Creaky final Drive - fixed

[Grazoid]

So after a period of weeks of having an intermittent creak as soon as I put the 2006 R1200GS under load wheeling it in an out of the garage , and a suspected FD failure - it changed to a quiet knocking noise instead. No play, no leaks , just a clear sound of a failed bearing wheeling it backwards and forwards, with no noise on the centre stand.

Obtained a spare drive , thankfully cheap due to some cosmetic damage, and after replacing the usual seals fitted it on Saturday - surprise, surprise noise gone away. Huzzah , sunny Bank Holiday weekend to test ride it!

Picked up "failed" FD to see about getting it rebuilt and the sleeve popped out for the wheel side pivot bearing. I hadn't previously checked it but the distinct notching on the sleeve, combined with the lack of grease and not a single roller turning due to them all being corroded was a more than clear sign the needle roller bearing had failed!

A symptom of this had been a bit of harshness in the back end on rough roads which I had also started to suspect I might have an issue with the swingarm bearings ( also now checked and proved OK )

Worth checking this at least once a year!

 

[Bendy toy]

If your back end pivot bearings are dead, the swing arm bearings won't be any better.

BMW put minimal grease in the frame bearings because new owners complain about "leaks". They'll get through warranty but be well worn. I always pack them full with moly grease as a rocking action won't churn the grease and blow the seals. Any excess is easily wiped away but Ive never had much to worry about.

BTW, rolling beatings (e.g. wheels) should be 50% filled or risk blown seals.

 

[Pukmeister]

Did you replace the trunnion pin and felt sealing washer when you fitted the new final drive/needle roller assembly ?

 

[Grazoid]

Did you replace the trunnion pin and felt sealing washer when you fitted the new final drive/needle roller assembly ?

I actually initially replaced it with a complete 2nd hand assembly with all new seals - the original had no sealing washer at all and the pin was notched. ! Goes without saying that there are replacements for all worn and missing parts