This service item is listed in maintenance schedule of my 1100gs service and technical booklet supplied with the bike when new. It is identified as needing to be done every 6000 miles. Can’t find it in the service docs on here or by searching. Anyone able to kindly enlighten me exactly which pivot we are talking about, whether they are doing this and how to go about it. Surprised it’s so difficult to find info on.
grease lower front suspension strut pivot
- Thread starter davnjud
- Start date
While you're at it check if there is any grease in your rear suspension dog bone links. You might be opening a whole can of worms.
Had a look at parts diagram. As far as I can tell from bmw terminology it is referring to the bottom mount point for the front shock absorber. That right ?
I agree. Checked my manual and it's the only possibility using those terms. However there is very little rotation in service because the arc of movement of the tele lever is so small. In any case the lower strut bolt should be tight and the strut has a hard rubber bushing which will give the required rotational flex. So I'm not seeing any need for grease?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Here it is on the official dealers doc and it refers to lower eye of front spring strut. As I said I’m surprised that querying and explaining this 6000 mile service item hasn’t received wider discussion over the years. There must be some high mileage bikes out there like mine where it’s likely never been done. Nevertheless completely ignoring a specified service item is not something I take lightly.
http://www.jimvonbaden.com/R1100RT-R1100-1150 service schedule - Copy.pdf
http://www.jimvonbaden.com/R1100RT-R1100-1150 service schedule - Copy.pdf
ThreeDawg
Registered user
What dogbone links? The 1100's rear shock is mounted direct to the swinging arm.
And a dab of grease on the lower front mounting bolt (well it ain't gonna be the top bit is it?) takes about a minute. What's the big deal?
Can you just remove the lower pivot bolt and get it back in with bike on centre stand with no other dismantling support etc ?
That item is specified for R1100RS only
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
ThreeDawg
Registered user
When you say pivot (singular) I thought you meant the lower shock mount. If you mean the wishbone pivot then that is a whole different ball game. Apologies if I got the wrong end of the stick.
Sorry I think you are misinterpreting the brackets there is a slightly different procedure on the rs but it’s still specified for the gs
No it is just the lower shock mount. Will that bolt come out leaving the shock in place if bike is on centrestand in which case I agree it should be a quick an easy job.
Yes. Rock the bike or put weight on the seat so it rests on the rear wheel while on the centre stand. Then chock up the front wheel lightly so the front suspension doesn't drop and takes the load off the lower shock bolt. Remove bolt, grease and replace and torque to correct value. The top shock mount is secure through the frame under the tank so the shock won't move. 15 minute job. 
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Yes. Rock the bike or put weight on the seat so it rests on the rear wheel while on the centre stand. Then chock up the front wheel lightly so the front suspension doesn't drop and takes the load off the lower shock bolt. Remove bolt, grease and replace and torque to correct value. The top shock mount is secure through the frame under the tank so the shock won't move. 15 minute job.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Thanks I did exactly this yesterday. The bolt came out very easily with the front wheel chocked and to my relief still had a light coating of grease. The torque for retightening is 50nm. Hope this thread helps owners complete the full specified service procedures - it is not mentioned in the service guide in stickies or in the Haynes manual but is there in plain sight in the service schedule linked above.
Thanks I did exactly this yesterday. The bolt came out very easily with the front wheel chocked and to my relief still had a light coating of grease. The torque for retightening is 50nm. Hope this thread helps owners complete the full specified service procedures - it is not mentioned in the service guide in stickies or in the Haynes manual but is there in plain sight in the service schedule linked above.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Similar threads
