How To Install A Steering Damper On A Motorcycle

Installation of the steering damper mechanism is straight forward. One thing that you can become wrong is aligning the number on the damper rod with the right position of the damper rack it adjusts. I testify how to go that orientation right.

Parts

I replaced the damper itself with a new one (part# 31 42 1 232 361) and besides the white plastic bushing (part# 31 42 one 232 556) that fits on the damper rod to proceed the damper knob from rattling.

Video

Here is a short video showing the installation and how adjusting the steering damper works.

VIDEO: 1983 BMW R100RS Install Steering Damper Mechanism

Assemble Damper Mechanism

The pic below shows the parts used in the steering damper mechanism.

Steering Damper Mechanism Parts

The damper has cups on the ends that connect to a ball pin on the bottom of the damper rack and to another ball pin mounted on the frame. The cups are secured on the balls with a locking clip.

Damper Rack With Ball Pin Inside Cover

Damper Rack With Ball Pin Inside Embrace

Ball Pin The Damper Connects To On The Frame

Brawl Pin The Damper Connects To On The Frame

Damper Cup Retaining Clip

Damper Cup Locking Clip

The damper rack has teeth that engage teeth on the stop of the damper rod. When the rod turns, it moves the rack back and forth. There are three notches in the rack that bound loaded pins engage to concord the damper rack in a fixed position.

Damper Rack Mechanism-Note Retaining Pins The Fit In Slots Of Rack

How Damper Rack and Damper Rod Connect

The damper adjusting knob changes the offset between the damper and the steering axis; more than beginning provides more damping. Information technology has three positions noted on the peak of the damper knob indicating the amount of steering damping; "0", "1", "ii". The knob is secured to the end of the damper rod with a Phillips screw. There is a notch inside the damper adjusting knob that mates with the flat on the cease of the damper rod.

Damper Adjusting Knob In "2" Position

Damper Adjusting Knob In "two" Position

Install Damper Mechanism

I grease the teeth of the damper rack and the bottom of the damper rod with wheel bearing grease. I slide the damper rod upwardly the center of the steering stalk and out the pigsty in the top nut. I put the plastic bushing on the end of the rod. I have the damper rack in the "2" position which is where the ball on the rack is at the border of the comprehend and farthest from the centre. So I install the damper knob with "2" at the 12:00 position which also puts the apartment on the damper rod at the 12:00 position.

Wheel Bearing Grease On Damper Rack And Damper Rod

Steering Stem Cap Nut Has A Hole For The Damper Rod

Hole In Steering Stem Where Damping Rod Fits

Hole In Steering Stalk Where Damping Rod Fits

Damper Rod Inserted Into Hole In Steering Stem

Damper Rod Inserted Into Hole In Steering Stalk

Damper Rod Bushing

Damper Rod Bushing Installed

Damper Adjusting Knob In "2" Position

I slide the cover plate with the damper rack over the bottom end of the damper rod so the teeth on the rod appoint the teeth in the plate. I secure the cover and damper rack using the ii Allen bolts with some bluish Loctite on the threads since there are no wave washers and these bolts are on the bottom and I don't want them to back out and fall off.

Blue Loctite On Screws Securing Damper Rack Cover

Blue Loctite On Screws Securing Damper Rack Embrace

Cover And Damper Rack Installed On Bottom Of Steering Stem With Damper Rack In "2" Position

Comprehend And Damper Rack Installed On Bottom Of Steering Stem With Damper Rack In "2" Position

I put a little grease in the cups of the damper for lubrication. I attach the damper to the brawl pivot in the bracket on the frame track the oil cooler is mounted on and the ball pivot on the bottom of the damper rack using the locking clips.

Damper Cup Retaining Clip

Damper Loving cup Locking Clip

Damper Cup Locking Clip Detail

Damper Cup Locking Prune Detail

Damper Upper Cup Locking Clip Installed

Damper Lower Cup Locking Clip Installed

Test Operation

The damper is in the "2" position after I install the mechanism. I rotate the damper knob to the "1" and "0" positions to be sure the rack moves freely inside the embrace.

Damper Adjusting Knob In "2" Position: Highest Damping

Damper In "2" Position: Highest Damping