To Rubber Chicken or NOT?

[slowtorque]

What's the consensus on the Rubber Chicken Racing paralever bushings over the stock needle bearing set-up? I need to do something this week before my trip. I am hoping that had I known to keep an eye on the paralever pivot bearing play, mine would have lasted many many more miles. Thanks

[f4tweet]

FWIW: I went with stock bearings.

[Sunbeemer]

Me too. There were problems with some bushings that may have been incorrectly installed, or installed on bad pins, or weren't the right fit for some reason...

How many miles on your bike now?

[slowtorque]

I just turned 14k miles. I suspect the bearing play should be a maintenance item (will be from now on). I had noticed a slight vibration for months and it recently has been getting worse. Just occurred to me to check this the other day and I found I had a perceptible but not outlandish amount of play. All bearings and gears inside fd appeared and felt fine. Damage noted to left pivot bearing cup so popped out both bearings and will get stock, overpriced OEM BMW replacements tomorrow. Not much of a challenge wrenching wise, but still surprising to experience a failure so early.

[slowtorque]

I am surprised there aren't many Rubber Chicken users around. Judging by the wear pattern, I am guessing this pivot bearing was over-torqued at the factory causing premature failure. Shame, BMW.

[jm1515]

I think if you install them correctly they are fine.
I installed mine ~24000mi ago at 32900mi. My rear wheel is solid as a rock since.
I've had them out @38000mi when I had the FD r&r and then again @50000mi when my clutch splines bit the dust....so I've got other problems.
The bushings were in almost perfect condition.