R51/3 Rear wheel play

[Erik Bahl]

I have a 1954 R51/3. I have a question for you regarding the rear wheel. I was working on the bike last night when I noticed that the rear wheel has some side to side play on the axel. I was sitting facing the brake hub, put my hands at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions. I applied a alternating rocking force (side to side motion) and was able to get some movement. I also applied a force in the same direction (as if I was removing the wheel for changing) and got maybe 1/4" in movement along the axel. I made sure the axel was fully seated (it was).

This indicates one of two things to me. A worn bearing. Missing spacers, shims that need to be installed.

Now for the question. I have the tool to remove the hub nut for a /2. The pins on the R51/3 are smaller so I ordered a set of smaller pins for my tool so I can remove it. In the meantime I am researching the bearing setup. I looked in the shop manual and they do not have an exploded diagram for the wheel hub. I do however have the /2 shop manual and they do have an exploded diagram. Do you recall if the setup is the same as a /2? Is there one wheel bearing, or two? Are they the same bearings as a /2? Do you have to shim the setup for no side to side play? Does anyone have an exploded diagram of the rear wheel?

[Mark Huggett]

Hi Erik

It sound as if your theory about incorrectly spaced bearings might be true. Your best bet is to order or obtain the bible for this bike which is none other than the original BMW parts catalogue which contains exploded diagrams, descriptions and quantities of all parts. The part number is 01 00 9 796 022.The set up is similar to the /2 but not the same. The bearings are also not taper roller bearings, but rather a pair of 6204 bearings with the BMW part number 07 11 9 930 218.

Regards,

Mark
Mark Huggett GmbH