After pulling the stock 15-tooth front sprocket to replace it with a 14-tooth (for better gearing for trail riding), I noticed that the lugs on the retainer plate are off a tooth when compared to the gear itself. Am I right in assuming that you install the sprocket and then rotate the retainer in the groove on the driveshaft in order to line up the holes, and as such the opposing lugs on the retainer keep the sprocket from coming off the driveshaft? This seems right, but after tightening the two bolts, the sprocket seems to have quite a bit of in/out play. Is this play normal, or am I doing something wrong? Also, could someone give me the torque spec's for the two bolts? I know it's not much and I already busted one of them off, but luckily was able to get the broken part out.

 

I performed the same task, with no trouble. Tonight I installed a 39 tooth rear sprocket, since I got it at cost. My new counter shaft sprocket doesn't move back and forth at all. I can look up the torque setting (at work) with the factory manual. I just tightned the bolts enough so they wouldn't come loose.

 

The Honda 400EX factory service manual shows that 6.5 to 7 foot pounds of torque is required for the counter shaft retainer bolts.

 

Thanks for the help. BTW, I checked out two brand new 400EX's at my local dealer today, and both of the front sprockets had quite a bit of play, so I guess it's normal. After putting everything back together I took mine for a test ride, and didn't notice any problems. With the 14-tooth front sprocket though, it does pull a lot harder on the bottom end, but sacrifices a little on top end speed.