Hi Guys,

Bit of time off over the New Year and a list of things to do including, fitting new pads up front (anyone with Brembo's know a technique to do this? - the calliper fit is crazilly tight against the rim making it a battle to get them on and off) and change the crankcase breather tube.

The breather tube I knew was split after I worked on the TB's but I taped it up and the bike ran OK. To be honest I've had the new part for ages but put off fitting it as the whole airbox/TB area IMHO is a complete git to work on unless you're some sort of masochist (like Rene, apparently he likes it 'in there' )!

Anyhow, I really just posted up the pic to show the inside of the 16 valve box and the tube for info. The tube split just outside the airbox - you can see the tape.



Jobs done I went for a ride - an unexpected dry and mild spell - bike running beautifully!


Cheers
Dave

MT350Explorer wrote: fitting new pads up front (anyone with Brembo's know a technique to do this? - the calliper fit is crazilly tight against the rim making it a battle to get them on and off)

Wiggle the calippers against the discs a bit, to push the pistons back.
That would give enough room to remove them.

Push the piston back only as much as needed, and then the rest of the travel when you have them of the wheel/disc........
but first clean the outside of the pistons carefully (use a toothbrush)...
it isn't any boots on the outside edge of the pistons on the 4 pot calippers.

Thanks Inge - I did push the pistons back against the disc, makes it at least possible to get the calipers off! Once off they are off they're easy to work on but even with pistons pushed right back a pig to get back on. I guess there's no magic formula. I have found putting some insulating tape on the hydraulic pipe bolt to caliper (which wants to scrape the rim) meant I did not remove rim paint this time (unlike when I took the wheel off a while back).

Was also surpirsed a PO had put different pads on one side to the other; a different make and compound. Wear was very different - down to 1mm or so on one side and 2-3 the other. At £250 per new disc (OUCH!) I was lucky I checked both sides not just the 'good' one! . Price of those discs makes a whole donor bike look a good investment....

Cheers
Dave

In one of the early (BMW) manuals it was adviced to disconnect the brake hoses before removing the calippers, but in later versions this was removed........

Inge K. wrote:In one of the early (BMW) manuals it was adviced to disconnect the brake hoses before removing the calippers, but in later versions this was removed........

I guess when these bikes were newish it would be a load more BMW workshop hours and maybe owners would complain to dealerships about the cost of chaging pads? Would make it easier for sure but for me maybe not enough of a difference to justify the hassle.

Where did you get a new breather tube Dave, I have been looking for ages and haven't been able to find one.

BMW part # 11 15 1 461 835, Rick.

Motorworks part # ENA61835.





I'm quite shure I have posted this earlier, it must have been when you was busy carrying firewood.............

My wife usually carries the firewood so I blame her
Bur where can I get the breather. Each time I look for it nobody has got one.
The breath I have on the bike has two layers of rescue tape and some heatshrink on it as well and I think it has split again at the clamp this time.

Rick G wrote:Each time I look for it nobody has got one.

Not that strange, I did buy the last one in the three shops you have tried............

Are you starting a parts business Inge!?

I got mine from Motorworks Rick no problem, 4-6 months ago?

Cheers
Dave

Thanks I will check back there. When I asked twice there over 12 months ago they said no and it looks like we wont have any more and Motobins were the same. I tried several places in US and OZ as well and all said no so maybe I was a bit ahead of the yearly production run.

No worries - looks to be in stock on their website

I just bought 4 and I do not even need any.....lol

I ordered 4 just to be one up on Inge

I'm getting an itchy trigger finger.....could be double figures

I also need the other breather tube on the right hand side of the photo but can't see that listed. Thought that I might get away with fuel line but it's different- vent line is much wider at the ends anyway. Any suggestions?

Rick G wrote:I ordered 4 just to be one up on Inge

When you have replaced the dodgy one, it's even .

I'm gunna buy 3 just for the hell of it!

blakey wrote:I'm gunna buy 3 just for the hell of it!

I'll see you and up ya 3 more

blakey wrote:I'm gunna buy 3 just for the hell of it!

Since you have 8V bikes, you need a different kind........

Thanks Inge. I am aware of that.

Sorry mate, it was just the typical Australian humour taking things too far.

Are you trying to corner the market Inge it's no wonder we couldn't get any a while ago you went and bought the lot.

Always receives more parts than needed.........my teacher told me that I wasn't that bright at counting.