Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
- Component
- Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
- Manufacturer
- BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Vehicles affected
- 577
- Reported to NHTSA
- 2002-07-23
- Owners notified
- 2002-09-10
Defect description
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE HEX NUT THAT SECURES THE WHEEL TO THE GEARBOX OUTPUT SHAFT WAS TIGHTENED INCORRECTLY DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. AS A RESULT, THE NUT COULD LOOSEN DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BELT WHEEL WOULD ITSELF LOOSEN ON THE OUTPUT SHAFT, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE INTERNAL SPLINES OF THE WHEEL AND TO THE EXTERNAL SPLINES OF THE OUTPUT SHAFT AS THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED.
Safety risk
OVER TIME, THE SPLINES COULD BE DAMAGED TO THE EXTENT THAT THE OUTPUT SHAFT WOULD NOT LONGER OPERATE THE DRIVE BELT, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF DRIVE CAPABILITY AT THE REAR WHEEL.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HEX NUT TORQUE AND ADJUST THE TIGHTNESS IF NECESSARY, AND SECURE THE NUT WITH LOCTITE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 10, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117, OPTION #4.