The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: Lucky_Lou on March 23, 2009, 03:09:09 PM
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Got an advisory ticket with the MOT saying front wheel bearings on the way out?? only got 30k on the bike, the haynes manual says its a job for BMW only........anyone done them whats the problem or can they be done DIY ta
Lou
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After cleaning or more importantly, bearing replacement, you have shims that may require adjustment.
Between the wheel bearings front and rear, there is a tube between the bearings, and shims are added between the tube and the bearings to get the proper pre-load on the bearings.
I'm not real familiar with the process, so I can't lend much more information on how to proceed with it.
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Lou...
The usual DIY test of the front wheel bearings is pretty simple.
With bike on the center stand, hold the fork legs steady with a knee or leg bone, grip the tire at top and bottom and try to rock the wheel side to side. You don't want any motion.
New wheel bearings are available at a local bearing supply as are the grease seals. Bunch less money than at the BMW stealership. Sizes are listed in the parts fiche. http://www.ascycles.com/Illustrated_catalog/R65(78-85)/catalog_frameset.html
Check the bearing races for pitting and/or rust. Rust? PO's may have been overzealous at the local car wash and forced water into the races. :'(
The bearings are tapered roller units. Not terribly expensive but unless set-up and installed properly they may get sloppy over time.
Rollin' Bob is correct about the spacers but I'd first try removing the bearings, clean them, re-grease and reinstall with new grease seals. The roller bearings must be fitted with a bit of pre-load; remember, they're tapered bearings.
Bring up the axle torque before you snug up the pinch bolts. I'll bet you'll have a better feel afterwards. BTW, My 1986 VW Cabriolet uses tapered rollers on the rear axles and the pre-load procedure is to snug up the axle nut until the wheel will not turn, then back off about one flat on the axle nut. [smiley=thumbup.gif]
Monte
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Got an advisory ticket with the MOT saying front wheel bearings on the way out?? only got 30k on the bike, the haynes manual says its a job for BMW only........anyone done them whats the problem or can they be done DIY ta
Lou
What's wrong with them?
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Got an advisory ticket with the MOT saying front wheel bearings on the way out?? only got 30k on the bike, the haynes manual says its a job for BMW only........anyone done them whats the problem or can they be done DIY ta
Lou
What's wrong with them?
The exact wording on the ticket is......
Front wheel bearings are slightly rough [2.3.5b] ?? must say i cannot feel or hear a problem but will sort it one way or another before the next test.
Lou
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I would also try replacing the bearings with ones as close to the same dimensions as possible, and reuse the existing sleeve/spacer(s) installed with the wheel. Do torque the axle nut prior to cinching down the pinch bolts. I torque the axle nut to spec, and put the pinch bolts in but do not tighten them up, just finger tight so that the axle can find its "home" - I then take the bike's handlebars and bounce the front end down and up a few times on the garage floor so that the sliders can realign themselves in case I've pulled them a bit to one side. You can do this with the bike still on the centerstand - then tighten up the pinch bolts.
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I would imagine they just need a clean and re-pack...
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I have had an advisory on my front wheel bearing for 3 or 4 years now.
As long as they dont get any worse.
Be worth a 'gander' though.
Cheers
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It's a good idea to clean and regrease them when you change tires. If I forgot new seals I skip it, but I probably get to mine every other tire change.
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Lou
You want a 30203 bearing.[2] You can get it from this stockist http://www.bearing-king.co.uk/product/4905 they have the seals too. If you want a sealed bearing get 3023A. Get the Timken brand or some other than the Made in China ones. Warm the wheel, drive out / in with suitable tool. Pass MOT. Easy Peasy ;)
rich