Vario Panniers getting hard to operate

[paul08]

I have a set of the BMW Vario panniers on my GS. The "vario" seems to be getting stiffer and stiffer to operate with the plastic shell distorting a bit as I have to use some force to swing the bar/lever as I increase/decrese the size of the pannier.

Anyone know if/how/with what one can loosen up or lubricate the mechanism?

 

[Wapping]

There's a thread somewhere (or it was on the www.) explaining how to take the shells apart, service / replace parts etc.

A sensible wash down to remove any dust, grit or 'rocks' as our American cousins call anything larger than dust, then some silicon spray may well do the trick but it won't be a permanent fix.



Found something: http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?258305-Servicing-Vario-Panniers

Google: Servicing BMW Vario panniers Or some similar three word search.

 

[mcinlb]

I had some similar issues a while back, opened up the varios and washed all the outside, sprayed some silicon based lub up into the sliding parts.
Also removed some screws inside the panniers and exposed the gearing, again lubed with same spray - much better.

Wapping beat me to it..........

 

[Juanma33]

A bit of silicone oil will do it.

 

[islandbob]

Likewise, both my old varios went stiff, the strip down was straight forward and a silicone spray sorted the problem.

 

[paul08]

Many thanks everyone