Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Apr 2002
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Gerrards Cross, Bucks, UK
Posts: 150
Some food for thought on R100/80GS driveshafts

I've just had some work done on my R100GS here in Bangkok by a guy who has been working on Beemers for over 25 years and seems to know his way around them pretty well. My bike's just topped 40,000 miles so I've spent the last 5,000 miles waiting for the driveshaft to go pop. I mentioned the driveshaft to the guy and he told me that over here they 'lubricate' the driveshafts which prevents the universal joints from seizing.
Basically, if you look at the universal joint bearings there is an O ring at the end of each one. Apparently when the UJ gets hot, the grease/fluid inside the bearing thins and works its way passed the O ring, resulting in a dry bearing which eventually fails. To prevent this, you gently lift the O ring and inject oil (Presumably transmission fluid) into the bearing until it is full. Then grease the UJ to keep it lubricated and bobs your uncle.
As I've not heard of this trick before I have no idea if it works, but it sounds better than paying US$400 for a new driveshaft! I got him to do my driveshaft because I figured I had nothing to lose, so I'll let you know how the bike fairs.
Anyone else heard of this little trick before?
Harvey

------------------
no pipe, no slippers
www.chasingthesun.org
__________________
no pipe, no slippers
www.chasingthesun.org
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Apr 2002
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Wirral,UK
Posts: 172
An interesting idea...

For what it's worth, one source suggested that UJ wear would be worse if the drive shaft splines aren't properly greased.

Apparently, if the shaft doesn't slide in/out smoothly as the wheel moves up and down, shock loads are transmitted up to the UJ.

Can you let me know the details for your chap in Thailand, I should be there on my GS by Christmas.

------------------
Sean
__________________
Sean
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 May 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Innsbruck, Austria
Posts: 11
dear harvey!

I admit lubricating the bearings of the driveshaft sounds like a good idea... I actually had it done by Mr Yut (it's the same guy, isn't he?) in Bangkok last year- everything sounded pretty good. Nonetheless the shaft broke completely later on the trip in Kasachstan, something like 20.000m later (with a total of less than 70.000 km on the shaft).... In my opinion this lubricating trick won't hurt, but it also won't increase the lifetime of the shaft all too much.

Anyway, have a good trip and don't forget carrying a spare shaft once the milage gets higher and the terrain gets rougher...
Greetings, Patrick Lüth
www.transasia.at


------------------
__________________
Check out the whole story on www.transasia.at
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 May 2002
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Gerrards Cross, Bucks, UK
Posts: 150
Thanks for that. Yes it was Yut who did the work. He reckoned that you need to lubricate the bearings every 10000km or so to keep it smooth.
Harvey

------------------
no pipe, no slippers
www.chasingthesun.org
__________________
no pipe, no slippers
www.chasingthesun.org
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Sep 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Stockholm - Sweden
Posts: 317
How did it go ?
What option did you chose in the end ?

I poured Omega 690 80W/90 in the shaft of a K75 back then (2001) - that bike still has the same hypoid in the shaft some 30-40 000km later and in the hands of a new owner.

The "old" beemers had hypoid "bathing" shafts - they "never" broke (or very rarely). Why did BMW drop a working concept ?
has anyone tested pouring hypoid or automatic gearbox oil in the shaft of the GS's ?
__________________
Drive Safely,
Albert
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 24 Sep 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
The 'old' bm only had one U joint - at the rear of the shaft.

The paralevers have two - one at the rear and another at the front. They also have a rubber dampener to take shocks out of teh transmission line.

I know of people who have replaced the U joints with ones that have a grease fitting - they then grease the U joints every year ..

I don't think oil is a good idea inside the U joint bearing unles there was lots of it all the time .. much rather have grease as a 'one time' thing.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 24 Sep 2008
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by harvey View Post
To prevent this, you gently lift the O ring and inject oil (Presumably transmission fluid) into the bearing until it is full. Then grease the UJ to keep it lubricated and bobs your uncle.
I think you will find the "bob" will pretty soon be your auntie if you do that.

It has to be grease and high temp grease. Use the same stuff you put in wheel bearings.
The grease has to be in the needle rollers. The "o" rings are shaped grease seals/retainers.
Slopping grease round the outside will do ziltch. The ONLY part of a UJ that gets lubed is the end caps with the rollers inside.

You wont get far on oil. The oil will wash what little grease you had in there, out! Trust me.
Start saving that $400

John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:28.