R65 1981- replace front wheel bearing

[NorR65]

Hello
I have discovered some movement beetween the front wheel axle an the bearings. I guess the bearing or axle or both is damaged.
I try to read may Haynes about how to replace wheel bearings, it was not easy to understand how to replace the bearings.
Have anybody peplaced the bearings themselves?
Do you know a easy way do it?

Thanks

[Lucky_Lou]

I got an "advisory"notice with my MOT on the wheel bearings im not sure about 81 but the 79 bearings are shimmed and Haynes advice is to leave it to the pro,s im going to let my mechanic do them when it goes in for the MOT next march its too important to screw em up.
Lou

[Barry]

This is the definitive article on wheel bearings if you want to tackle the job or just to understand whats going on. Bear with the /5 stuff as later types are also covered.  Its quite involved though and might just persuade you that Lou has the right approach.

http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/wheel_bearing/index.htm

[montmil]

On the other hand... Perhaps I was just lucky, or something, but when I replaced the front wheel bearings on my '81 R65 about 1.5 years ago, I simply paid close attention to how the parts can off and replaced them "in the reverse order" along with the new bearings and seals.

There's this whole obsessive BMW angst thing about preload, graphs and charts, fish scales and string. Just leave the pinch bolts less than tight, snug up the axle nut, then the pinch bolts. Now grab the tire at top and bottom. Can you wiggle it side to side? No? Wheel spin nicely? Well, poke you with a fork 'cause yer done.



Monte

[NorR65]

Today is was nice, cloudy and 2 degrees Celsius, to work outside om my R65. I was going to have a look at the worn front wheel bearings.
I had got some good advices on this site and read a lot on other internett forums. I was ready to start this battle.
When I should loose the wheel axle nut, I discovered that it was very loose. That is embarrasing, all I had to do was to torque the nut to the right spesifications. No bad wheel bearings at all.
Now, to the next prosject, a new battery whish fits in the battery-tray.

[Bob_Roller]

At least it was a quick fix !!!!!

I don't know what kind of battery life expectation you have in your area, but if you can avoid a 'flooded' battery, the common serviceable lead acid battery, I'd do it .

A lot of riders have gone to AGM (absorbed glass mat) type sealed batteries .

Never have to check, or top off the electrolyte in the cells .

[Crossrodes]

No one told me that I couldn't do the front wheel earings and I did just what Monte said.  It worked out just fine.

[montmil]

...When I should loose the wheel axle nut, I discovered that it was very loose. That is embarrasing, all I had to do was to torque the nut to the right spesifications. No bad wheel bearings at all.

Be sure to loosen the front axle pinch bolts, then torque up the main nut on the axle. Lastly, snug up the pinch bolts.   Monte

[NorR65]

Yes indeed it was a quick fix. When the bearings are worn I will try to replace them myself. I torqued the axle nut the way you described Monte.
It is not easy to find a battery which fits into the battery tray.
I have found a Exide liquid acid battery nearby which I think will fit perfect.
Thanks again for good advices.

[Lucky_Lou]

Yes indeed it was a quick fix. When the bearings are worn I will try to replace them myself. I torqued the axle nut the way you described Monte.
It is not easy to find a battery which fits into the battery tray.
I have found a Exide liquid acid battery nearby which I think will fit perfect.
Thanks again for good advices.

Motobins web site shows batteries and gives you the AH and dimensions sadly they wont ship abroad
http://www.motobins.co.uk/displayfinal.php?s=0&function=show&subs=213b&title=GEL+BATTERIES&model=&bike=991
I bought the SLA and have had no problems.
Lou

[Barry]

For a battery that fits correctly try searching  for type 51814. Several manufacturers use this reference.

[bruce_launceston]

I am on my third genuine BMW battery, I got 8 years out of each of the original lead / acid ones.
My third battery was an Odyssey which died prematurely due to the bike being in storage for a few years.
I am now running another genuine BMW battery as they are now AGM type.
I know there are cheaper batteries out there but the Odyssey was dearer than the genuine BMW and if I can get anywhere near 8 years again there will be no complaints from me.

I now have a trickle charger set up that plugs into the BMW power socket and I use this if I have been commuting a lot with the lights on or if I am not using the bike for more than a week or so.

Cheers Bruce

[Barry]

I can understand the attraction of fit and forget AGM batteries but they seem to be near double the price of ordinary wet types. As I've never had less than 6 years  service out of an ordinary wet battery I would probably buy one again accepting they do need to be maintained.

On the other hand the maintenance and life of wet batteries is seriously compromised by high ambient temperatures. (hardly a problem in the the UK or Norway). They self discharge quicker and die sooner. The case for AGM types in hotter climates is very much stronger.