Shaft Drive, shafted?

[Danny]

While changing the rear tyre on my BMW K75RT I noticed that the wheel doesn't spin freely.
i.e. trying to turn it as hard as I can results in about a 1/3 turn of the wheel.

When I removed the wheel and just tried spinning the brake disk I got a similar result and it feels very rough. It kind of feels really lumpy like a buggered bearing or something.

I suspect that the bike has been like this for some time and explains why it has been feeling especially gutless over the last year.

So any ideas on likely faults?

Thanks,
Danny

[jay12329]

On the hub behind the wheel there is a large caged bearing. This is covered by a rubber gasket, get a screwdriver and remove the gasket. And check the condition of the caged bearing. Mine lasted 58k before doing this...
https://www.bikechatforums.com/files/forfansoffail2.jpg

That was a really bad failure at about 80mph on a french m-way.

Cost me around 500quid to fix, but if its just started to go take your diff to BMW and it will be more like 200quid all in. Or do it yourself for 70 in parts.

More info here
https://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159180


HTH
J

[jay12329]

Oh and BTW the wheel will never turn freely, the crown gear and shaft have a lot more weight in them than a normal chain set up. I could get just about a full turn if i gave it a good tug.

J

[map]

I believe it's good practice to always lube the splines on shaft drives whenever the wheel is removed using moly grease of the right carbon content.

Hope it turns out ok.

Suggest posting on one of the many BMW owner forums for their feedback / diagnosis.


____________________
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[Danny]

Cheers Jay, I'll take the bevel drive off and have a gander.

Ouch @ your pic btw!

[jay12329]