R 35 and maybe R2/3/4 rear wheel spacer, Abstandsbuechse Hinterrad

[cwf]

Hello, can anyone help? I'm trying to rebuild an R 35 (1946) from a box of parts. I'm not entirely sure how the rear wheel mounts but I think a spacer is missing. Can someone tell me the dimensions? Probably about 40mm long.

Many thanks, Charlie.

[cwf]

[Fastnachter]

Hi Charlie,

My R35 is from 1949.
I don't know if everything "should be like this", but I took some photos for you.
Hope they will help you.

Regards

Jan.

[Borgward]

Charlie,
if you are looking for that spacer I can give you the dimensions for my R23. Should be identical for the R35:

length: 28.5mm
diameter (i/o): 18.5mm / 22mm

good luck
Hubi

[cwf]

Excellent, many thanks both of you. Now I have to get the frame straightened, und so weiter.

Charlie.

[cwf]

I've done a bit more work on the rear wheel spindle. The parts I have are obviously not original. The frame is bent, so I can't be sure but the spacer must be about 40 mm. I have a 35mm bush that fits and it's too short. The person who will straighten the frame needs the rear wheel to be fitted to check wheel and headstock alignment.

Fastnachter, can you measure your spacer? It looks like it hasn't moved since 1949.

Thanks, Charlie.

[OBS]

Hello, I own an R35 from 1937.This part  is 37 mm long.

[Fastnachter]

Hey Charlie,

difficult to measure with the tools I have and without taking off the wheel.

BUT: I would say 45mm. I must say that I am NOT sure if this is the right size.
I just bought my R35 a few years ago and safed it as a future project 

Regards

Jan.

[cwf]

OK, many thanks. The rear axle carrier has spacers, which are home-made in mine, so I'll have to make something to fit.

Charlie.

[Fastnachter]

Isn't there a dealer where you can order new one?

[Tino]

You have to check if the left rear wheel bearing is mounted in the right way, first.
For R2 it was mounted inside, for R3 and upwards outside.
That could be a reason for different lengths.
BR Tino

[cwf]

This is an R 35, like the photos by Jan. The bearing is a modern sealed one and the spacers are home-made, with no oil-seals. I could buy a new one but I have already spent many 1000's of Euros and I don't have many more.

I want to ride a rigid, hand-change, single-cylinder bike, so originality is not so important. I was a despatch rider (courier) on BMW twins for 30 years and the R 35 was also used for that purpose. It was also described as a Gelaende Maschine, which is how I used my 80RTs, occasionally, so my back wheel must work.

[OBS]

Hello Charly,

I have expanded the part. It measures 40,0 mm.

[cwf]

Ah, well done and thanks. Now I just have to make everything fit. The rear axle carrier, rivetted to the inside of the rear drum, is a dreadful, rough casting. One cannot see inside the drum as to how well it engages with the rear drive, so I'm working with a Dremel and abrasives in the hope of getting a good fit - the rear drive it came with is completely worn smooth.

Charlie.