Windshield (re)installation

[dbdicker]

coming home yesterday I had a big rattle in my touring screen on my 04 -- seems one of the bolts that secures the screen going under the handlebar/triple tree worked loose and disappeared.

I think I got the correct replacement from my dealer, but for the life of me, I can't seem to get the thing to thread into the bolt hole. Do I have the wrong bolt? Have the threads disintegrated with the loss of the old one?

Am I doing something wrong, do I need to remove the rest of the screen to get a better purchase on wrestling this one home? (there's very little room to thread it up and in as it is.

All help appreciated.

[Rags]

Just basic stuff... DON'T force it in... make sure it's clean...put some WD 40 in there then try to seat by turning counter clockwise... till felling a click then clockwise

... that may be it...Don't force it... if it doesn't go in clean w WD40 and try again..

[peels]

This JUST happened to me too!


Noticed the shield wobblin...so at a stoplight, reached down, it was all the way out, hanging there by sheer grace! I couldnt get it back in either, so I wiggled it out, and put in my pocket.

all while this huge douche in a harley davidson, nascar, and dixie flag sticker emblazon rustbucket truck was honking at me. SO..... i took my sweet ass time.

you'll be fine, just seems a tight fitting bolt to me. those have to be pretty solid id think, they take alot of abuse.

[MarkShelley]

Sounds obvious, but check you are turning it the correct way. Easy to get wrong when upside down. Also loosen the bracket on the screen in case the bracket is slightly out of line with the hole. These holes are bloody awkward to access, and are so close to the line of the forks that getting an allen key on them at the correct angle is very difficult. Most bits of BMW design are well thought out . This isn`t

[rayraypa]

I am having a similar problem and don't know what to do. The bracket that goes under the bars on the left side broke. I bought a new one at the dealer. As I try to loosen the nut underneath the bolt just spins. I can see it spinning but I can't stop it because it's the type which is flush with the top of the hole. There is no way for me to hold it with a wrench. Does anyone know how I can get this thing off?

[dbdicker]

I finally figured it out -- it's about tools -- you need a star socket set and a hinged 3/8 socket adapter.

Also, a few shims or washers will allow the new hex bolt to grip without having to install fully. good luck

[peels]

I finally figured it out -- it's about tools -- you need a star socket set and a hinged 3/8 socket adapter.

Also, a few shims or washers will allow the new hex bolt to grip without having to install fully. good luck

well... I had my loose one tightened in...then noticed my shield wobbling everywhere this morning. lost one on the other side

[Keppelj]

I'd get on my back and with a flashlight see if the the bracket is lined up with the threaded hole. With the screen in place you may be fighting to find correct alignment. Or with one hand turn the screw into place on the allen wrench as you move the bracket this way and that. You shouldn't have to force the fit.

[MarkShelley]

I struggled with these bolts when I was experimenting with different screens, but eventually found the easiest way.
You need a basic L shaped torx tool of the correct size, used with the long part in the bolt head.
If you try and use a socket with extensions/universal joint etc you will not be able to get the correct angle due to the width of the tool and the proximity of the forks.
You can only turn a little bit at a time of course.
It is also easier if you remove the screen from the brackets so you are not fighting against any slight bending moment from the plastic.