grease on rear wheel.

[fenj66]

hello all, my first real post so please be gentle with me!
i gave my new bike its first wash since buying it last week. 2004 1200gs, on the rim of the rear wheel, shaft side, it appeared slightly coated in grease, similar to chain lube that gets flung off onto the wheel after application. any thoughts of a possible cause? id thought i had left that situation behind me with my shaftie.!!

cheers

 

[Bones]

New rear tyre fitted by chance? Sounds like the lube they use to help a new tyre on

 

[buncobooth]

Could be the start of the final drive oil seal going. Don't think it is a huge job unless you have warranty ?

 

[fenj66]

its a fairly old tyre, im sure it wasnt there when i bought it.
also, im sure its not just gear oil, far too thick and sticky!!
ive just watched a you tube video on changing the final drive oil. i might give that a go and look closer for signs of a leak in the process.

 

[Mr K]

Might just be the outer seal - £17 part and fairly easy to do yourself.

 

[Sandman]

If you are changing the final drive oil then I'd replace the outer seal while you have it drained. The one under the circular black plastic cover.

For all the cost of it, it'll save having to drain the oil again if it does prove to be the problem.

Easy to do but just remember that the seal can be fitted the wrong way round which would result in a flood!

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Could be the start of the final drive oil seal going. Don't think it is a huge job unless you have warranty ?

Which side of the wheel is the 'grease' on or is it all over as in on both sides?

 

[Sgt Bilco]

If it's teh outer seal, it will be obvious as you will see misting around the seal. You would never really get enough leaking to drip onto your wheel.

When you cahnge your drive oil, make sure you drain into a clean glass jar or something so you can check if there is any debris. If there is, you are probably looking at an FD rebuild. Let us know and don't FFS go to a dealer for a price on a new one

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

On a separate note do you know if the bike has had the rear wheel flange replaced?

This is subject to a recall so if you bought your bike privately or from a non BMW dealer it may be due?

 

[fenj66]

the bike came with a fairly good amount of service documentation but i didn't see anything regarding recalls.
the grease is on the brake disc side only of the inner rim.
thanks for the ideas so far..

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Any recall work should be recorded in the service book

Call your local BMW dealer tomorrow with the VIN No and ask them to check for any outstanding recalls or service actions

 

[Shunt]

Also look for any signs of oil around the speedo sensor area. Follow the wire that's clipped up with the rear brake hose.

 

[davegs]

The first comandment of this site, NEVER clean your bike!.

 

[jogo]

It might be there is nothing wrong at all. Sometimes the brake dust with a little bit of water looks like oil/grease droplets. Don't ask why I know that . Clean around the seal as others suggested (don't just use a pressure wash, get close and look for traces of oil) and take it from there. Good luck

 

[fenj66]

i think i will buy some final drive gear oil and give it a change anyhow as ive no record of it being done.
whilst its stripped down i will look closely for any signs of a leak.
whilst at bmw buying a new sensor o ring i will also enquire as to its recall history.
thanks for the replies, i will post up again if i find anything.
one last thing - whats the usual oil for the final drive?
cheers all.

 

[Bendy toy]

I've used 75-140 from Opie oils. . Ive also used 200ml with no ill effects. The older drives have a weaker internal needle roller so a bit of extra oil won't do any harm.

 

[Bendy toy]

If there is excessive side play in the wheel bearing you would be wise to contact Mikeyboy or Steptoe regarding advice on rebuilding the final drive.