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R26 gearbox removal.

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San Arthur
Posts: 577
Joined: Sun Apr 22, 2007 2:08 pm
Location: San Antonio, TX.
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R26 gearbox removal.

Post by San Arthur »

While taking Zenaida for a ride I start feeling some gear shift problems.

A few miles into my ride I got into a right hander and before the turn Zenaida died on me.
I those split seconds I thought: maybe an electrical issue with switch plate or key, a clogged fuel filter?
I remember seeing the generator light on, and after the turn I started pulling to the side of the road.

I don’t remember if I had the clutch engaged or tried to change gear but suddenly the rear tire skid and Zenaida stopped.

I tried engaging the clutch to push Zenaida, and nothing. I had to move the shifter hard, up and down, to find neutral and finally push it out of the very narrow road, I was too close to the curve.
The shifter will return to the center, this spring is ok.
I checked the clutch cable thinking maybe the lever was not moving the pushrod? but it looks ok.

I try to start Zenaida, but the kickstarter lever is froze in place.

Image Click_for_Video

If I push Zenaida I can see the cardan shaft turning, but bike wont move if in gear even with the clutch engaged.

Back home. Mea culpa...

With Zenaida is on the bench, I check thru the filling hole with my endoscope and the gearbox is dry.
Yes, I forgot to check the oil.

I will take this sad opportunity to document the removal of a R26 gear box, following the Barrington.
San Arthur in San Antonio, Texas
'58 R26 '76 R90S '88 R100RS '94 R100GS/PD

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Micha
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Re: R26 gearbox removal.

Post by Micha »

Sorry to hear, thanks in advance for your efforts to put your documentation, here for all of us.
Good luck.
Michael Steinmann
R51/3 1952
Engine Nr. 529466

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jwonder
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Re: R26 gearbox removal.

Post by jwonder »

If you need help let me know, I have done several rebuilds of these R26/R27 gearboxes. They are quite straightforward with a few "gotcha's" here and there.
James Wonder
Vice President, Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners
2022 BMW Friend Of the Marque
Long Island, New York

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San Arthur
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Joined: Sun Apr 22, 2007 2:08 pm
Location: San Antonio, TX.
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Re: R26 gearbox removal.

Post by San Arthur »

This is how I removed the gear box. It may not be the correct way.

I open the Barrington and realized I have a lot of work to do to catch up with the chapter, basically removing all the rear of Zenaida.

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Removed the battery and drained the gasoline from the tank.
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Is a gyn and tonic type of job. Make sure I have enough tonic for the Tanqueray.

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I removed the tank. I tape every surface I can, to protect the paint from scratches. Image

You may not need to remove the tank, but is easier than working around it. I store the hardware separately by component.
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I removed the carburetor. I placed the throttle cable and the speedometer cable in bags to protect the parts and prevent them from scratching the paint.

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Put the carb and flange in a box.
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Remove the exhaust system and tape the intake and exhaust orifices.
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I love my Barrington.

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Remove the rear wheel next.
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Remove the air filter and battery box and disconnect the electric cables. Take lots of pictures from the cables position.

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Next I removed the rear fender. Next time I think I will remove the rear fender first and then the box, I had a difficult time getting to all the bolts.

More taped on every surface to prevent scratches. I used clamps to compress the edge of the fender for easy removal and to prevent scratches.
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Did I mentioned I taped more surfaces to prevent scratches.

Next I remove the rear brake rod.
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Remove the aluminum swing arm cap nut.
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Loosen the hex nut. I didn’t remove the bearing pivot just yet.
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I measure the gap both sides of the swing arm for reference.
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I used a stand to release the pressure on the shocks and remove the screws.
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You need to move the brake shoe to have access to the right shock bolt.
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I used clamps to hold the drive shaft and swing arm in place to relieve pressure and make easier removing both bearing pivots.

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The pin tool is necessary.
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Next I remove the clamps and separate with a plastic pray bar, the hardy disc and then remove the swing arm.

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Remove the safety and the pivot pins to remove the clutch lever.

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I may not need to, but I remove the kickstart lever stop too.
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Don’t forget the neutral switch wire and the clutch cable sleeve!
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Remove the 4 gear box nuts and the exhaust pipe retaining bracket.
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Lower the left front foot peg, do not remove the bolt.
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Place a plastic folder under the gear box to protect the frame paint.
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Remove the gear box following the Barrington indications.
I tie a robe to help me lift the gear box.

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Voilà!
San Arthur in San Antonio, Texas
'58 R26 '76 R90S '88 R100RS '94 R100GS/PD

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San Arthur
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Re: R26 gearbox removal.

Post by San Arthur »

jwonder wrote:
Mon Sep 20, 2021 8:44 am
If you need help let me know, I have done several rebuilds of these R26/R27 gearboxes. They are quite straightforward with a few "gotcha's" here and there.
Thanks jwonder, my nephew helped me with heavy lifting.

Saludos
San Arthur in San Antonio, Texas
'58 R26 '76 R90S '88 R100RS '94 R100GS/PD

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