FD gaiter - which grease

[Slipperyeel]

Today changed the oil in my FD (2011 GSA) and lowered the FD to take a look over the splines etc.

Got bit of a surprise. Last time I did this it was 2yrs ago. I wasn't expecting to see anything different.

Main detail is there was some water in at the end of the drive shaft tunnel and some evidence of very mild rust deposits.

The reason I'm posting this is because I think water has gotten in past the gaiter - FD end. One of the pics below shows a very grubby face at the top of the drive shaft tunnel, where it meets the gaiter. This suggests to me water was getting in.

I used white lithium grease last time. But this time I forked out for a tube of Staburags grease, as specified by BMW. There definitely seems to be a difference from the lithium grease I used, the Staburags seems to be more sticky and spreads itself more consistently. Needless to say, I'll be doing this once a year from now on.

It was all like new by the time of cleaned and dried it all. But this might be useful for anyone else doing it. Especially if you're wondering which grease to use.



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[NicD]

Staburags is super expensive

Check the valleys in the gaiters, particularly gearbox one. These frequently split and it can be hard to see the splits.

You want some moly grease on the splines and https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/500g-Whi...nt-For-Bridgeport-CNC-Lubriplate/112689023518

 

[Ian J Hartley]

I use that Starburgs Paste on mine

I noticed when I removed my drive shaft during my recent crank shaft oil seal replacement. That the whole shaft including the UJ’s was coated in grease. Just a thin layer all over.

Looking at your photos, it looks like the rust is coming off your drive shaft. Might be an idea to grease it.

Ian

 

[Slipperyeel]

Staburags is super expensive

Check the valleys in the gaiters, particularly gearbox one. These frequently split and it can be hard to see the splits.

You want some moly grease on the splines and https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/500g-Whi...nt-For-Bridgeport-CNC-Lubriplate/112689023518

Good point on the gaiter. Thought of this so I gave it a serious clean and after a close inspection. It looked pretty good, though I am aware there could be pin holes. But overall, it looked too be in good condition.

Last year Steptoe did its 24k miles service. He told me to keep an eye on the gearbox end gaiter as they can split and leak. So I gave this as best a look as I was able, but it too looked ok. On both gaiters the rubber looks good - rather than old and drying.

My thinking right now is water has gotten in past the top of the gaiter. That picture showing the oval face has grease in the lower half, but instead there's the gritty residue of water. I also couldn't see any evidence of of water having run down along the tunnel from the gearbox end.



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[Slipperyeel]

I use that Starburgs Paste on mine

I noticed when I removed my drive shaft during my recent crank shaft oil seal replacement. That the whole shaft including the UJ’s was coated in grease. Just a thin layer all over.

Looking at your photos, it looks like the rust is coming off your drive shaft. Might be an idea to grease it.

Ian

You're right, there was a thin film of light rust on the shaft and of course some on the UJ. But it seemed pretty clear that this was the result of condensation. The inside faces of the gaiter were 'sweating' when I opened it up. I wiped off all the rust and then wiped with an ACF50 soaked rag. And yes, some moly grease in the splines.

For me it's really interesting just how important it is to get some decent grease between the gaiter and the metalwork. It's not a great design from that perspective. It's too nuanced. Meaning no one time or person will do exactly the same work each time.

Just really glad I got in there

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[botus]

I'd have though the idea from BMW was to reduce the dirt, debris and water reaching the shaft, but its deliberately not air tight to allow it to breath and drain any excess water that got in there..

putting all that crap everywhere seals in the rain to allow rust

 

[Slipperyeel]

I'd have though the idea from BMW was to reduce the dirt, debris and water reaching the shaft, but its deliberately not air tight to allow it to breath and drain any excess water that got in there..

putting all that crap everywhere seals in the rain to allow rust

I get your thinking. But in the 1150 it's all buttoned up... So unless the gaiters were split, that system stays dry...



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[AberdeenAngus]

Do you use a jet wash?

 

[Slipperyeel]

Do you use a jet wash?

Good question. But no. Never ever. Not in my bike!

Early in Jan I found myself riding (twice!!) In monster hail storms. I mean with hail 3" deep in the road. The second time the hail became rain. Both were a tad scary, but the bike behaved impeccably. My thoughts are it must have been from those two occasions.

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[mpgscott]

Staburags is super expensive

Check the valleys in the gaiters, particularly gearbox one. These frequently split and it can be hard to see the splits.

You want some moly grease on the splines and https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/500g-Whi...nt-For-Bridgeport-CNC-Lubriplate/112689023518

Was looking to buy this but they wont post to where i stay which is a normal headache for our region. I have this in the garage would it do the job? Its measy but good stuff aqualube marine grease https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Aquashield-formerly-Aqua-Lube-Grease_111614899.html

 

[NicD]

Good question. Let me know when you do!

I think the consistency is important as well as the composition