When is failed FD not a failed FD?

[(RIP) Arkwright]

When the play in the rear wheel is not due to the large bearing outside the crownwheel having failed, but due to the inner needle bearing on the FD pivot having rusted badly and wearing the pivot pin as well!

A well respected dealer recently sent an FD for repair, which when stripped was internally in fine order but the needle roller pivot was completely shot. 1200's pre '07 I think have a felt seal protecting this bearing whereas later models have a rubber 'O' ring type seal which does the job a great deal better.

An item worth looking at when doing a service (and changing the FD oil!)

 

[(RIP) Arkwright]

For the owners of early GS's

I do think the owners of early (pre '07?) GS's should read this!

 

[bmwrich58]

Your absolutly right about the felt washer. (My bike an April prod date 2007 model).

When I re-greased/adjusted my pivot bearings @36K miles, the *felt washer*, just fell apart. It was easily misunderstood and looked like some dirty grease,until futher inspection.
So,instead of buying/waiting for a new one,I just made my own "protector *type* seal" cut from gasket paper.

And now you say an "O'ring" has replaced this "felt seal" according to later models?
I'll have to seek this new infomation out...thanks much!

 

[st247]

I do think the owners of early (pre '07?) GS's should read this!

Really, why? Should we all rush out and engineer a better solution or just sit in the house worrying about it?

 

[mr badger]

Really, why? Should we all rush out and engineer a better solution or just sit in the house worrying about it?

Could it perhaps be so that you can keep an eye on it?

 

[skywalker]

Interestingly enough the 1600 has gone back to having a preloaded taper roller bearing at one end of the crownwheel and all bearings running in oil. Now there's progress

 

[st247]

Could it perhaps be so that you can keep an eye on it?

A point that was well made in the first post. No real need to nag was there.