Good online wrenching links (to replace driveshaft, final drive)?

[mathew_hennessy]

Hi,
Just got over the winter of my discontent, and with some spare $$$ I've finally decided to start seeing what it's going to take to get my poor baby back on the road.. I have the Haynes manual packed away, but I was hoping to check online first to get an idea of what major assemblies I'll need and what they'll run.. Any links for removing/replacing final drive, rear brake, drive shaft for 2001 1150GS highly appreciated (and extra kudos for illustrations!).. (I didn't get much from a google search I'm afraid, perhaps my keyword-fu has failed me).

(and as a grim reminder:)
http://pax2008.thoughtcrime.com/wp-content/gallery/ride/IMG_0210.JPG

Much obliged in advance!

[philbytx]

Wow! WTF happened there :scratch !!!

Anyway, here's a couple of good resources ;

[URL="http://www.largiader.com/"]http://www.largiader.com/[/URLhttp://www.bmwrt.com
http://www.ibmwr.org

Do local searches and you will find a plethora of stuff on replacing shafts/FD's/gearboxes etc.... etc....

[mathew_hennessy]

Final drive started going bad between Bozeman and Billings, MT on the way home cross-country, thought I could push it to the next BMW servicer (Sturgis BMW), ended up having a 75mi tow. Many thanks to the nice folks who stopped by and lent me their cellphone (as ATT wasn't accessible :p) to call the tow, and it's amazing how chilled you can get sitting on the side of the road in full gear in Montana in August... Lotta wind out there...

Here's an expensive lesson, for free: when you're in the middle of nowhere and your final drive starts feeling funny and your ABS lights start alternating flashes, ride to the next truck rental place or hotel and load it up, and drive it to the repair shop.

(just dropped about $1400 @ beemerboneyard, would have spent more if they had a suitable driveshaft :p)

[mathew_hennessy]

Spent Easter Sunday putting the new/used final drive on, bolting on the new/used rear brake, installing the new/used rear ABS sensor, the new/new chrome quick-release fuel lines (to replace the grotty plastic ones which BROKE :p), new battery, reset the ABS, and..

HOLY CRAP...

It all works!

I'll be bringing it to the shop for a new rear tire, tune up, fluid change, and eyeballing of the work, but so far I'm pretty stoked... Always nice to learn new skills and have an excuse to buy tools ;)

BTW, if you ever need to replace your final drive or pull your swingarm, the place to find the 12mm Allen Key or 30mm socket is Pep Boys.. Sears didn't have the allen key, but apparently it's a popular size for working on Honda car brakes (it came as part of a set of HUGE allen keys).. Also, Pep Boys had a nice dual-headed torque wrench (3/8" and 1/2") that came in handy..

whew!

(before)
http://www.thoughtcrime.com/images/bikepix/photo3.jpg
(After)
http://www.thoughtcrime.com/images/bikepix/photo0.jpg