R26 Spoke install problem

[bigdave]

Working on a R26 basket case project. I cut the old spokes and cleaned the hub, rims, etc. Bearing preload set correctly and installed. Got new spokes from Michael Benoit at Vintage BMW parts. Installed the first side spokes as per the Barrington "Bible" with no problems. Installed the outer spokes on the other side with no problems. When trying to install the inner spokes on the second side, the spoke will not go through the spoke plate and hub without binding on inside of the brake drum. It just will not go in straight. Are there magic words I must use, or am I not holding my tongue correctly? Tried on the other drum and it is the same. I have successfully re-spoked several other wheels (never a R26-27 single) so this is not my first rodeo. Any insight or help is appreciated.

[schrader7032]

Not having done anything like this before, I can only ask if the new spokes are the right diameter. You could use a caliper on old and new and confirm they are proper for use.

[Bob Allan]

I noticed this problem when recently stripping an R26 wheel.
I can't offer any help but I'll be following this with interest.

[wa1nca]

Salis site:
R27/R26 spokes
Steel rim 4mm x 140mm
Aluminum rim 3.5m x 140mm

https://www.bmwclassicmotorcycles.com/p ... im-spokes/

So if you have a aluminum rim and use 4mm spokes for steel rim that could be your problem

[chris@flintworksllc.com]

I ran into the spoke size problem on my 1956 project. I measured the original spokes for the aluminum rims and they were a little over 3 mm in diameter. The ones received from Michael at Vintage Beemer Parts were 3.65 mm. Since the measurements were never exactly 3 or 4 mm, the “skinny” and “fat” designations may be more accurate. In my wheels, I had to clean up ALL of the holes (both in the hub and wheel) with a hand reamer used gently. The new spokes and refurbished old nipples finally were able to seat correctly and at the right angle. Hope this helps…

[chris@flintworksllc.com]

Error correction…I used the cleaned up old brass inserts and NEW spoke nipples.

[bigdave]

Want to thank everyone for the responses and will tell you what I found.
Spokes are correct size for the aluminum rims.
I also posted the problem on Facebook R26 discussion site as well as here. Steffen Gormer spotted the problem within 1 hour. Ados Vergison also helped. They said that the spoke plates were incorrect for the bike. Should have been those used in older models like the R68. The spoke plates have a slot that the spoke can fit through. A picture was attached. They said the plates I have (original to the wheels as far as I know) could be modified to work. I used my Harbor Freight angle cutter to modify my parts and it works. Now instead of inserting the plate on the spoke and inserting the spoke into the hub, the spoke is inserted from the OUTSIDE of the hub and the plate is fitted over the spoke and then inserted in the hub. I cut the plates so that both of the slots to lock the spoke were still there. Picture showing the hub shows the alignment problem. This modification is only necessary on 9 of the 36 spokes. Hope this helps someone else.

[wa1nca]

Great Post
Thanks for your update