Hey folks, I've read several of the threads here regarding final drives. Here's my situation with my 2008 R1200RT. The bike only has about 25K miles. This model has a final drive drain, and the filler is behind the wheel. The drive is not vented, from what I understand.
After a trip last summer, I noticed just a bit of dirt near the right side seal. Researching the situation, I was somewhat reassured that there was no leak apparent on the inside of the drive, next to the wheel. I purchased a seal and waited for my next maintenance to take care of it.
Weather has been poor here in MI this spring, so I got a late start. I was prepping for an upcoming 8 day trip, and decided to change the seal. It was a little difficult to get the old seal out, but I used the old seal to tap the new seal into place. Everything looked OK. No evidence of excessive movement, noise or rough wheel rotation.
After about a 30 mile test ride, I noticed a drop of oil on the rear wheel. I pulled the seal cover, and saw two areas where the new seal lip had been pushed out. I used a tiny screwdriver to re-seat the bulges, and heard hissing of air escaping.
My final drive maintenance last summer was filling with 180 CC of synthetic 75-90 GL5 oil, so I think I had the right amount of the right stuff. I got about 160 cc back out, no sign of metal contamination.
My fear is that a bearing failure is creating elevated temps and pressure in the drive, and blowing out the seal. My worst case is a catastrophic failure on our upcoming trip, or cancelling our trip.
Looking for suggestions or advice from the many folks here with experience with final drive issues.
Thanks!
After a trip last summer, I noticed just a bit of dirt near the right side seal. Researching the situation, I was somewhat reassured that there was no leak apparent on the inside of the drive, next to the wheel. I purchased a seal and waited for my next maintenance to take care of it.
Weather has been poor here in MI this spring, so I got a late start. I was prepping for an upcoming 8 day trip, and decided to change the seal. It was a little difficult to get the old seal out, but I used the old seal to tap the new seal into place. Everything looked OK. No evidence of excessive movement, noise or rough wheel rotation.
After about a 30 mile test ride, I noticed a drop of oil on the rear wheel. I pulled the seal cover, and saw two areas where the new seal lip had been pushed out. I used a tiny screwdriver to re-seat the bulges, and heard hissing of air escaping.
My final drive maintenance last summer was filling with 180 CC of synthetic 75-90 GL5 oil, so I think I had the right amount of the right stuff. I got about 160 cc back out, no sign of metal contamination.
My fear is that a bearing failure is creating elevated temps and pressure in the drive, and blowing out the seal. My worst case is a catastrophic failure on our upcoming trip, or cancelling our trip.
Looking for suggestions or advice from the many folks here with experience with final drive issues.
Thanks!