And have you measured the shaft?
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: daviee on 02 May 2017, 07:28:09 pm
mabe thats why the bike was sold because it happened and was patched up , i would go with the spot welds and tbh it will out last the bike if done properly and can be done plenty of times when you need to change the sprockets

Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: HydrocarbonPrimate on 02 May 2017, 10:13:52 pm

A couple of decent spots should be sufficient.
Coincidentally, I changed my sprocket this afternoon… angle grinder to cut the old welds and clean up the end of the shaft, new sprocket, old nut back on which tightened up just enough to clamp the sprocket firmly and a couple of fresh welds and it should all stay put.


Nice idea to build up the shaft and then cut a fresh thread, you could actually choose a pitch suitable for the job. I doubt it could be done in-situ though, that much welding would probably get the shaft hot enough to roast the oil seal.




oil seal would be a concern,
is there much shaft sticking out with the sprocket removed, like enough to get a wet rag around it?


 
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: unfazed on 02 May 2017, 10:26:37 pm
Could you not drill down the centre of the shaft (using progressively larger drills). Then tap a thread in it. Then (with a load of loctite) refit and nip up the new nut and retain it with a big washer with hex screw down the middle of the shaft, again with loctite?

Yes, someone on here (Unfazed?) did this a while back, though I can't find the post at the moment.
It certainly looked neater, it'd be interesting know how well it's held up.


Check the downloads, http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=43 (http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=43)  I uploaded the file of how I did it. A bit of a belt and braces job, used a circlip and a bolt with a washer. 16000 mile on it since I did it. Change the sprocket at 12000 miles and replaced the circlip, it still running like a clock.
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Drezza on 03 May 2017, 11:41:28 am
Thanks guys, think I'll just weld the nut on with two tack-welds for the time being if the local garage will do that. If not I will probably try the circlip and bolt method.
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: daviee on 03 May 2017, 07:11:40 pm
Could you not drill down the centre of the shaft (using progressively larger drills). Then tap a thread in it. Then (with a load of loctite) refit and nip up the new nut and retain it with a big washer with hex screw down the middle of the shaft, again with loctite?

Yes, someone on here (Unfazed?) did this a while back, though I can't find the post at the moment.
It certainly looked neater, it'd be interesting know how well it's held up.


Check the downloads, [url]http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=43[/url] ([url]http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=43[/url])  I uploaded the file of how I did it. A bit of a belt and braces job, used a circlip and a bolt with a washer. 16000 mile on it since I did it. Change the sprocket at 12000 miles and replaced the circlip, it still running like a clock.



thats a nice job and tbh more than adequate on my cbr 600 all that holds the sprocket on is an m6 and washer so i cant see no reason why it would fail 
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Drezza on 10 May 2017, 05:59:50 pm
So I've got this far... 15mm Circlip on like what was done in that PDF. Does the circlip look seated correctly here?


(http://i.imgur.com/GCeYmly.jpg)


Also, tried drilling the shaft with a Bosch HSS drill, wouldn't even touch it. Do I need to get something like a cobalt bit?


Thanks!
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: daviee on 10 May 2017, 07:27:47 pm
looks good i would go with cobalt drills  as the shaft will be hardened
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Bretty on 10 May 2017, 09:54:56 pm
Yes it'll be hard as foc. And you'll want a few bits as you might need to start small and work up in sizes.
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: unfazed on 10 May 2017, 11:10:36 pm
Circlip looks fine. :thumbup
I used a very high quality HSS bit, but with slow speed with a variable speed drill.
The shaft is case hardened and using a slow speed it will get through the case hardening.
If the speed is to high it will over heats and destroy the bit.
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Drezza on 10 May 2017, 11:25:25 pm
All reassuring to hear thanks guys!


I have ordered a 3.5 cobalt drill bit so hopefully that will work, I'd imagine once I've broken through the case hardened surface then it should be much easier. (touch wood).  :)


Will keep you updated.
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: daviee on 11 May 2017, 05:26:06 pm
should once you get past it slowly slowly catchy monkey lol
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Drezza on 13 May 2017, 01:53:05 pm
So... I've just tried the Cobalt bit and it won't touch it either!


How the hell did you do it? Feeling like a might need some sort of diamond tipped bit now  :lol
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: fazersharp on 13 May 2017, 02:15:22 pm
So... I've just tried the Cobalt bit and it won't touch it either!


How the hell did you do it? Feeling like a might need some sort of diamond tipped bit now  :lol
Not having to drill it myself but also wondered when people have drilled out studs and so on where do they get the high quality drill bits from and what is a high quality drill bit - not one from Wilkinsons I expect
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: red98 on 13 May 2017, 02:27:28 pm
Also depends what power drill your using aswell......you want lots of power but a slow speed....bit like a blue thou   :lol
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: daviee on 13 May 2017, 02:31:55 pm
could try a tile drill to  start it the are  industrial  diamond once you break through then us the cobalt
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Drezza on 13 May 2017, 02:39:36 pm
I'm using a Heller (German) Cobalt bit, so would have thought the quality would be fine?


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191884884799?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648&var=490991673100&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191884884799?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648&var=490991673100&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)


However I am using a 12v hand drill which is possibly not the best? Would have though a drill is a drill, as long as it turns what more can it do  :\


I'm very tempted to put some lock-wire through the holes of the circlip and leave it at that at this point  :lol
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: fazersharp on 13 May 2017, 02:58:35 pm
I'm using a Heller (German) Cobalt bit, so would have thought the quality would be fine?


[url]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191884884799?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648&var=490991673100&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT[/url] ([url]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191884884799?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2648&var=490991673100&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT[/url])


However I am using a 12v hand drill which is possibly not the best? Would have though a drill is a drill, as long as it turns what more can it do  :\


I'm very tempted to put some lock-wire through the holes of the circlip and leave it at that at this point  :lol

Ive got those I have this set - http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p94153?table=no (http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p94153?table=no)
My problen when drilling anything other that wood is that they are all blunt now.----------- Next question
(I will start a new thread in the general section as not to de-rail this one )
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Drezza on 22 May 2017, 07:20:58 pm
Managed to drill the hole 5mm diameter 22mm deep, had to use carbide drill bits in the end, cobalt were useless!


Now I've tried tapping the hole and having no luck again, the taps are HSS to I've got a feeling I'd need carbide taps too (if they even exist??)...




How on earth did you do it Unfazed??
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Bretty on 22 May 2017, 11:24:57 pm
I've no idea what to suggest mate as I've never done this. Although I don't think I've ever found a metal so hard that a tapered tap won't cut it?!
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: unfazed on 23 May 2017, 08:52:40 am
Managed to drill the hole 5mm diameter 22mm deep, had to use carbide drill bits in the end, cobalt were useless!


Now I've tried tapping the hole and having no luck again, the taps are HSS to I've got a feeling I'd need carbide taps too (if they even exist??)...


How on earth did you do it Unfazed??

You will need to ensure they are tapered taps as Drezza said. I got very high quality tapered taps from a local tool shop. I will check this evening as to what type/make they are.
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Drezza on 23 May 2017, 08:58:58 am
Fantastic, thanks Unfazed. Would be a shame to have to weld it now I've done half the work.


I thought about filing away the entrance to the hole so the threads don't start on the case hardened part of the shaft.



Bretty - I've been doing some research and it seems standard taps are only designed for use in metals with a hardness of up to 45HRC, whereas I think this shaft is about 60HRC to a depth of 1.5mm if it's case hardened.



Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: unfazed on 23 May 2017, 09:42:44 pm
The taps I used were "Apex UK High Speed Steel Ground Thread Tap" M6 x1

If you cannot get them let me know.

Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Drezza on 23 May 2017, 10:52:58 pm
Thanks Unfazed, will try to find some :)


I've just looked up tap sizes for 5mm diameter holes, and it appears for an m6 tap, you need a 5.2mm hole. I'm wondering if this is the issue since I'm trying to tap a 5mm hole.
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: unfazed on 23 May 2017, 11:27:57 pm
Don't think it would make much difference and it was a 5mm HSS bit I used.

The tap was an intermediate taper one.

Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: Drezza on 24 May 2017, 03:16:56 pm
Don't think it would make much difference and it was a 5mm HSS bit I used.

The tap was an intermediate taper one.


Tried again with the intermediate tap and it worked a charm! Cheers Unfazed, lifesaver....


Done about 20 miles on it and nothings fallen off yet (touch wood), so just in time for summer.  :D
Title: Re: Another Stripped Counter shaft :(
Post by: unfazed on 24 May 2017, 04:50:57 pm
 :thumbup