Clutch problems

[Mouse]

I suffered the first serious problem of my GS ownership today! Basically the clutch stopped working ... I'd pull the lever and it would disengage for a couple of seconds, but then engage again, which made riding in traffic rather tricky.

To cut a long story short, I got recovered by BMW Assist, quite promptly, so no worries there.

Yesterday, the bike spent a short time "horizontal", if you get my drift I'm wondering if I have got air into the clutch hydraulics.

So questions: Is it easy enough to bleed the clutch? I can see the bleed nipple at the back of the engine. I assume it's just like bleeding brakes? Secondly, what hydraulic fluid should I be using? The manual just says "mineral oil". Bike's a 1200 by the way.

I know I could get the dealer to sort this under warranty (presumably) but that would mean taking time off work to take the bike there, so I'll have a go myself if it's not a complicated job.

Thanks for any advice

 

[DaveGSCymro]

Maybe it would of been better to have it recovered to the dealer, my 1150 was transported away last Tuesday, and under the terms of the extended warranty I was entitled to a replacement vehicle, been running around in a Renault Megane convertible, but wish I had my GS back.

Because I live more than 50 miles from my nearest dealer they will also deliver it back to my home address.

I know this doesn't solve your problem but might help in the future.

Good luck

P.S. Clutch fluid and brake fluid are the same thing, just check the DOT number, probably 4

 

[Mouse]

Dealer was shut today, otherwise I would have asked for the bike to be taken there.

I think you're wrong about the fluid though - the clutch fluid in my GS definitely doesn't look like DOT4, it's green for a start.

Cheers though, hope you get your bike back soon

 

[DaveGSCymro]

What does the manual say about clutch fluid other than mineral?

 

[Steptoe]

Mouse, is your bike a 1200 - is the green fluid "citroen" hydrlc fluid

 

[Mouse]

The manual just says "the clutch system is filled with a special fluid that does not have to be changed". Yeah right

The filler cap on the reservoir says "Mineral oil only".

Steptoe - yes it's a 1200, and the clutch fluid is green.

 

[Mouse]

Well, I fiddled around a bit and I don't reckon it's air after all. The fluid reservoir level drops when the lever is pulled, but then rises slowly over time. This suggests that the fluid is leaking back past the seal in the master cylinder, I think.

So the bike's gone off on a trailer to the dealers, I'll let them fix it

BMW Assist were very helpful and efficient, so no complaints so far.

 

[Wraithwrider]

Interesting though Mouse that BWM aren't using hydroscopic brake fluid in the clutch system.

I suppose they can because it doesn't get hot like the brakes do.

I wonder what the seals are made of then, because the normal ones rot in contact with mineral oil.

Oops... maybe they did!!

Peter