K1600GT ball joints

Rick 1600

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Has anyone replaced these at home? Had an advisory at the MOT. Read the how to do it bit, tank off etc etc. I’ve seen a diagram of the special tools and it shows a long thing, with a nut at the top, that may or may not expand. What’s it for? I can’t see it being used on the service disc.
If anyone has done this and can give me a few pointers I’d be grateful.

Thanks Rick
 
First MOT? What is the age/mileage of your K16?

The job costs c£600 at the dealer, but some have swung a goodwill claim/contribution if theirs failed early (I think there was a production problem, probably lube related). If you haven't done so already, have a chat with your friendly dealer service giuys first.
 
Can I assume you meant that it was your BMW dealer that did the MOT.

15000 miles on a 3 year old, the front BJs should not be failing, unless the bike has been in an accident. Talk to the Dealer principal & if no joy, BMW UK Customer Services. Don't get shouty, just state your case & be firm about your expectations. Next time, take the extended warranty offer on any bike at this pricepoint.

It can be done DIY, but anything major on a K16 seems to be a bugger of a job. If the bike is in good order & well maintained within the network I would aim at a 50% contribution. Make sure the alignment is right afterwards, as some K16s have a habit of turning left all on their own.
 
No,it’s not been in an accident and I don’t have it under warranty now because I do my own servicing.
I’ll write to customer services, you never know your luck. Anyone have an email address for them? I have an address for them in Farnborough.
 
If your efforts at BMW fail & you go DIY, then < www.k1600forum.com > offers up a few thoughts.

DIY the job is about 8 hours I gather. Usually play starts in the upper BJ incidentally. You have the Service disc, so will be aware of the strip down procedure & the BMW time allowance, but don't expect to match that. Once the front fork is out, you will need the Special Wrench 31 5 720. This comprises a bar (31 5 721), a hex end for the upper BJ (31 5 723) & a second for the lower BJ (31 5 722). You may have something similar in your tool box? An impact/air wrench must not be used apparently as you would risk damage to the threads in the fork. Take care not to damage or twist the fork leg when working on the joints.

These BJs are torqued to 260NM, often more at the factory & can be a bugger to release. The fork is heated up to 100C to release the threadlock, then remove the joints with the special wrench. Replacement reverses the procedure, obviously with fresh threadlock on each BJ.

Sounds like a fun job, hence my suggestion that you negotiate with BMW first. Good luck with the fix.
 
No,it’s not been in an accident and I don’t have it under warranty now because I do my own servicing.
I’ll write to customer services, you never know your luck. Anyone have an email address for them? I have an address for them in Farnborough.

Here is the link ............. https://www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/en/service/ContactUs/customer-complaint-procedure.html

As I said before, you need to start with the Dealer Principal.

Home servicing noted, but presumably it was dealer serviced during warranty? If not it will be a tough negotiation. Good luck.
 
Thanks Squib34, it’s been serviced by bmw till the warranty ran out. Not long after that a coil packed in but I managed to sort that so I’m hoping if they don’t cough up I can do this. I’ll let you know how I get on.
 
I think I'd be looking for a substantial goodwill gesture from the dealer, given the circumstances you've outlined.

Make them make the first offer - if they say they'll have to contact Head Office, then make sure you agree a timeframe for the matter to be sorted out by.

Be reasonable with them - I'm pretty sure they'll bring something to the table - and anything is better than where you are now.

Speak face-to-face with the dealer in the first instance, then back everything up with email. Good luck.
 
Squib34, what’s the bar 31 5 721 for?

Whilst I have never seen one for real, I understand it is a bar wrench that clips into either of the two hex heads. All seem a bit OTT for you IMHO. Teng, or similar probably have an alternative if you show them the two BJs for size. The taper section that bolts to the wishbones precludes using even a deep socket.

If you need to get into the DIY option, then explore availability at you local tool store. Alternatively maybe a local indy workshop or specialist could remove/fit the BJs; possibly even your dealer? who may well appreciate avoiding taking on an otherwise lengthy job when more simple & lucrative jobs are to hand.
 
You mean I won’t be able to get a big socket over it because of a taper? I’ve just had a look and I can’t see why one wouldn’t?
There are small flats on the bj’s but that’s all I can see.
 
You mean I won’t be able to get a big socket over it because of a taper? I’ve just had a look and I can’t see why one wouldn’t?
There are small flats on the bj’s but that’s all I can see.

I think you will struggle for space on the lower. Even then the first few mm of most large sockets won't provide a decent grip on the hex of the BJ. You can't afford to have the socket slip off the slim hex at these torques.

Anyway, you are getting ahead of yourself TBH; have the neg with BMW first. Then, if all else fails, why not see, if presented with just the fork, what their techs will charge to remove/refit the 2 BJs. Their time/cost is all in getting the bike stripped back. It can't take long, 15 mins? to change those 2 BJs out.
 
Right, I emailed customer services and they emailed back saying they had contacted John Clark Aberdeen. I’m not sure what was said but I had a phone call from John Clark who informed me they would replace the parts free of charge. They agreed it shouldn’t be worn after 15600 miles.
Good on BMW but I could have paid out £530 and been non the wiser. A good dealership would surely point out a problem like this and offer to repair it? Bet they would have done if it had been a £50,000 car.
 
Right, I emailed customer services and they emailed back saying they had contacted John Clark Aberdeen. I’m not sure what was said but I had a phone call from John Clark who informed me they would replace the parts free of charge.


Good on BMW but I could have paid out £530 and been non the wiser.

A good dealership would surely point out a problem like this and offer to repair it? Bet they would have done if it had been a £50,000 car.

A sensible bloke would surely have investigated a free - or significantly discounted - repair at the time, before spending £166 and embarking on this thread. Maybe now put the saving towards buying the extended warranty? ;)

:beerjug:
 
I get my k1600gt back tomorrow . They gave me a 2018 R1200RT to tootle about on. I have to say I thought that someone had removed a piston, or possibly two.
It’s agile but I Just couldn’t go back to that engine. It’s feels light and easy to move about but I just don’t see how anyone could think this is a better bike than a 1600.
Still, horses for courses.
 


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