rear wheel is really tight.

[CDORR]

I just noticed this evening that the rear wheel on my GS is extremely tight. I used the bike last week, did about 400kms on it and it seemed ok. It seemed to be jambed and when I did get it move it does not rotate freely. The brake pads look ok (but i'm no expert). I used to use it almost every day but for the last few months I have been working overseas and it only gets a little attention every two or three weeks. Any suggestions!!

Colin

 

[Pukmeister]

I'd suspect your rear brake pistons are dirty and stuck on. The rear brake caliper probably needs unbolting and the pistons giving a clean with some brake cleaner and an old toothbrush.

 

[GS Chris]

Same with mine.

It's all the fekkin' salt on the road playing havoc with the rear caliper. Thought I would solve it by stripping mine, and judiciously putting a little copper grease along the pad securing pin.

Better, but it still needs a total strip, and cleaning pistons with brake cleaner.

Chris

 

[CDORR]

thanks for that. I'll see if I can loosen it up myself without resorting to spending money on it.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

If yer pads are binding you'll hear them rubbing when you rotate the wheel.

Or..........................cold oil in the final drive. You'd be surprised what a difference the temp. can make.

Andres

 

[The Bede]

... If the rear wheel doesn't freewheel on the center-stand when ticking over it can be the first sign of the final drive departing the planet

... Check the brake is free and the pins aren't 'salted' into the pads, then rotate the wheel by hand feeling for tight spots and listening for the unmistakeable graunch of a knackered bearing.

... Good luck!

 

[Shep]

If you are still using the BMW 'cardboard' pads then they may have swollen if the bike was left outside, I used to use them on my first 12gs and I noticed if the bike was left for a while outside the pad would appear to absorb water and swell a little, BMW denied it but I changed to sintered pads and had no problems since.

Or as others have said the calipers need attention

Shep

 

[alimey4u2]

Oops, I thought you meant "light"...

 

[Zigo]

Rear brake blues

The rear brake on the GS has a floating caliper with two guidance pins(not to be confused with the guidance pin holding the pads in place). Corrosion and dirt will cause the floating part to freeze. Remove the pads and check that the caliper can move freely back and forth. A telltale sign is that one pad is more worn than the other. Excessive wear on one side of the brake disk is another. If the caliper is not moving easily, tear it apart and lube the guidance pins with anti-seize lube. For more, check this:http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdo...779BF44=0&bcsi_scan_filename=BFDRear2.1.1.pdf

 

[turpin]

Sound like the final drive had the same issues a couple of weeks ago thought it was the rear brake binding but after riding the disc was cold to touch

So a quick call to the dealer who advised not to ride it and call BMW recovery.

T'was final drive right enough job done under warranty.

Here's hoping it's just the brakes [although that's bad enough]