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Saddle bag latch stuck! won't open!
- Thread starter Malaszka
- Start date
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- Tags
- hard bags stuck latch
MCMXCIVRS
More toys than space
Does the release lever not pop up when you push the lock cylinder down or do the bags just not open when you pull up the lever. I had trouble with mine sealing shut with air pressure changes. I would release the latches then have to forcibly pry the lid open due to the internal suction. I finally drilled a tiny air bleed hole into the inner shells much like the air vent on the GS Adventure cases.
lkraus
New member
The mechanism is in an unsealed area between the inner and outer case, so the lubricating grease collects dust and grit. That is probably the trouble here, as you mentioned the latches have gotten progressively harder to work. There are good pictures of the mechanism in this post about case dis-assembly: http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=234828.
This picture in particular shows the latching straps, two lengths of flexible stainless steel with latching posts. These slide when the lever is lifted so that the hooks on the lid are released. Because these slide around the corners of the case, there is a lot of friction when the grease gets embedded with dirt.
I'd suggest carefully maintaining pressure on the lever while tapping the black part of the case with the heel of your hand, the idea being that the vibrations will help the latching straps break free and release. I think you will feel the lever slowly move further as you tap until the latches release. I emphasize "carefully" because you can break the plastic lever with too much pressure.
A thorough cleaning and re-greasing with silicone or white lithium grease will restore the one-finger operation the mechanism had when new. The mechanism is complex and prone to unexpected self-disassembly once the inner case is removed - work cautiously, remember that the other case can serve as an example for re-assembly. I found it helpful to draw a case shape on a piece of cardboard, then poke holes in the cardboard to hold each screw in the correct location.
This picture in particular shows the latching straps, two lengths of flexible stainless steel with latching posts. These slide when the lever is lifted so that the hooks on the lid are released. Because these slide around the corners of the case, there is a lot of friction when the grease gets embedded with dirt.
I'd suggest carefully maintaining pressure on the lever while tapping the black part of the case with the heel of your hand, the idea being that the vibrations will help the latching straps break free and release. I think you will feel the lever slowly move further as you tap until the latches release. I emphasize "carefully" because you can break the plastic lever with too much pressure.
A thorough cleaning and re-greasing with silicone or white lithium grease will restore the one-finger operation the mechanism had when new. The mechanism is complex and prone to unexpected self-disassembly once the inner case is removed - work cautiously, remember that the other case can serve as an example for re-assembly. I found it helpful to draw a case shape on a piece of cardboard, then poke holes in the cardboard to hold each screw in the correct location.
BlueWaterCooled
New member
I was taught to use powdered graphite on locks rather than grease or WD-40. The graphite does not cause dust to stick.
lkraus
New member
Yes, I use graphite in the lock cylinder also, but BMW originally lubricated the latch mechanism with what looks like white lithium grease. My latches were just starting to get a little stiff after twelve years/42000 miles. Good enough for me, especially since I'm not sure how well graphite would stay in place on all the plastic and stainless steel parts that have to slide and pivot. It's a pretty complex mechanism, designed by Rube Goldberg, I think.
"Before" pic of the bag release (upside down), showing original grease and sand in the works:
"Before" pic of the bag release (upside down), showing original grease and sand in the works:
Last edited:
lmo1131
New member
I looked it up!
in·san·i·ty
inˈsanədē/
noun
noun: insanity
the state of being seriously mentally ill; madness.
synonyms: mental illness, madness, dementia, lunacy, instability, mania, psychosis, extreme foolishness or irrationality, folly, foolishness, madness, idiocy, stupidity, lunacy, silliness; informal; craziness
This picture was under it.
in·san·i·ty
inˈsanədē/
noun
noun: insanity
the state of being seriously mentally ill; madness.
synonyms: mental illness, madness, dementia, lunacy, instability, mania, psychosis, extreme foolishness or irrationality, folly, foolishness, madness, idiocy, stupidity, lunacy, silliness; informal; craziness
This picture was under it.
riderr1150gsadv
Well-known member
Why use 20 parts if you can use 85 to do the same? 
Malaszka
New member
Thanks for all of the advise!
I oiled the mechanisms last night and now one will allow the black lever up but still no release. The other won't respond at all. I'm afraid that I heard a kind of something letting go the last time I tried opening it.
I don't want to pry anything but I'm not sure what my options are. Boo hoo!
Dealer, here I come!
I oiled the mechanisms last night and now one will allow the black lever up but still no release. The other won't respond at all. I'm afraid that I heard a kind of something letting go the last time I tried opening it.
I don't want to pry anything but I'm not sure what my options are. Boo hoo!
Dealer, here I come!
