The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: Flash on January 31, 2010, 09:20:00 PM

Title: Swingarm bearing seals?
Post by: Flash on January 31, 2010, 09:20:00 PM

I'm starting the Put-Together of my 78 R65, and I notice I don't have any seals, or caps between the swingarm and the frame, where it pivots. I can see the threads of the pivot bolts, and it seems like something is missing. When I took it off I was very careful about keeping the parts together, so I'm thinking the caps ( or seals ) were missing and I didn't notice. The bearings, bearing caps, and washers are there, and the washers come up flush with the outside of the swingarm pivots, so there is no room for a seal, but it seems like there should be some kind of plastic cap to keep the road debris from getting in there.

The clymer manual is no help. Can anyone look between their swingarm and frame and see if there's some kind of cap? Or can you see the threads of the pivot bolts?

Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Swingarm bearing seals?
Post by: bruce_launceston on January 31, 2010, 11:20:26 PM

Hi Flash

After scraping the road grime away I can see the thread between the swingarm and frame too.
No extra seals required.

Cheers Bruce

Title: Re: Swingarm bearing seals?
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on January 31, 2010, 11:58:37 PM

1979 model, here.

This is the right side.  It needs no cap because of the driveshaft tube stopping any grease from entering the crossmember of the swingarm:

(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbase.com%2Ftomfarr%2Fimage%2F116179846%2Fmedium.jpg&hash=5bd102429d3134e603cf3e59d4fc84da12dcf700)



This is the left side.  It has a thin metal cap to stop the grease.
This cap is not shown as a part in RealOEM.  
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0363&mospid=47851&btnr=33_0624&hg=33&fg=20

(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbase.com%2Ftomfarr%2Fimage%2F121576034%2Fmedium.jpg&hash=c5764bebb5ef2a1aa556d615fe0950860891586d)

There is a big washer that goes on the outside of the bearing.  I believe that acts as a seal of sorts.
Do you have the black plastic caps that cover everything?

These bearings should be greased every couple of years.  More if you ride a lot in the rain.

Don't take your bike to a pressurized water car wash.  :(

Title: Re: Swingarm bearing seals?
Post by: Flash on February 01, 2010, 12:58:43 AM

Thanks for the info. I have black plastic caps that go on the outside of the frame, but I can see the threads of the pivot pins between the frame and the swingarm. I'm pretty familiar with the Japanese bikes, and they always seem to have a cap or seal there, so I'm a little concerned.