Motorcycle Repair: 1976 cb550 rear wheel bearings, rear wheel bearings, spanner tool

Question
Just trying to make sure that I'm on the right track, I am trying to remove the rear wheel bearings on a 1976 honda cb550, and I can not get the collar to release.  I finally got the front one done, but am worried about damaging the rear set up.  Any tricks or ideas on how to remove the collar so I can get the race out?  Thanks a ton for your time!!!

Answer
Eli, those can be really difficult to get out.  They use a special spanner wrench that fits into the 4 holes in that retainer.  I've destroyed one before trying to get it out without the spanner.  The retainer is pretty soft and will easily gall in the threads or wallow out the holes on the retainer. If it were me, I'd spend a little time and make the spanner tool by taking a large socket an use a dremmel tool to grind and cut out the material and create the 4 pins to engage the retainer holes.  With a little time and patience, it can be done.

Regards
Rich