I don't claim to be mechanically smart, however, with my Honda Service and Clymer manuals at my side, I removed my rear tire and replaced the rear brake pads for the first time since buying this Goldwing in August of 2015. I thought I'd share the experience with you, because these manuals (especially the pics) don't address the '78-'79 GL1000 very well.
1. Place bike on center stand.
2. Using a
14mm socket/wrench, remove lower shock absorber bolts. Pull the absorbers aft and place bolts back into position. This will keep the absorbers from getting in the way of raising the swing arm.
3. A second person is helpful during this step, though not mandatory. While standing over the rear of the bike, grab the Comstar rim at the top, raise the wheel high enough to expose the axle nut well above the muffler, and place some blocks under the tire to hold this position.
4. Using a
17mm socket/wrench, remove the bolt securing the rear caliper to the swing arm.
5. Using needle-nose pliers, remove the cotter pin from axle nut, and with a
27mm socket/wrench, remove the axle nut.
6. A wooden block and rubber mallet, and heavy-gauge wire work best for this next step. Remove the rear axle by pulling it out from the left side.
7. Raise the rear brake caliper assembly up and off the brake disc.
NOTE: Insert a piece of wood in between the brake pads, simulating the brake disc, in case of inadvertent application of the brake pedal and the brake pistons possibly being forced out of their cylinders. Secure the brake assembly out of the way.
8. Move the wheel to the left to separate it from the final drive splines, then slide the wheel to the rear.
Installation is the reverse of the above steps.
The following are the Honda recommended torque applications for the bolts & nuts removed above:
Axle nut:
58-72 ft-lbs; Caliper bolt:
40-43 ft-lbs; Shock absorber bolt:
22-29 ft-lbs
Since the number of pics on this post is limited to eight (8), refer to my
Replacing Brake Pads on a '78 GL1000 post to continue this process . . .
