Service Bulletin but not for the RS?

[36654]

You guys are making me afraid to run my bike!  Just turned 40K and have no symptoms that I know of.  Guess I'll have to pull the shaft for an inspection before going to Santa Fe.

If I wasn't experiencing the vibration, I wouldn't be worried.  Besides, do we know exactly what we would look for in the inspection of the shaft?

[36654]

 "failing proximal universal joint on the shaft".

"If the proximal swing arm hits high temps..., "

Proximal would be the u-joint on the transmission output shaft?

What's the proximal swing arm and what's a high temp?

[Ray]

Proximal would be the u-joint on the transmission output shaft?

What's the proximal swing arm and what's a high temp?

Right - u-joint up front at transmission output.
Just an observation - the front of the swingarm can get really hot as the u-joint starts to go. I hear some swingarms have ended up with heat damage, and need to be replaced.

[36654]

Right - u-joint up front at transmission output.
Just an observation - the front of the swingarm can get really hot as the u-joint starts to go. I hear some swingarms have ended up with heat damage, and need to be replaced.

I haven't handled one of the DS units.  Is there damping material between outer cylinder (forward or transmission output end) and inner shaft (aft or final drive end)?

[Lee]

You guys are making me afraid to run my bike!  Just turned 40K and have no symptoms that I know of.  Guess I'll have to pull the shaft for an inspection before going to Santa Fe.

You should be able to get a appointment before the September date.
You can get a free driveshaft since you have 40,000 miles.

[BobAin'tStoppin']

Yes there is a damper midway on the shaft.

Lee, my dealer isn’t going to have a look at this bike. After the response I got from them on my cam shaft issue, it’s clear that I’m not welcome there. But no problem for me to buy a shaft if needed. I just won’t want this to come up during a 4000 mile trip to Santa Fe. So will check the shaft well before the trip.

[Grumpy Goat]

Yes there is a damper midway on the shaft.

Lee, my dealer isn’t going to have a look at this bike.  After the response I got from them on my cam shaft issue, it’s clear that I’m not welcome there.  But no problem for me to buy a shaft if needed.  I just won’t want this to come up during a 4000 mile trip to Santa Fe.  So will check the shaft well before the trip.

Good for you Bob. I don't think you would have any problem replacing it being handy as you are working on your bike.

[36654]

Yes there is a damper midway on the shaft.

Lee, my dealer isn’t going to have a look at this bike.  After the response I got from them on my cam shaft issue, it’s clear that I’m not welcome there.  But no problem for me to buy a shaft if needed.  I just won’t want this to come up during a 4000 mile trip to Santa Fe.  So will check the shaft well before the trip.

Good for you Bob. I don't think you would have any problem replacing it being handy as you are working on your bike.

I was going to follow that plan, but my dealer's on-line part ordering site says the shaft is unavailable for purchase.  I'm waiting for a response on what that means.

Follow-up: The shop claims none are available in the US or Germany.  According to ShopBmwMotorcycles.com, they can deliver July 11 to 13.  Something seems fishy.

[Motorhead1977]

It appears that you can order one from Max BMW here:
https://shop.maxbmw.com/fiche/DiagramsMa...d=09082020

[Lee]

Yes there is a damper midway on the shaft.

Lee, my dealer isn’t going to have a look at this bike.  After the response I got from them on my cam shaft issue, it’s clear that I’m not welcome there.  But no problem for me to buy a shaft if needed.  I just won’t want this to come up during a 4000 mile trip to Santa Fe.  So will check the shaft well before the trip.

[36654]

It appears that you can order one from Max BMW here:
https://shop.maxbmw.com/fiche/DiagramsMa...d=09082020

Our website does NOT reflect what we have in stock.

Some parts may be special ordered from BMWNA or sourced from BMWAG (Germany).
Special orders take 3-4 business days for us to receive.
Parts sourced from BMWAG can take 5-20 business days for us to receive.
ETA of backordered parts can change or be indefinite.

[Motorhead1977]

If you add it to your cart it'll allow you to check out:
https://shop.maxbmw.com/fiche/Checkout.aspx
Give it a try.

[BobAin'tStoppin']

You could also check the special web site from Mark (https://www.bike-parts-bmw.com/bmw-motor.../570530A05). I guess it isn’t saying about stock, but I do like the price :-))

[36654]

You could also check the special web site from Mark (https://www.bike-parts-bmw.com/bmw-motor.../570530A05).  I guess it isn’t saying about stock, but I do like the price :-))

Yes, at the current exchange rate, that's about $150.  Makes you curious about the shipping costs.

Of course, if you check EU helmet and gear prices, you'll see even steeper discounts.

[BobAin'tStoppin']

Shipping is $50 for any order I believe.

But now I’m seriously angry with you guys. It’s 90 degrees outside, but I just had to know. So shaft out; oil spills from the rear drive; those stupid rubber boots! All that and there is nothing wrong with the shaft. No play, no roughness etc. Even the lube job I did a couple years ago is still fine.

Now I gotta go take a shower. :-)

[Grumpy Goat]

Shipping is $50 for any order I believe.

But now I’m seriously angry with you guys.  It’s 90 degrees outside, but I just had to know.  So shaft out; oil spills from the rear drive; those stupid rubber boots!  All that and there is nothing wrong with the shaft.  No play, no roughness etc.  Even the lube job I did a couple years ago is still fine.

Now I gotta go take a shower.  :-)

Hehehe ... didn't drain the oil first, eh? Good to hear that the shaft is in good condition. Better to be safe than sorry.

[Oldrider51]

Shipping is $50 for any order I believe.

But now I’m seriously angry with you guys. It’s 90 degrees outside, but I just had to know. So shaft out; oil spills from the rear drive; those stupid rubber boots! All that and there is nothing wrong with the shaft. No play, no roughness etc. Even the lube job I did a couple years ago is still fine.

Now I gotta go take a shower. :-)

When I check the shaft and remove the speed sensor I install a plastic plug to keep the gear oil from draining out. Have never had any loss of oil.

[Grumpy Goat]

When I check the shaft and remove the speed sensor I install a plastic plug to keep the gear oil from draining out. Have never had any loss of oil.

Good strategy for checking the shaft at intervals not coincident with the final drive service. Any good source for the right-sized plastic plug?

[36654]

It’s 90 degrees outside, but I just had to know.  So shaft out; oil spills from the rear drive; those stupid rubber boots!  All that and there is nothing wrong with the shaft.  No play, no roughness etc.  Even the lube job I did a couple years ago is still fine.

I'm a slug compared to you.  

Do you remove the rear hinge pivot or just let the final drive unit swing down?

[Grumpy Goat]

Do you remove the rear hinge pivot or just let the final drive unit swing down?

The shaft can be removed by only letting the FD swing down. No need to remove the FD (unless the rear spline is seized on and the transmission end is loose).