Corrosion inside rear axle.

[gpearson]

Hi all - used 2010 GS Adventure from Vines in Guildford. (approved used) ~5500 miles or so, took ownership about 2 weeks ago.

I just noticed there appears to be a lot of corrosion inside the hollow rear axle - is this something I should be concerned about/going back to the dealer about?
Also, on the center stand, if I grasp the tyre at 12 and 6pm, I can get a mm or so of movement out of it wiggling it side to side.

My last GS had absolutley no corrosion in the same area, and no free play in the wheel. Grimy swingarm due to ACF-50 application. Was giving the bike a cold rinse after a ride to wash off any salt when I noticed the rear axle.

Picture attachedhttp://imgur.com/HgT0z

 

[GADGET]

If that were me I'd be straight back to Vines and ask them to sort it out.

 

[autogs]

what about cleaning it?,radical i know,
regarding the wheel play,take it back they will say its within tolerances,you can then spend the next year wondering when it will fail,happy christmas

 

[autogs]

btw,dont upset cathy otherwise you will get nowwhere

 

[oldnfat]

The corrosion inside the rear wheel spindle is (another) well known issue...I think it has been covered in tin foil. Both of my GS 1200s (and the RT come to think of it) have had the same issue despite liberal use of ACF50. I think I would insist on the spindle being replaced AND the wheel movement addressed.

On the second GS I asked Vines to sort it out in a polite and calm manner...and they did bless 'em.

 

[ihandyman247]

Guildford is in a high salt contaminated place , all bikes around Guildford are suffering about this problem

 

[Ali-bear]

Corrosion inside the rear axle is common - mine has it. But if it was areadly like that then you should've spotted it before buying. Too late now.

But excessive play at the rear wheel bearing is a serious mech fault that should have been fixed before the bike was put up for sale.

 

[Myke Rocks]

I would worry

I just noticed there appears to be a lot of corrosion inside the hollow rear axle - is this something I should be concerned about/going back to the dealer about?

Because in another 150 years or so this axle is going to fail because of the corrosion.

Myke

 

[Sgt Bilco]

I think I would insist on the spindle being replaced AND the wheel movement addressed.

Jesus Christ man get a grip It's a bit of rust so get a bit of wet and dry and rub it down and you'll be good to go.

The wheel however probably needs checking by Vines although there will be a slight movement. If they say it's OK, ride with confidence

 

[frank1200]

As the BMW guy told me get a bit of sandpaper at it then paint it with smooth hammerite as to quote his words
There's proper metal in there just bad paint

Oh and that that rear wheel looked at as that could get expensive

 

[Pablo1]

INSPECTING THE GOODS

Cant understand how you wouldnt have noticed that rust before you bought

Take the dog with you next time

 

[gpearson]

Cant understand how you wouldnt have noticed that rust before you bought

Take the dog with you next time

I gave it a quick look, however was crammed in between other bikes and not exactly easy to spot in the showroom. To be honest, in the 64000 miles I put on my last GS in the USA, and despite being involved in local bmw groups in the USA when I lived there - I'd never ever seen corrosion in that spot before.
Lesson learned I guess.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Was it crammed in between the other bikes when you test rode it ?

 

[Pablo1]

Was it crammed in between the other bikes when you test rode it ?

 

[Farmer Palmer]

I'm sure i once saw a video where someone stuck a bagette in their 'hole'.............Don't know if it made corrosion worse or better!

 

[gpearson]

Was it crammed in between the other bikes when you test rode it ?

Heh, good point, nope
Still, I now know another area to watch for corrosion on these bikes. As its surface only I'll clean and treat it. Not the end of the world. (Oddly the alternator cover is utterly spotless on this one, whereas my last corroded there)

The 1mm movement appears to be within tolerance, so I'l just keep an eye on that and deal with it when I need to.

 

[Farmer Palmer]

Heh, good point, nope
Still, I now know another area to watch for corrosion on these bikes. As its surface only I'll clean and treat it. Not the end of the world. (Oddly the alternator cover is utterly spotless on this one, whereas my last corroded there)

The 1mm movement appears to be within tolerance, so I'l just keep an eye on that and deal with it when I need to.

Maybe it's just had a new front cover fitted!

 

[mikeyboy]

from my experience the later bikes do have more corrosion on the inside of the wheel axle ,crap really but not much you can do about it(just poor quality chrome).regarding the play i would sort it for peace of mind. most bikes are sat around now for a few weeks.i can now offer free collection and delivery of bike for fd rebuild for £350 up to 50 miles from grantham .mike

 

[gpearson]

from my experience the later bikes do have more corrosion on the inside of the wheel axle ,crap really but not much you can do about it(just poor quality chrome).regarding the play i would sort it for peace of mind. most bikes are sat around now for a few weeks.i can now offer free collection and delivery of bike for fd rebuild for £350 up to 50 miles from grantham .mike

Not to worry - its barely perceptible at this point (the free play).
I'm going to clean out all the rust in the axle and coat it.
If the wheel flex increases over the 1mm it is at the moment I'll get it looked at.

On the whole bloody happy with the bike - quite different engine than my old 2007 one, and a less tiring ride than my Multistrada 1200 was.

 

[Gazzabart]

When i first read the heading i thought another lazy sod cant be bothered to clean the bike properly
But when i saw the pic i was shocked - mine is an 06 with 50k on the clock and its mint - i just spray wd40 on a cloth and push it through
After reading later threads about later bikes being made different i can only ask why they changed it if they had it spot on in the first place
Good luck with getting it sorted