Modrocker Posted July 15, 2008 Posted July 15, 2008 I bought a '96 1100 with 68,000 mi. which I've owned for several months now. I just recently noticed some looseness in the handlebars, the entire steering bridge seems to rock back and forth ever so slightly. It may be this "play" has been there since taking ownership and that I've only recently taken notice. I know nothing about the telelever system and wondering if this is normal? There is no wobble or shutter while riding which I'd normally associate with a loose steering column. Your input is appreciated.
OoPEZoO Posted July 15, 2008 Posted July 15, 2008 What model 1100? I can't speak for how the other models are put together, but I have a RT and there shouldn't be any play in the handle bars. Sounds like something isn't right. The handle bars bolt to the triple tree, the triple tree bolts to the frame and front forks, and the front forks are held in place by the fork bridge down on the telelever Its really a pretty simple system once you see how its all put together. You can check out the diagrams HERE
philbytx Posted July 15, 2008 Posted July 15, 2008 I would start at the bottom and work up! Get it on the center stand and have someone grasp the bottom of the stanchion tubes and move it back and forth, feeling your way up looking/feeling for movement at each attachment and joint. If you can't locate it this way, then do the same thing with the bike off the stand and someone sitting on the bike with the brakes on moving the bike back and forth. Do you have a manual?? If so, check that it is not loose/you have the correct torque settings at the suspect attachment point before taking it apart.
ArthurKnowles Posted July 15, 2008 Posted July 15, 2008 I agree, I have a '96 RT eith 63K on it and my steering is tight. Put it up on the centerstand and make sure the front wheel is off the ground and perform the tests mentioned above.
Modrocker Posted July 16, 2008 Author Posted July 16, 2008 Excellant advise - just as I expected. At least I know I have a problem now and will deal with it. It's an RT. With the bike on the centertstand it seems rock solid when I move the stanchions to and fro I so suspect the problem is in the top triple tree. I do have a manual and will begin my study of the telelever system and take corrective measures. I may not be able to take this on immediately due to other obligations so may not report back for a time. Thanks so much for your help.
ArthurKnowles Posted July 16, 2008 Posted July 16, 2008 If it feels like it is just the top tripple tree, then it's highly likely you are looking at a steering bearing/shaft problem. If you look under that big black BMW logo on your tripple tree you will see the nut that holds the assembly together. There are bearings and a shaft in there that could be the cause of your problem.
Modrocker Posted July 17, 2008 Author Posted July 17, 2008 After removing the top triple tree cover I discerned the play to be within the bearing itself. I'll replace it using the proper locktite products and torque to spec. Thanks for your help.
ArthurKnowles Posted July 18, 2008 Posted July 18, 2008 Glad to hear you found the problem. As an FYI, there are usually (I have't check to see if the BMW is any different) two bearings. An upper and lower bearing. If one is bad, most likely the other is as well.
Modrocker Posted July 18, 2008 Author Posted July 18, 2008 After finding the problem I was anxious to replace that bad bearing. Darn thing cost $50 (it's a double row roller type) I used a short piece of 2" PVC as support to install the new bearing. Problem solved, the play in the handlebars was totally eliminated!
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