K11 Owners Group

[joeangi]

I just started working on the rear drive. Normal stuff, clean, drain fluid etc. To my surprise, the fluid looked great (maybe too great) there was a normal amount of splooge on the magnetic drain. (no chunks)

My question is, when I removed the hose clamps/ bands, I noticed I am getting some drippage of gear oil coming out of there. I do not think there is supposed to be any fluid in there?? Peeling back the rubber boot, I can see maybe 1/4- 1/2 oz. of fluid. What is the probable source, and is this something I should worry about. I was not going to remove the rear, but I figure It'll never be this easy, as everything is apart. I know that that is going to lead to a spline lube, but that is another issue....(again, supposedly "just done"...but....)

Thanks for any advice.

Joe

[aries]

Hi Joeangi
I too would be curious of others folks feedback on this one.
All I can say is I`v had Ks for many years now and found some small quantity of oil seep through into the rubber boot over time. Im assuming that oil seals are not always 100% effective and provided the oil level in the rear drive has no tangible loss things are okay!! Thats my opinion---but you know what they say about assumption!!!
_________________
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K1100RS 1994
K1600GT 2012
650 GS 2003
1500 Goldwing 1995
750 Norton Commando 1972

[joeangi]

Thanks for the reply. In dong a little research, it appears that a little oil back there is pretty common. Just something to keep an eye on every once in a while. My anal retentive side says, any oil is too much, but I guess I can live with it.

[Flying Duck]

It's either the FD or tranny leaking. If its the thranny then there would be a slug track in the swing arm.

It's keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn't get high enough to get in the spline. I"m not sure if that would hurt anything but.....

Also, as suggested, keep on eye on both the tranny and FD levels.
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86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
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91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
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[RAL88]

I had the seal in the final drive replaced last year because of the leaking oil. When I first got the bike it didn't have a leak. When I first got it I rode for a while with Mobile 1 75w90 and then swithced to75w140. I noticed the the final drive was runnig hotter with the 140 than the 90. The mechanic said the I should use the lower weight oil and it won't build up so much heat which may be why I developed the leak. I have since been running the 75w90 and moly powder in the FD and by my infrared thermometer it runs 20-30 degrees cooler .

It only cost me ~$70.00 dollars to have it replaced
_________________
Rich

"If it ain't broke, take it apart and make it work better"
*************
'96' K1100LT-SE
'97' R850GS-R

[Jim]

Joe, if the gear oil comes out clear, you're good to go. If it comes out gray - you're in trouble. A little bit of metal fuzz on the magnet is typical.
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Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

[joeangi]

Thanks guys....I took the rear drive off....of course the the needle bearings are shot. Everywhere I look there is always a surprise! It is just like opening a box of Cracker Jacks, only more expensive!

Supposedly the splines were lubed 200 miles ago, but 2-3 years ago....the grease on the splines looked OK, and fresh.

It appears that there is a small trail down the swing-arm, so I will keep going, just to see what else is a mess!

Thanks,
Joe

[dave n]

you may want to go this way instead of more of the BMW needle bearings - I put some on my ride a year or so ago - haven't taken it apart yet to check on - but see no reason too.

http://rubberchickenracinggarage.com/bushings.html
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1999 Cagiva Gran Canyon
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