Vario expanding pannier problem.

[JWFr]

Apologies if this question has already been posted, but i've looked and can't find anything!!

Bought a pair of brand new Vario expanders for my 650 twin last year, and am having the devils own job of getting them to work smoothly. My supplier told me to spray the plastic with silicone, which seemed to work ( for about 5 mins), but they are getting worse, and sometimes just jam up completely.

Anybody got any good tips for lubricating the plastic casing/mechanism? would be much appreciated as the camping season starts soon and I will need to use them in anger!

 

[Murpies]

It not suppose to be Tat way. I use to had tat problem. Then one day it totally jam up . So went to my local BMW dealer and they replace mine under warranty. Thumbs up!!!

 

[Ravenbyrne]

Try doing this http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=258305&highlight=vario+panniers as far as I'm aware they use the same mechanism

 

[JWFr]

Try doing this http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=258305&highlight=vario+panniers as far as I'm aware they use the same mechanism

Thanks for that, I tried taking mine apart yesterday, unsuccessfully, but I 'll have another go. My panniers are slightly different , but the principle is the same

 

[snaponphil]

There are rubber seals between the 2 halves that stops water ingress, they get dry.. I suggest putting the nozzle of a WD40 tin or similar rubber lubricant, (I used a thin waxy chain lube last time) under the flexi lip whilst in the expanded position so that when the halves are retracted the seals get lubed.

Hope I explained ok.
Originally I stripped one of them completely to see how it was jamming but wasted mt time..

 

[Murpies]

I had try open it too before going to the dealer , lubricate the gear valve but still it hard when pushin or lifting the level up n down. But it only happen on the leftside pannier. My right pannier works perfectly since day one till nw.

 

[JWFr]

There are rubber seals between the 2 halves that stops water ingress, they get dry.. I suggest putting the nozzle of a WD40 tin or similar rubber lubricant, (I used a thin waxy chain lube last time) under the flexi lip whilst in the expanded position so that when the halves are retracted the seals get lubed.

Hope I explained ok.
Originally I stripped one of them completely to see how it was jamming but wasted mt time..

Brilliant! slid the long nozzle of some light chain lube (3 in1) under the 'expanded' lip and gave it a good squirt all the way round. Worked a treat!! thanks for that.

 

[Deano64]

hi

same problem on my top box, but ive never used it in 'squashed' position for 4 years, so probably won't bother trying to sort it. The lube under the lip didn't work

Dean

 

[snaponphil]

Top box

hi

same problem on my top box, but ive never used it in 'squashed' position for 4 years, so probably won't bother trying to sort it. The lube under the lip didn't work

Dean

The top box is the same design as the panniers, you may need to reapply lube & be a little vigorous & push pull & bend the sides to allow the lube ingress round the rubber seal. (I'm assuming the seal has 'stuck' the 2 halves together)

 

[Deano64]

Hi

Bike was in for service and new tyres today so I asked them to have a quick look .they said it was harder than expected job but they did it anyway (they split it). Its a bit better now but still stiff. I use in expanded position all time anyway so not really a problem.

Ta

Dean