Final drive metal in oil

[the celt]

Lads and ladies,
the last few times ive changed the final drive oil i have been finding the magnetic drainage plug cover in small bits of metal, the bike is a 1996 R1100Gs with 54k on the clocks, I spoke with a courier this morning with a R850 and 180K on the clocks he never had this problem and he only changes final drive oil once a year, had a look in Haynes manual but no info on bevel box just a bit about free play on wheel which has been cover in this forum already, anybody else experienced this or an idea on what may be causing this.
thanks
jose

 

[boxer]

the last few times ive changed the final drive oil i have been finding the magnetic drainage plug cover in small bits of metal,

A blackish sludge is normal I think. Are you finding actual slivers of metal?

and he only changes final drive oil once a year

That's about right. Don't BMW say every 12000mls?

If you are finding swarf on the magnetic plug I would say it's buggered.

Russ.

 

[Howard Millichap]

i have been finding the magnetic drainage plug cover in small bits of metal,

OOOOO EEEEERRRR!!!!

Sounds buggered to me.

 

[the celt]

Buggered is this an english schoolboy technical term or does this mean like myself you dont have a clue ?
When I say the drainage plug is covered in metal a better way of descriding it would be like a fine paste, if rubbed between fingers you can make out small particls of metal these or not sharp to the touch but like a paste, As I said before if anyone has any experience of working on the bevel box and would know what to look for you reply would be gratefully accepted.
thanks again
jose

 

[cookie]

a bit of paste would be normal in any gearbox/bevel box i've worked on.

um...that wasn't quite how i meant to say it, but i'm sure you know what i mean

 

[Fitzdangle]

Celt,

I have just changed my gearbox and final drive oils.........

Both plugs had the same metal paste on them as you have.........

Everything seems OK, I have noticed it on car drain plugs also....

1100 GS 28,000 miles.

 

[The Mechanic]

Final Drive Wear

These gear assemblies go for literally ages, like 100,000 miles usually without problem. The final drive on most rear wheel drive cars for example which take a far greater loading never get their oil changed as there is no drain plug!
What you are probably seeing (its difficult to diagnose at a distance) is nothing more than fine wear. When everything was brand new on yours or anyone else's especially the engine, during running in minute particles of metal would be rubbed of from the many moving surfaces amd components, these would be suspended in the oil and filtered out by the oil filter. The gearbox depending on how deft you were (or the previous owner) in selecting gears, the amount of metal particles in the oil can be quite frightening but not detrimental to the overall well being of the transmission.
You've changed the diff. oil so run the bike for at least 2-300 miles and change the oil again. If the oil is relatively clean with little to no particles in it then relax and ride your bike in confidence. I suggest this route as it is relatively inexpensive and easy to carry out.
The big question is does the final drive sound noisy and is there any excess clunking on acceleration and deceleration, if there is then its time to start thinking about talking to a BMW dealer and tell him that this is not what you'd expect from such a finely engineered piece of German machinery.
Whining will be the sort of noise the diff will make before it lets go, you should get plenty of warning before that happens.
Hope the info is helpful.

 

[the celt]

Lads,
Thanks for your replies, "the mechanic" thank god your on this site I will take your advice, I last changed the oil at 53k so will run it for a few more weeks and look again, this will hopfully be okay and you will have saved me the cost of a bmw service I will post the out come in a couple weeks, A good few pints are owed to yourself and the rest of the lads.
thanks again
my mind is at rest
regards
jose el celta

 

[Howard Millichap]

Buggered is this an english schoolboy technical term or does this mean like myself you dont have a clue ?
jose

"Buggered" might be used in public schools but I wouldn't know anything about that sort of thing because I'm heterosexual.
It also means the same as "knackered" or "shagged" or "kaput" or "had it". In other words???? It means it is worn out.

HOWEVER, now that you've described your metal particles as "paste". I'd go along with "The Mechanic" and say that your paste is quite normal and nothing to worry about.

 

[the celt]

Howard,
Isnt the english language a wonderful thing, I just wish I had a better command of it, I was merely trying to get a more mature response to my orginal post in no way was I referring to your public schools. But having said that, after rereading your orginal responce of I quote "OOOOO EEEEERRRR!!!! Sounds buggered to me." it does sound a bit camp, especially if said in the voice of that other great Howard, Frankie that is.
Yours ever so sincerely.

jose el celta

ps a few pints are owed for entertainment value

 

[Howard Millichap]

I quote "OOOOO EEEEERRRR!!!! Sounds buggered to me." it does sound a bit camp, especially if said in the voice of that other great Howard, Frankie that is.

Sorry to get technical here but Frankies other name was "Howerd" not "Howard".