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On a 1977 R100S I was replacing the push rod tube seals and accidently dropped the rocker arm assembly which separated and left me with a work towel full of TEENY needle bearings. After the shock of finding the needle bearings were not in a cage and reassembling them in the rocker, I noticed the needles did not fill the entire circumference of the rocker bore. It appeared possibly two needles were missing from each end of the rocker. Is it possible this is correct? All the dropped needles were accounted for. After assembly everything sounds tight but I am holding off riding till I hear from you experts.

Thanks
GoodRidng TomJ

If I recall, there are 31 needles. I can check that later on this evening if you like.

Thanks, your effort would be appreciated. I would hate to tear things apart too many times. TJ

I can't remember how many rollers but there should be no gaps. Oil is helpfull to hold the rollers in place when assembling, although it is still tricky.

Yup. 31 needles. Counted them twice.

Hope none fell into some hole in the engine.
Maybe stuck by an oil film somewhere?
In a nook? In a cranny? In your shoe? In a valve spring?

If you're stuck, PM me, I can mail you a few. (6?)

I am really, really,really grateful for your trouble. No. Nothing went anywhere except into my workshop towel. The previous owner hasn't impressed me with his mechanical skills so I suspect they are on HIS garage floor. I can't impose on you(And I don't know what PM is or how to do it) so I'll be contacting a supplier on Tuesday........ Thanks again for your time and help. No nook,no cranny...........I checked my shoes!!

TomJ

OK Tom, best of luck with it.

ME 109 wrote:I can't remember how many rollers but there should be no gaps. Oil is helpfull to hold the rollers in place when assembling, although it is still tricky.

Assembly lube helps the needles stay in pretty well and lube good until the oil flows.