Rear Suspension Bearing slight free play

[patboy]

Took my 1200GS for an MOT (Not BMW dealer) but done by local private BMW mechanic. It passed the MOT but the above was advisory. Took it to my local BMW dealer (As I have an extended BMW warranty) and they stated it is potentially dangerous and the swingarm bearings will need replacing and may not be covered under warranty! They said they will contact BMW warranty on Monday and try for a good will gesture as I did buy the bike from them. Even had to sign a bit of paper for them, for any liability as they advised me not to ride it (advised a loan bike which I would have to pay for) but I rode the bike home.
I find it hard to believe it would have got through the MOT if it had been dangerous as he showed me the free play on the day, and it was minimal as far as I could see. Has anyone had to replace these bits and how much did it cost?

 

[RickG]

The bits are quite reasonable, I can't recall the figure exactly when I did mine, but it ought to less than 30 quid for the two taper-roller bearings. The labour costs will bump-up the price though, I'd guess they would charge 2-3 hours for the job. It's simple to do if you are handy or know someone who is.

Play in the bearings is normally due to water ingress followed by rusting so once they are shot they need replacing. However, the play is adjustable in order to set the preload, so if by some quirk they are not damaged the play may be taken out by undoing the locknut and turning in the threaded pivot on the LHS by just the right amount. If you aren't used to spannering though best get someone who is to do it for you.

Can't see why it isn't a warrenty issue. 'Dangerous' is a subjective term but they need to cover their backs in case it subsequently led to a problem involving injury or further wear/damage to the bike. The safest solution is therefore to say it shouldn't be ridden. It DOES need fixing though!

 

[patboy]

Cheers Rick, Nice to know someone else has had the problem and replied

 

[D6]

just slight play in suspension,swing arm bearings is not a fail for an m o t,

 

[Pukmeister]

I just had exactly the same problem with my MOT this month. Bought a new pair of swingarm bearings for £37 inc VAT from BMW just in case, however I simply retorqued my swingarm bearings and they feel okay so I'm gonna keep riding and see how things go. Just done 500 miles since retorquing with no problems. I may replace them anyway come the summer when the weather is a bit warmer for fettling and I'm less busy.

 

[littleredrooster]

Is it the swinging arm bearings or the Paralever bearings? I have only rarely heard of the swinging arm bearings going kaput.

 

[Slowdown]

Is it the swinging arm bearings or the Paralever bearings? I have only rarely heard of the swinging arm bearings going kaput.

There's rear paralever bearings?

 

[RickG]

There's rear paralever bearings?

he means the needle rollers wot the FD pivots on

 

[Zigo]

Easy check of bearings with correct torque

Check this link regarding adjustment of proper torque of the swingarm and how to make the special tool: http://www.motorcycleinfo.co.uk/index.cfm?fa=contentGeneric.obxaszqugbllbuna&pageId=332637

 

[littleredrooster]

There's rear paralever bearings?

erm....yes. Rear suspension is called Paralever and has it's own little needle-roller bearings.
What made you ask?

 

[patboy]

Definitely swing arm bearings and RickG was right, covered under the extended warranty. The nice young lady at BMW confirmed
Thanks for all the replies.

 

[Slowdown]

erm....yes. Rear suspension is called Paralever and has it's own little needle-roller bearings.
What made you ask?

I've just not heard it called that and thought there was another thing I didn't know about.


One lives and learns!

 

[longdog]

just slight play in suspension,swing arm bearings is not a fail for an m o t,

And you are a licensed MoT examiner of course?

In my own experience, (with R1150GS), I had slight play for a couple of years, one examiner failed it, but another passed it for the next two years but noted it. It depends on the examiner.

 

[patboy]

Just to add had the work done and paid the 100 quid excess on my policy. They told me the rear pads were on the limit would I like it done while it was in the workshop. I said NO. When I had the MOT they did'nt mention anything about the rear pads. Took it to my local man, who I trust completely and he told me, no way you need new rear pads for quite a while! Just as well I did not agree to have them done in the dealership!