Swing Arm Installation OMG

[donbmw]

Dave

I went out and found the swing arm I have off of a R100. One picture is just the outer race with out the bearing. The other is with the bearing in place. This is how the swing arm bearings should look a big difference in how yours are installed. If you can get your bearings and races out with out damaging yours they maybe ok.

[Barry]

I put the whole bearing assembly in as a unit. Big hammer and a hard block of wood until all was level with the end of the swing arm.

Dave,

That might be a problem depending on what the block of wood was in contact with. When installing any type of ball or roller bearing you are only supposed to pound on the outer race. If you install a bearing by pounding on the inner race the rollers and bearing surfaces are transmitting that force which may damage them.

[Dave 2]

OK Gentlemen, I believe that I get it. Thank you Don for posting your pictures which seems to show that I did put them in upside down. I also get that the Race goes in first...I hope I can get it all out safely. So as far as learning experiences go this could have been worse. Thank all of you for helping me out on this. I'll keep you all posted [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif] D2

[Sava66]

where'd you get the bike powder-coated? How much did it cost? I'd like to do that when I get back to the States. I should have some help on a rebuild.

[Bob_Roller]

One thing to remember when you get a frame powder coated (or even painted), the ground or earthing return to the battery, relies on bare metal contact between the frame and engine to properly work .

On the '78-'80 model year bikes the main grounding or earthing point is the forward ignition coil mount, I don't have one of these bikes, so I don't know if there is a place for a screw or bolt to thread into the frame or not, but if there is a threaded hole for it, it must be clean of paint or powder coat, down to bare metal .

On the '81 and later model year bikes the main ground or earthing point is one of the screw that holds the voltage regulator on, those threads must be clear and free of powder coat, or none of the bikes electrical circuits will work properly, if at all .

The only contact points between the engine and frame, are where the two engine mount studs go through .

[Bob_Roller]

Next time you install an outer bearing race, let physics help you out a bit, heat the swing arm up and freeze the outer race, they will go together a lot easier .

Make sure the bore that you are putting the race into, has a bit of lubricant on it, don't assemble anything like this 'dry' .

[Dave 2]

where'd you get the bike powder-coated? How much did it cost? I'd like to do that when I get back to the States. I should have some help on a rebuild.

The frame and parts was sand blasted by Metal Magic in Trenton, Maine. They sent it all down to a company in Auburn, Maine that did the actual powder coating. The cost was $1,400.00. I wanted to match the refurbished aluminum which they did. I'm glad that you like it.

[Dave 2]

the ground or earthing return to the battery, relies on bare metal contact between the frame and engine to properly work .

Thank you Bob, I am aware of the need for that metal to metal contact, I do appreciate the specifics. BTW I successfully removed the left side bearings and race before work this morning. Successful in that I got them out...They are totally trashed. I will but the races in the freezer and put some heat to the swing arm on my next attempt [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif] D2