SO-Boxer questions: changing the driveshaft gaiter

It's split; I've got another, but I have to fit it, so there are all
those nice (?) 12-sided bolts to do, and stuff. :-(

I've read the HBOL and Clymer, but both are worryingly reticent on the
matter of those wretched driveshaft bolts:

Can/should I use an ornery (12-sided) socket on them or is there a
'special' for 1/2 or 3/8 drive? Then there's the not so small matter of
27ft/lb torque - I've got the wrench, but I don't think I've got the
room behind the swingarm to get it in there. Being BMW there's got to be
a cunning plan (or a hideously expensive special thingy to do it with).
I realise the bolts have to be replaced, but thought I'd ask here first
before bunging in an order to Motobins/werks/Sherlocks, in case I
definitely need a left-handed splunge-grabber, per usual.

Finally, should I renew the swingarm races as a matter of course while
I'm there, or are they built like Panzers and immune to all forms of
mechanical wear? I can't feel any play in the arm, but have yet to take
the shock off and check it properly. I *have* had a bit of wobble around
75-80, but they all do that Sir, and I think it's tyre pressures/damping
rather than the swingarm itself.

It's a 1986-7 R80RT mono (not a paralever), and it's done around 60k but
been regularly serviced/MOTed.

All thoughts appreciated.

Cheers,

S.

 

I use a spanner and just get them *tight*
If the bearings have been well greased and don't feel notched leave well
alone.

 

From memory, faded with age, a decent 10mm combination spanner is
needed with a scaffold tube on the end. I think you can slide the
coupling back enough to slip the new gaiter in without undoing the
swinging arm bearings. It is a fiddly job, the gaiter gets in the way.
Remember that the flange ibolts are not in a square but a rectangle,
easy to get a bolt in then find that none of the others fit!
T.W..

 

Thanks both!

I haven't stripped it yet as I'm trying to keep to rule #1: don't start
the strip down unless you've at least got all the bits to put it
together again!*

I didn't know about the rectangle - makes sense if it's a UJ but I
probably would have spent an interesting time otherwise.

So bolts on order from Sherlocks tomorrow...

Thanks once again.

S.


*And RULE #0: Always do some visible DIY first!