The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: flybot on August 05, 2012, 01:21:37 PM

Title: Getting to head stock bearings?
Post by: flybot on August 05, 2012, 01:21:37 PM

Im having trouble getting the fork off of the frame for a restoration Im doing on an '83 R65. It seems like I should be able to loosen the allen nut at the top and then back the adjustment ring out all the way to get the head stock taken apart. Allen nut wont move, even with an impact wrench.
What Am I doing wrong? Thanks

Title: Re: Getting to head stock bearings?
Post by: montmil on August 05, 2012, 01:50:05 PM

"Can't get this allen bolt to move." Sure you can. Read on:

Your at the right spot but you're going to need some hefty grunts to remove the screw. I did a full front fork bearing overhaul on my "83 and the info I was given worked without damaging the screw or anything else.

I used a 3/8-inch drive allen socket on my round handle ratchet. Over the ratchet handle, slip on an iron pipe cheater bar sourced from the plumbing dept at your local big box. 30 inches ought to do it.

You will need someone to hold the bike while you pull so as not to cause the bike to fall over.

When the cap releases, it's usually with a BANG so don't get excited. Alert your helper as to what's about to happen.

Remember - Righty Tighty and Lefty Lucy

Title: Re: Getting to head stock bearings?
Post by: nhmaf on August 05, 2012, 02:24:30 PM

If you are going to be servicing the bearings anyway, it might help to try to get a little penetrating oil under that bolt as well.   There are some very good "homebrew" recipes, but for off the shelf commercial products, Kroil, or PB Blaster work pretty well for me.   The PB Blaster has chemicals in it which can absorb through your skin and cause a tremendous headache if enough enters your system, so latex gloves maybe be warranted if you end up using a bunch.

And, what Monte said - you're going to need a bigger lever, and a good quality bit that fits well in the allen slot.

Title: Re: Getting to head stock bearings?
Post by: flybot on August 05, 2012, 03:14:45 PM

Thanks guys! I have had a 3 or 4 foot black pipe I lovingly call "The Persuader". Ill give it a try.
I just wanted to make sure I was doing the right thing before I got medieval with it.

Title: Re: Getting to head stock bearings?
Post by: flybot on August 05, 2012, 06:17:13 PM

The Persuader did the trick, with a nice pop when it released. The bearings and races look good, but the 30 year old grease is like hard bubble gum. Nice.

Title: Re: Getting to head stock bearings?
Post by: luckyd20 on August 13, 2012, 08:26:33 PM

I removed my suspension already so now i'm facing that triple tree spin. I guess I need to go out and get a long pipe for more leverage.