1956 R26 Resurrection
Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2022 11:33 am
I am hoping for some suggestions as I tackle my 4th Earles-fork era BMW project. I recently took in a long-neglected R26 that was “parked when it stopped working” 30 years ago. The photo below shows condition when it came out of the back of the garage. It was originally used in Germany and then brought to the US by an Army serviceman. Some modifications had been done but it appeared complete. There was compression, all transmission gears were functioning as was the clutch. However, the rear drive did not seem to be “connected” to the engine. The pile of disintegrated rubber accumulating under the bike was an indication the fate of the Hardy disc. However, the rear swing arm contained NO drive shaft! Yikes…someone had taken it out and then re-assembled the whole mess. The electrics were in a bad state and the gas tank locking cap had rusted in the locked position. The magnetic drain plug in the oil pan revealed some ferrous metal pieces which looked like roller bearing cage material. Time for total tear down!
My question for the team: I cannot get the pivot axle out of the front fork swing arm. The left side nut comes off easily but I cannot budge the pivot axle with either a hammer and drift from the left or a 24mm socket and breaker bar on the right. I have soaked in PB Blaster. Is there something I am missing here? I don’t recall any such problem for previous R69S or R26 projects. Thanks in advance for your assistance.
My question for the team: I cannot get the pivot axle out of the front fork swing arm. The left side nut comes off easily but I cannot budge the pivot axle with either a hammer and drift from the left or a 24mm socket and breaker bar on the right. I have soaked in PB Blaster. Is there something I am missing here? I don’t recall any such problem for previous R69S or R26 projects. Thanks in advance for your assistance.