Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

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jcpeden
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Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by jcpeden »

I bought my PCX a couple of weeks ago and discovered that the clutch bearing is on the way out. My local mechanic isn't a bike specialist but is happy to take a look at the issue and I want to ensure he has as much information as possible before starting the job.

N.B. My local Honda dealer *can* look at the issue but can't get the bike in until 26 April and want £54/hour in addition to parts.

Assuming the worst case scenario, what needs to be replaced? I've read that people have bought 'an entire new assembly with the bearing already fitted'. I've changed the clutch on an Aprilia CVT before and found it pretty straightforward myself; is this all my mechanic will need to do?

If so, is the best course of action to buy a new clutch (hopefully one with the bearing installed)?
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Re: Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by jcpeden »

OK, identified it as being section #8 as shown in this diagram:

http://www.bike-parts-honda.com/pieces- ... X+125.html

There are a few threads on here of people replacing this part themselves and the issue going away. This section retails at £108 here in the UK but I picked one up from Revzilla on eBay in the US for just under £40. Worth a shot if I can get it to work!
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Re: Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by jcpeden »

I believe I'll need a clutch holding tool to get this new part in? Anything else?
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Mel46
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Re: Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by Mel46 »

I looked at the price on the website you have the link to and was astounded! Here is a link to the website I, and several others have used. You will note that the price of the item is much, much cheaper. Look around before you order the part. I don't know if Bikebandit.com ships to the UK, but someone must have that part for a lower part. http://www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/201 ... #sch794095
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jcpeden
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Re: Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by jcpeden »

Already picked one up for £39 delivered to the UK. Just wondering what parts I'll need to swap the face plate out now?
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Re: Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by Mel46 »

I can't help you will all of the dismantling but to get to the variator and drive face you will need a clutch holding tool, plus a 22mm socket and possibly a breaker bar (or a pipe for leverage). I would also ask someone to help hold either one or the other so that the holding tool won't shift while you are trying to break the nut loose. When I did this by myself I ended up breaking some fins. Not good. I then had to break some fins on the opposite side so that it would still be balanced. I'm still unhappy about that, but the bike is running fine.
Currently own:
Red 2013 Honda PCX150

Givi tall windshield & tailbox - Lots of extra lights
Custom seat from Thailand - Bad Boy Airhorn
Takegawa Lowering Shocks - Michelin City Grip Tires
Headlight assy upgraded to LEDs w/HS5 main bulbs
NCY variator, drive face, and rollers
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Re: Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by jcpeden »

Just been watching this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx8IHTT-ZlA). As I already have a compressor, I'm just going to buy/borrow/rent an impact wrench to keep things simple and make sure I don't break anything.
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Re: Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by jcpeden »

Think the clutch face is nearly here. I've ordered a variator holding tool so think I should be able to get away using just a breaker bar. I'll hire an impact wrench if necessary though. I've broken too many parts trying to do the job on the cheap in the past!

Do I need any particular sockets to get the job done? I saw a video of a guy swapping out his clutch and he needed to order a 42mm socket to get it off.
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Re: Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by jcpeden »

Ah! I see Mel said I'd need a 22mm socket. That should be fine :)
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Re: Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by Mel46 »

Make sure you have a second vehicle, just in case you come across some problems that require additional tools or supplies. You know how those things sneak up on you just when you think you have a handle on the problem. :-)
Currently own:
Red 2013 Honda PCX150

Givi tall windshield & tailbox - Lots of extra lights
Custom seat from Thailand - Bad Boy Airhorn
Takegawa Lowering Shocks - Michelin City Grip Tires
Headlight assy upgraded to LEDs w/HS5 main bulbs
NCY variator, drive face, and rollers
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Re: Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by jcpeden »

Already covered, but thanks for the tip Mel!
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Re: Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by jcpeden »

Right, so I spent most of the day swapping this out. It's actually fairly straightforward but while you need a 22mm socket to get the variator off, you ALSO need at 42mm socket to replace the clutch plate (this is the part that most people end up with as replacing the bearing itself is a right arse ache).

Anyway, with it being Sunday...nowhere that was open had a 42mm socket. In the end, I was able to use my clutch holding tool and a pair of mole grips to get it off but be warned, the contra sping will then launch the clutch at you as soon as it is loose enough!

Slide off the collar, pop out the dowels, grease up the next section and rebuild it all.

An impact wrench would have made the job a lot easier but it's totally doable with a breaker bar and a clutch holding tool.

Just took the bike out for a quick spin and there is no noticeable improvement in performance. It's just a good bit quieter when idling. I'll report back if I experience any major differences on tomorrow's run to work.
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Re: Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by jcpeden »

So...the run into work this morning (8 miles of riding through fairly chewed up city traffic with the occasional bit of faster dual carriageway).

The bike is running a treat! It's significantly quieter both at idle and at speed. The top speed is now a very steady (indicated) 57mph and it reaches Vmax much more smoothly than it did previously. Before the fix, it would crawl from 45 up to 55mph and then do this weird phasing thing where you could hear the engine speed changing and feel the power dropping and the returning. Speed wouldn't change dramatically but it was unnerving, to say the least.

Really, really pleased with the results anyway. I've been getting around 70mpg so I expect that'll increase as well.
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Re: Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by Tonyx »

JCP,
Thanks for the update and sharing. When you say it's less noisy when was it most noticeable?
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Re: Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by Mel46 »

I am glad that you could do this yourself. As I said previously, I have taken the variator off but the clutch was a different beast so I had the dealer do that. They had a time with it, so I am glad they took care of it instead of me.
I am glad that your bike is now up and running well. It always feels good to fix your bike and feel the improvement.
Currently own:
Red 2013 Honda PCX150

Givi tall windshield & tailbox - Lots of extra lights
Custom seat from Thailand - Bad Boy Airhorn
Takegawa Lowering Shocks - Michelin City Grip Tires
Headlight assy upgraded to LEDs w/HS5 main bulbs
NCY variator, drive face, and rollers
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Re: Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by jcpeden »

I had an Aprilia SR50 some years ago so had taken apart a CVT before. It's actually pretty simple and I highly recommend you rev the engine up with it on the center stand to see it in action!

Tonyx, to be honest I was only really aware of the clutch plate bearing when moving the bike around. It sounded like a cement mixer. Once the engine was running, you could still hear the damaged bearing but it was obviously less audible. At speed, I wasn't aware that I could hear it but the overall noise of the bike has been reduced quite a bit. It wasn't particularly loud or annoying before but it's just noticeable quieter at speed now.
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Re: Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by Tonyx »

I think mine is also noisy, I notice it when it's on center stand and I spin the rear wheel with engine off. It's hard to say I can single out the bearing noise when moving though. I don't have reservation about doing the work so I'm thinking of ordering the part and JDI:)
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Re: Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by jcpeden »

Where are you based Tony? Much cheaper to get the plate with the bearing installed from the USA and have it shipped overseas if you need to.

You'll know if your bearing needs replacing. Moving the bike around with the engine turned off sounded like...well a knackered bearing. It makes a sort of 'roar' sound like tearing cardboard.
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Re: Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by Tonyx »

I'm in Michigan, USA, so I will source from less expensive vendors in the States.
I was rolling the scooter around in the garage yesterday and I didn't hear cardboard tearing sound yet so it seems I have some time before I need to do this.
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Re: Parts required to fix clutch bearing issue

Post by Mel46 »

oh, you will know when the bearing is bad, believe me. While the bike is idling, roll it backwards. If it sounds terrible, you have the problem. Not all of the bikes have that problem. So far our second bike does not have the problem, but then it only has 5K miles on it. I think the problem becomes apparent when they reach around 9 or 10K miles...that's 10,000 miles to those who do not know what the "K' means.
Currently own:
Red 2013 Honda PCX150

Givi tall windshield & tailbox - Lots of extra lights
Custom seat from Thailand - Bad Boy Airhorn
Takegawa Lowering Shocks - Michelin City Grip Tires
Headlight assy upgraded to LEDs w/HS5 main bulbs
NCY variator, drive face, and rollers
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