needle thrust bearing failure(s)

[Biocruiser]

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...

[Justin B.]

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.

[nhmaf]

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.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

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).

[billygoat]

 Â 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

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

 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.

[Biocruiser]

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.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

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

That is parts 3 & 5...

[Biocruiser]

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...