Swingarm Boot Installation

[Bengt_Phorqs]

I'm always on the lookout for techniques that will make things simpler and faster.  Whilst reading a thread on ADV Rider, "Infra's 1981 R80 G/S..." a member named bgoodsoil wrote the following tip about reinstalling the pesky swingarm boot.  To wit...

"Putting on that swingarm boot can be a hassle. I put it on the swingarm first with the hose clamp tightened up (don't overtighten or it'll leak). I put the swingarm in the frame, do the juggling trick with that 4mm allens to get it lined up, then do the 4 bolts connecting the driveshaft to the gearbox. Now comes the hard part. Get the back side of the boot slid over the flange, the part that's next to the clutch arm. Hold it there with your left hand. Now, take one of the clips that holds the airbox lid on and use it to slide the boot on around the rest of the flange. Those clips and curved just right to hold that slipper rubber boot. You'll need to use your fingers on your left hand to help it but the clip makes that job much easier."

I'm just wondering if anyone has ever tried this and if it really does make things easier.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I have the wrong airbox.

[Semper Gumby]

#$%^&~!

(thanks Rob for the oil filter cover - back on the road!)

[Lucky_Lou]

I have the wrong airbox.

Me too...... but i didnt find it difficult to refit anyway.
Lou

[Bob_Roller]

I've recently heard about a procedure to aid in installing the boot .

It was kind of vague about particulars, but the main idea, was to push on the 'pleats' of the rubber boot, to get the boot to get longer, thereby, making it easier to install the boot .

I'm not sure what to try, maybe trying duct tape or similar material to compress the pleats a bit .

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

There is also two ways to mess up a boot installation.

From "yappo", on Boxerworks:

[size=12]Anyone going to change out the rubber drive shaft boot should be made aware that it is direction specific.

Cast into the rubber in German, in two locations are "OBEN" - English translation,"on top";
and "GETRIEB SEITE", English trans. - "transmission side".  
I should have asked before I installed it but didn't.
So, it leaked and guess what?  So, I figured I'd let the phorum know that age is no guarantee of not screwing things up.[/size]

(Not a direct quote, I cleaned it up a little for clarity.)

[Flash]

No one can say it's a waste of time searching back through these old posts...

Thanks Rob. I was just about to install my boot backwards ! I even noticed the stamps, but just ignored them.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Even better, now?

We can move this to FAQ, if there is enough feedback.

[plc]

Guys,

I just fitted a new boot, and yet it had neither OBEN nor GETRIEB SEITE on it. Instead it had a number and the initials FE on the flange on one end.

Is this other people's experience. Is it only the "genuine" boots that have that?

Paul

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I don't buy them that often to know.  Hmm...


Where did you get your boot?  From some unscrupulous street-corner dealer?  

[Flash]

Mine is a factory boot. The stamp is very difficult to see, so look real close. As a matter of fact, their stamp is so light that it left some of the letters off of mine.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Mine were quite clear and prominent.  I think I bought it early last year, sometime.

[Semper Gumby]

Definitely to the FAQ!

[montmil]

My newly installed boot had the German "Top" but no "Transmission". OEM BMW part. I just matched it up with the old one.

Monte