Burping the clutch line

[BER18 100]

For quite some time I didn't feel the clutch pull was completely disengaging the drive train. There was some drag when shifting.
So I replaced the clutch line / fluid, then set out to burp the baby. 45 minutes later the bubbles were gone and I had a big clutch pull unlike the previous one.

Amazing the difference. FYI......I got the banjo fittings and clutch lines from Goodridge.

 

[Rufus]

You did change the fluid for the correct stuff didn’t you? I’m sure I’ve read it’s a mineral oil not the normal stuff. Good job tho

 

[BER18 100]

Yes, the little blue bottle.

 

[BAD MIKE USA]

Do you think there was some bubbles in the old lines or that the new lines were the cure?

 

[BER18 100]

The only thing I can think of is I got too impatient last time.

 

[Fattollah]

Good morning to everyone. I have a 2023 R18 TC. I bought it a year ago with 437 miles on it. now 13500. I noticed back in Jan that when i pull the clutch all the way to the handle bar, makes a clunking , jerking noise upon release. Feels like the clutch catching, or dragging. no functional issue with riding. The bike is still under warranty. Took it to BMW dealership in San Antonio. They kept the bike for two months. They can not figure out the problem. The engineering support team made suggestions but dealership does not follow. They think it is from the push rod or clutch pressure plate. However warranty does not cover it because they say clutch is a wear item. If i proceed, I have to pay $4500 for replacing the entire clutch. I brought the bike home. I ride it every day.

 

[BER18 100]

Oh boy......that doesn't sound encouraging. Adequate fluid in the clutch reservoir? Im sure they checked that.
Maybe just keep riding and problem may wear itself away?

 

[Hammo]

Good morning to everyone. I have a 2023 R18 TC. I bought it a year ago with 437 miles on it. now 13500. I noticed back in Jan that when i pull the clutch all the way to the handle bar, makes a clunking , jerking noise upon release. Feels like the clutch catching, or dragging. no functional issue with riding. The bike is still under warranty. Took it to BMW dealership in San Antonio. They kept the bike for two months. They can not figure out the problem. The engineering support team made suggestions but dealership does not follow. They think it is from the push rod or clutch pressure plate. However warranty does not cover it because they say clutch is a wear item. If i proceed, I have to pay $4500 for replacing the entire clutch. I brought the bike home. I ride it every day.

Thats crazy wear and tear after 13,500 miles ? is this where dealerships are going these days , how can trained technicians state they "think" this is the problem ? i lost confidence in my dealership and now go to an independent BMW trained guy , you can talk to him confidently about your problem and you do not get rip off bills .

 

[Ulrich]

Thats crazy wear and tear after 13,500 miles ? is this where dealerships are going these days , how can trained technicians state they "think" this is the problem ? i lost confidence in my dealership and now go to an independent BMW trained guy , you can talk to him confidently about your problem and you do not get rip off bills .

... or do it yourself in the first place and know what was/is done ... but maybe that's just me

 

[Fattollah]

The clicking/sticking sound is heard in the dead space of the clutch. As I am learning, there are three spaces in the clutch handle area. The space between the handle bar and friction zone is the dead space in my R18 TC is about one inch, then fiction zone about one to one and half inch, and a quarter inch free play at the end. If I pull the clutch just pass the friction zone, I dont hear sticking noise. Sticking noise is heard in the half inch close to the handle bar. I am learning not to pull the clutch all the way in. I am very disappointed in BMW coatomer service and the dealership in San Antonio.
THANKS FOR ALL THE ADVISE.