Saddle Bags

[willimike]

The saddle bags on my 2009 R1200RT are getting sticky to open.  Is there a way to use WD40 or something to enable them to work more freely?  If so, how do I take them apart to apply it?

[Hosstage]

Just remember that WD-40 is not a lubricant, it is a penetrant. It will displace water, and grease and oil.

[LBump]

Here are some discussion links that might be able to help you.

Good luck with the project, please post your results.

 

LINK

LINK

[willimike]

I liberally sprayed silicone lubricant in every opening for the latches and that freed everything up making them operate smoothly again.

[Red]

On 3/5/2022 at 12:25 PM, Hosstage said:

Just remember that WD-40 is not a lubricant, it is a penetrant. It will displace water, and grease and oil.

This is a revelation for me.  I've been mis using it for years then.  So, if a person wants to 'clean up' a lubricated surface and lube it, they'd first use WD-40 then use a lubricant?

[Hosstage]

3 hours ago, Red said:

This is a revelation for me.  I've been mis using it for years then.  So, if a person wants to 'clean up' a lubricated surface and lube it, they'd first use WD-40 then use a lubricant?

That's how I do it.

[lkraus]

I did not have much luck spraying lube from the outside since most of the mechanism is too far from the access points. The lower attachment point is not sealed, so water and road grime gets into the space between the inner and outer shells and gums up the works.  Take a look at the pictures in this post to see just how complex this contraption is: https://www.bmwsporttouring.com/topic/22471-bungee-buddy-install-on-r1200rt-cases/?do=findComment&comment=234196.

 

Separate the inner and outer shells by removing the screws. There are several different types of screws to keep straight. I draw an outline of the pannier on a scrap of cardboard, and poke holes in it in the appropriate places to hold the screws so I know exactly where each screw originated. (Turn it over for the other pannier.) Take lots of high resolution pictures, from many angles, before you disturb anything, and as you go. Clean out the dirt and old grease. Clean and lube everything that moves.The pictures will be invaluable during reassembly to answer questions: Where does this spring go?, Does this piece slide under or over that one?, Where does this pivot?, How does this rod clear that piece, etc.  If you get desperate, carefully take apart the other case to see how it all fits.  The original grease seems to be ordinary white lithium, I used Sil-Glyde because I had it. A Q-Tip helps gets under the stainless bands as they wrap around the case. Cleaned and re-lubed, the latches will operate easily with a single finger. 

 

You'll probably find a sandy mess:

[terryofperry]

According to the WD 40 website, they bust that myth, the multi purpose WD 40 is clearly a lubricant. While WD 40 makes cleaners and degreasers, the original WD 40 we all grab is lubricating with water displacement properties.

QUESTION OF LUBRICATION

Myth: WD-40 Multi-Use Product is not really a lubricant.

Fact: While the “W-D” in WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, WD-40 Multi-Use Product is a unique, special blend of lubricants. The product’s formulation also contains anti-corrosion agents and ingredients for penetration, water displacement and soil removal.

 

Fact: While WD-40 Multi-Use Product it is not a grease, it is formulated with strong lubricating oils and other ingredients.

 

Terry

[Hosstage]

I still prefer Tri-Flow or a silicone lubricant.

[Lowndes]

I've had Excellent results with this PTFE dry-lube spray from WD-40.  The first use was saddle bag locking mechanisms for my "99 RT.  They were just about inoperable.  After a couple of quick shots of this stuff they were better than new.  I then tried it on the keyed locksets on the same saddlebags, same results.  Doesn't take much, penetrates really well, and you can't even see it after its dry but it works for a very long time.  It does not "attract" or hold onto dust, dirt, or grit like greases and oils.  $13 but I'm still on the first can 3 years later.  Wallyworld has it, too.

 

https://www.amazon.com/WD-40-300052-Specialist-Resistant-Spray/dp/B00AF0ODGM/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3BQIHQR95K99X&keywords=wd-40+dry+lube+ptfe+spray&qid=1647271765&sprefix=wd-40+dry+lube%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-4