The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: Biocruiser on June 17, 2008, 10:57:23 AM

Title: needle thrust bearing failure(s)
Post by: Biocruiser on June 17, 2008, 10:57:23 AM

A couple of months ago I overhauled the clutch and clutch controls on my 79 r65. It turned out the problems were all caused by the failure of my needle thrust bearing... well, it failed again a couple of days ago. What I'm wondering is... was the bearing grease I used not correct? Was the adjustment of the control putting too much stress on the bearing? I've ordered the replacement bearing and adjustment bolt...

Title: Re: needle thrust bearing failure(s)
Post by: Justin B. on June 17, 2008, 12:35:35 PM

It is my understanding that gear lube is to be used on these, not grease, but don't know if that would result in a premature failure or not.  Also, if you replaced with a used part it might have been on the way out.  I think a lot of folks prefer to retrofit back to the ball bearing throwout arrangement.

Title: Re: needle thrust bearing failure(s)
Post by: nhmaf on June 17, 2008, 07:28:37 PM

I usually put some, not huge amounts, of wheel bearing grease on that bearing so it has something to work with after reassembly/reinstallation
until some oil works its way to the back.   But, the needle bearing version is indeed a problematic one and agree that the
roller bearing version is better - I think you need to replace the "piston" as well if you change to the roller bearing as it mates
with it.

Title: Re: needle thrust bearing failure(s)
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on June 17, 2008, 08:44:00 PM

I used to use grease, but a couple of years ago, I learned that gear oil is the proper lube to use on this bearing.


Justin - what is involved in the retrofitting of the old ball bearing type?  (this does not apply to 1981-> bikes).

Title: Re: needle thrust bearing failure(s)
Post by: billygoat on June 17, 2008, 09:05:24 PM

  Here's some diagrams.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0358&mospid=47850&btnr=21_0069&hg=21&fg=10
pre 1980



http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0358&mospid=47850&btnr=21_0086&hg=21&fg=10
post 1980

Title: Re: needle thrust bearing failure(s)
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on June 17, 2008, 10:05:59 PM

Quote

 Here's some diagrams.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0358&mospid=47850&btnr=21_0069&hg=21&fg=10
pre 1980



http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0358&mospid=47850&btnr=21_0086&hg=21&fg=10
post 1980

And the /5 ball bearing cage that Justin is referring to is different than the post 1980's.  Well, the throwout mechanism is different, the bearing may be the same.

Title: Re: needle thrust bearing failure(s)
Post by: Biocruiser on June 18, 2008, 09:26:06 AM

Hmm... since I've already ordered a new needle bearing I'll try that with gear oil instead of bearing grease... but if it fails again I might be going with the throwback.
Thanks.

Title: Re: needle thrust bearing failure(s)
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on June 18, 2008, 06:15:06 PM

And you are certain that both flat bearing surfaces are smooth?

That is parts 3 & 5...

(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsuraklyn.com%2Fyabb%2FAttachments%2Fr65_clutch_og.jpg&hash=6be3fd8409788cfd9e2a4f665ab64c42a4f1c539)

Title: Re: needle thrust bearing failure(s)
Post by: Biocruiser on June 18, 2008, 06:24:59 PM

i replaced #3... and #5 seemed okay... guess I should figure out the tolerance. maybe I could machine it if it's not perfectly smooth...