BMW K1200LT Steering Damper Service and Rebuild DIY

[@1wheeldrive751]

I appreciate the amount of great info that you have contributed to the archives of BMW ownership. I recently bought an old 2000 K1200RS with just 47k miles. It has needed a lot of service since prior owners were not enthusiasts. I understand that.

[@mvvsengines6472]

The bolt came out of mine no problem using a nice electric Snap On impact gun and high quality torx bit. No heat required. Without your videos I would have sold my bike long ago. You are a real pro and I appreciate your work. You should get a TV show, I'd watch it for sure!

[@1wheeldrive751]

Hey, Kirk, I think I may have figured out what that little pellet with the o-ring seal that goes inside the damper rod is for. I think that you are supposed to leave some air space between the pellet and the screw cap. The air would be captive inside the damper shaft. It would allow some expansion of the oil with temperature. If there was no expansion space, when the fluid heats up, the expansion could push the seals out, or at the very least, would push fluid out past the seals. Then when it cools off would suck air in past the seals into the area that you don’t want it in. I’m going to try doing it that way and see how it works out.

[@stevekurtenbach1951]

Great movie! I found the exact seal that came out of the damper. The number is QHWA 10-20-7/8.5 VGF01 at Accent Bearing in Addison, Il. Each seal is $42.99 with $16.89 shipping. A lot for a small seal but it is the same exact seal that came out of the damper. Thank you so much for all the help.

[@cliffperry1481]

Steve Kurtenbach hi Steve can I ask where did you get the seals for the damper please as I have lt 1999 bike

[@nutcrackerventures4599]

My damper came off rather easy, I followed your video as I was doing my work, I barely had any oil coming out of my damper, but after I was done it felt like new. Thank you so much for the videos you out out for us

[@davealey7849]

I know this video has been out here for years, but it's still helping some of us! I'm doing this on my K1200RS - way better than paying over $300 for an aftermarket damper, or even more for a new OEM unit!

[@00K1200LT]

20ml is all you will need of the Suspension Fluid / fork & Shock oil. I filled the damper up and dumped it twice and it was real nasty. I recommend if its your first time filling it then work it in and dump it a few times to clear the insides. Water and some fine dust I think was in mine. 18 to 20ml is all it look to hold. When I dumped mine the first time it had 10ml or so and it was just black oil. Hope that helps.

[@roylass]

Mijn stuur begon ook eneorm te slaan bij kleine hobels, ik dacht wat is dat in eens uit het niks, dus ik ga volgende week ook eens kijken of er nog iets aan te maken is want het zit ook behoorlijk los op de k1200lt van 2002. Met maar 92.000km op de klok.

[@krisztian942]

HI! Great video. I also changed the oil and the seals on R850R (dimensions:20x10x7 mm). Thanks!

[@charlesrlee74]

Appreciate guys like you! You are needed and respecte

[@g41thomas]

as always very informative video. I just hoped you could show us how exactly take the plunger off without scratching it. Did you mentioned a wood wise? but how? can you please make a video of it? Again thank you for awesome insturctions

[@orvillemason8413]

thank you for showing us how to do this, I wasn't able to get mine off, I had to rebuild it on the bike.

[@PraviBezak]

Thank's you really helped me! I fixed stabilizer on my K1200R.

[@jpm1151]

Your video did help me a lot. Thank you from a bmer from Spain

[@ping2412]

best steering damper service video.

[@juliomatamoros1229]

Great video, very helpful. Are there seals that need to be replaced? You mentioned that at the beginning of your video. BMW wants 728.37 to replace it, and I would rather repair what i have. My bike only has 30K miles, so the more money I can save, the better.

[@kirksmotorrad]

I am glad you found it helpful! You're welcome!

[@phamster18]

really nice work on this video.. excellent info.. i have my dads 2004 1200 gt.. the steering is very stiff.. i might have to do this repair ! or even remove the damper completely.. is that safe to remove the damper completely?

[@bensto8979]

Tip. Make sure the shaft is pulled out all the way, when reinstalling seal. This ensures there is no pressure build up.

[@ShawnBroadhead]

Thank you so much for these videos, they've saved me many hours and lots of money. Even with heat and an impact driver I managed to strip out the torx bolt. I'm really hoping to avoid having to take it to the mechanic, do you have any ideas for extracting it now that I've already stripped it?

[@kirksmotorrad]

Use a drill to remove the head of the bolt. Once it is out you can heat the aluminum body of the damper and then get a vice grip on it to remove it. It is not fun but can be done.

[@ericrhinehart6055]

Glad I watched before wrenching!

[@_JimS]

Is that an old Singer treadle frame in the background? I was a cobbler so I had a short and long arm for leather repair.

[@cangunes849]

Hi Kirk, first of all, I appreciate that you are teaching many bmw owner including me. Thank you so much. I have 2005 bmw k1200lt, 42.000 km. If I ride less than 100 km/h steering starts wobbling and goes crazy. Do you think that’s because of the damper? Does bad damper cause wobbling? Thanks again.I’ve been maintaining my bike watching your videos.

[@armandsaleksejevs686]

I am a new K1200LT user. Did you get this sorted? I had this issue on my Honda Deauville. Was told that it is due to incorrect tyre pressure.

[@cangunes849]

@@armandsaleksejevs686I haven’t done anything yet, waiting to replace the front tire first, but it is going to take some time because it’s new. I will let you know when I change it.

[@classiccycleconnection9334]

with all due respect . you aren’t repairing or fixing the issue by replacing the worn parts . you’re just changing the oil and replacing the oil that has leaked out due to not replacing the seals .

[@jeanpepeborn8403]

Nice to see reality quite different. Removable front oversee certainly neide hands loosen as the video. It is made of brass and I've already too damaged. Just not enough to replace oil as it Semering are cracked and have no idea where can I buy. I choose the option of compensation from China at $ 26! So good advice is to suck it together ...

[@shamoy1000]

Another great video. I don't know what I'd fo with out you. I'm thinking of using power steering fluid.

[@kirksmotorrad]

That might be too light. Give it a try though!

[@SandCarServices]

Hi Kirk! Its Ron from California. Hey I just had to replace my front and rear tires on my k1200lt and I replaced them with what was on the bike when I bought it. Metzler Roadtec z6 and my bike has developed what I call (road surface tracking) it is following the lines in the road almost like drifting or a small amount of steering left and right. My steering damper has a definite oil leak and has not been serviced but it was not drifting before tire replacement. I have checked to make sure arrows are facing forward and nothing is loose. Have you had a damper cause something like this? Thanks.

[@kirksmotorrad]

I have not experienced tracking due to a steering damper. Definitely annoying... The Z6 should be a good radial for the front due to the broken up pattern but who knows... If you have another radial front available put that on to see if it goes away. My guess is, its the tire.

[@frankschindl]

Sorry my English ist not the best. Thank you for your Video. I have a BMW K1200S an the same steering Damper. Why do you not change the seals? I made the same service than you, an i chance the seals. I filles this damper with shock absorber oil, 5w-10w.

[@juanmaldonado3281]

EVERY. TIME. BETTER. IS. AWESOME. REALY TNKS. AND. HY. FROM PUERTO RICO

[@karlis-blums]

damper waterproof sock will for sure prolong its life

[@indoorlightening]

Is there a video for replacing the rubber boot on the steering ball joint next to this dampener?

[@kirksmotorrad]

In reply to GETREAL! You just need to clam the plunger in a vise with a face that is softer than the steel that the plunger is made from. That way it will not scratch it. If you only have a metal vise then put two pieces of wood on the face of it.

[@Hooghol]

Kirk I wanted to check with you I took mine off but I notice-shaft has a arch to it i.e. bend is that correct or is the damper pretty much done and I need to get a replacement? Not sure how it could have got a bend.

[@NH-Bill]

Great video to help us save $500! I saw snap ring pliers next to your work area, but I didn't see you use them. Also, I didn't see you remove or replace seals? Can you comment on both issues? Thanks

[@kirksmotorrad]

I do not replace the seals unless they are obviously leaking. I will be posting a complete damper rebuild video soon though.

[@seantilldawn]

Did you ever do a full rebuild video?

[@arranhorron5173]

kirk am in uk i went out on my 04 LT yesterday and the steering felt like wasnt working felt tire was doing what it wanted terrifying on a roundabout tyre pressure was ok after lookin at this vid the damper moves from left to right it moves in and out ok though i could see it ok as have elec centre stand mod what the hell do i need to do can u advise please

[@gerrycarroll2247]

Kirk can you assist on a part for the damper ...? Where the hex bolt goes up into the damper from below there is a rubber or silicone rubber bushing, have you any idea of the part number for that. I've ordered parts twice from Germany....and they are both incorrect !!! Doh. Any thoughts or input. Cheers boss

[@StefanWestenburger]

Great, thanks

[@bernardhul7925]

thank for video i am happy

[@00K1200LT]

Sorry I had a hard time finding this oil. I thought I would drop the oil information here should someone need to know what he put in. Pro Honda SS-7 5W Suspension Fluid - 16oz $6.00

[@danmilewski1248]

Thanks! I needed that!

[@Dragorus360]

Where do we get the replacement seals? BMW does not sell them seperately

[@kirksmotorrad]

I am not finding them either right now. If you find some that work good, please let me know

[@emiliobonanno6883]

i do enjoy your videos

[@SWDAtom]

Mine is shot, but I got it out by drilling out the bolt. Easy out. I don't think this is fixable. Do you or does anyone know of a non BMW replacement that is good, won't break the bank. The handle bars never wobble, but I would feel better with a stabilizer. 2001 Custom

[@kirksmotorrad]

You can find good used ones on ebay

[@martinvanek5951]

Checkout Hyperpro at pirateslair.net

[@storagefindsales9469]

on my steering damper the hole where it mounts to the fork, for some reason it does not stay in the hole anymore. i feel like i have to drill a hole in that black plastic cap underneath the fork and get a bolt long enough to go through the fork and put a washer and nut on bottom so damper doesn’t pop out. have you experienced this? is this not recommended? What is recommended if not?

[@kirksmotorrad]

It is probably just missing the rubber washer between the fork and the damper. You can pru the plastic cap off on the bottom to get to the bolt. Use heat to soften the locktite.

[@octaviotrujillo8231]

thanks for your help

[@wildman045]

Hi Kirk, could you use ATF instead of 5w fork oil?

[@kirksmotorrad]

I think ATF should work. Just try to compare how hard it is to move before and after

[@storagefindsales9469]

and coincidentally, it all happened at a gas station when it was difficult to turn the steering wheel

[@schooder]

FYI on my 2005 (12250miles) I get wobble at 40mph + -

[@joseluismoreno9779]

MY DAMPER STEERIG does not have the plug screw, can it be refilled with oil?

[@cliff032]

Super, great video, thanks

[@AB-hx9hs]

Where do you get this 5 weight Oil ? Is it a normal Motor oil weigh 5 ? Thank you.

[@marcinbohun3382]

What kind of oil are you recommended now? Could you advice?

[@kirksmotorrad]

I use 7.5 wt fork oil

[@00K1200LT]

WOW!! what a huge change. The bolt wasn't to bad on mine and I didn't have to heat it. Maybe I was just lucky it came off. I needed so bad to do this and its done now. Thank You so much.. I was putting it off looking at that $360 bucks that BMW wanted to rape me for..

[@GuyLashlee]

What size is the Torq Star holding the damper on? Don't see too well and don't want to resort to driller it out!

[@14wntr]

T30

[@GuyLashlee]

@@14wntr Thanks!- Got an impact screwdriver and better sockets so will try tomorrow!

[@14wntr]

@@GuyLashlee use a lot of heat applied to the base of the damper where the threads are. -Kirk

[@GuyLashlee]

@@14wntr Thanks, Kirk. Really appreciate your videos. So I plan to apply a torch to the area you specified - the felt bushing is toast already and I purchased an impact driver and torx sockets. Should do the job!

[@JmartiStudio]

You continue repair motorcycles?? You have email ???

[@mattdarbro4830]

Just did your DIY, only to find out the bearing side has a bad seal...ugh. Well at least I know - also, whoever thought of putting the cheesy torx head bolt at the mount should be fired. Ended up drilling the bolt out to save the mount, since the stabilizer is shot (working on a barn find 1996 R850R)

[@kirksmotorrad]

BTDT

[@BluMtnAdventures]

Where do I get the damper rubber bushings?

[@kirksmotorrad]

That is a BMW item

[@BluMtnAdventures]

@@kirksmotorrad what do they actually do? Mine on the bottom pivot mount is toast.

[@kirksmotorrad]

@@BluMtnAdventures They help keep it in the correct position for proper use.

[@anttvproduction8068]

can i ask you something? so my steering damper also have a little bit a leak every time the damper moves, is it normal? or is it broken?

[@kirksmotorrad]

Mine leak and I am not changing them out until they REALLY leak. I flush mine yearly. The seals are almost 30 each!

[@avistar9664]

Ordered seals from 123bearings, completely dissambled the Damper, pulled rod - ROD WAS BENT ... shit!! So now since no one sells an operating rod for a steering damper and to make one will cost too much time, I'm search for an old Damper with a strait rod....my luck....LOL!

[@michelnault6414]

i have a 2005 k1200 lt it wobble at 70-90km 40mph to 50mph any suggestion ?? Thank you folks

[@michelnault6414]

The damper seem to do is job??

[@NeverSquid]

What’s the part number for the seal?

[@kirksmotorrad]

they are located in the comments below

[@NeverSquid]

@@kirksmotorrad thanks. I was able to find them in the comments. Two seals ordered!

[@alejandrougarte760]

Hi. I have an ohlins sterring damper. What kind of oil does it take?

[@jackh3824]

8:54 5 - 7.5 weight

[@martinvanek5951]

Sorry the KACO part number is QHWA10-20-7/8.5 VGF01

[@Harley1Mike]

Smack it and back it! Oh and don't worry, I won't lose my rubbers, Kirk! Geez, what kinda video is this??

[@NeverSquid]

FOR THOSE INTERESTED, THE DIRECT LINK FOR THE SEALS IS: www.metricsealsinc.com/qhwa10-20-7-8-5-s-10-x-20-x-7-8-5

[@myronstambaugh761]

They are now sold out and not getting anymore. May 2022

[@martinvanek5951]

Replacement seals are hard to find. I just ordered seals from www.metricsealinc.com part number QHWA10-20-7 / 8.5. $27.10 each plus $10 shipping. These are Nitrile rubber instead of the Viton rubber used in the OE seals. Viton seems like overkill for this application but I'll find out if they fail too soon. KACO makes the OE seals (part number QHWA10-20-7/8.5 FGF01). I was told by Alek at Metric Seals that KACO requires a minimum 3000 Euro order plus $200 in shipping. No wonder no one here in the US stocks these parts.

[@myronstambaugh761]

May 2022 Metric Seal is now sold out of this seal. On the phone with the man now.

[@martinvanek5951]

@@myronstambaugh761 Good luck. I hope you can source one. I'm trying to sell my '99 K1200RS without much luck. At some point I may start selling parts off of it and you can purchase a rebuilt damper:)

[@martinvanek5951]

@@myronstambaugh761 Were you able to get a replacement seal? If not I may have a couple I can send to you. No charge as I'm in the process of selling my bike.

[@myronstambaugh761]

@@martinvanek5951 PM me on FaceBook. I serviced the damper and reassembled it. The cleaning and exercise of the seals seems to have slowed the leaking but I could not find new seals. I'd be interested in get new ones. Thanks.

[@bekirkoc5688]

If you happen to be in Istanbul, stop by MOTOSENKRON and have all the shock absorbers of BMW motorcycles repaired with a one-year warranty, very cheap 250 euros.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Oink Oink ;}