[OMalley44]

Had the bike in for inspection and flange recall this weekend. On the way out, the guy who worked on the bike said the boot around the ball joint up front was a little torn. How soon should I replace that and if I'm going to all that trouble should I just replace the ball joint too? I saw the boot on Beemerboneyard to replace the boot and some videos to do it. Just wondering how long I should let that go.

 

[mikec]

http://www.r1200gs.info/forum/14-maintenance-modifications/18530-ball-joint.html#post

Had the bike in for inspection and flange recall this weekend. On the way out, the guy who worked on the bike said the boot around the ball joint up front was a little torn. How soon should I replace that and if I'm going to all that trouble should I just replace the ball joint too? I saw the boot on Beemerboneyard to replace the boot and some videos to do it. Just wondering how long I should let that go.

They're not too tough to replace but 'when' depends on your riding. If you're doing a bit of off-road work, you may want to replace it ASAP. It is a barrier against moisture and dirt.

Mike

 

[marc]

Temporary: use some of the silicone emergency tape to seal the boot. You want to keep dirt and moisture out. Some people stop at this "temporary" fix, replacing the tape as needed.

Bad news: BMW doesn't sell the boot, but they'll be happy to sell you a new ball joint assembly for many $$$.

Good news: there are non-BMW sources for the boot only. Example: New Replacement Rubber Ball Joint Boot

The above page also contains links to "how to change" videos. The videos are for an R1150 -- the process is pretty much the same for the R1200.

 

[OMalley44]

Thanks...

I'll order the boot from Beemerboneyard. In the meantime, I'll look for some silicon tape and use that until I can pick a time to fix it. Not doing too much dirt riding right now. Funny that the dealer mentioned the fact that BMW does not make the boot anymore so likely I'll need to get the joint replaced, even though it was functioning fine......right now.

 

[dtromp]

The instructional videos on beemerboneyard show that the spring retainer isn't reused on the install. I'm wondering if this is a good idea in the long run....

 

[PerazziMx14]

I have replaced several of these. Clean up all the old grease on the existing ball joint, smear it up with some fresh bearing grease also packing some in the rubber bellows and reinstall. The lower joint will just slip over and the grease is what seals out the shizzle.

If your close to Chambersburg PA I have an extra I keep on hand. If you want it to replace now you can then send me another.

 

[dtromp]

Thanks, I went with some tight fitting o-rings to improve the seal. All done!