How quickly will a minor final drive seal leak deteriorate?

[Padowan]

I'm off on a 2-week trip this evening and on wheeling the loaded bike out of the garage I noticed a dribble of FD oil on the wheel.

I took the wheel off to inspect and my suspicion is that the FD oil seal is on the way out, the oil level was still full, I think these few drops are the first it's leaked., .

It's a 2001 R850GS with about 29K on, so not super high mileage, but somewhat old - I suspect it's the original seal.

So my question is this - we're off this evening, like in 7 hours time so I've not got an opportunity to get it fixed. I have a possibility of getting one ordered and shipped to a mate in Spain that I'm meeting and I could fit it there, but that would mean nursing it all the way through France. Once these seals start to weep, it is likely to catastrophically fail and dump all the FD oil on my rear wheel, or can I expect it to last and just keep inspecting the FD oil level and oil deposits as I go and top up accordingly?

 

[Santa-2512]

It may be crap build up on the seal, get a seal wiper and try that first

 

[Uncle Rob]

if its the big seal your on about this don't just fail is there anyplay in the wheel?

 

[Padowan]

There is no discernible play in the wheel that I can feel. I'll give the seal-wiper a go and see if I get any crud out...

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

On big trips I always used to carry a spare seal and bearing. If I was in your situation I would get one ordered and sent to your mate in Spain.
At that sort of mileage you should be okay, but for the sake of £60, or whatever they are these days, get one ordered

 

[Padowan]

I've now sourced a seal and I'm going to collect it from Ocean BMW in Plymouth on our way to catch the ferry this evening - at least I'll have a spare then. I can fit it at the roadside if the existing one craps out suddenly, or I can systematically replace it when I arrive at my mates in Spain.

 

[Steptoe]

Ohh, this could be good.......

 

[Padowan]

Well I'm on the ferry now with a seal, but i now think my starter could be on the way too out as she wouldn't start earlier. I jumped it with my Li-ion pack, and it has sebsequently started again since, but damn! You give the old girl a full one over before a trip to make sure everything's OK and she does this to me! Well, the bars open, I'll worry about the next problem in the morning.

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[Uncle Rob]

thats what happens when you mess with the old girl.....

 

[Magwych]

Well, the bars open, I'll worry about the next problem in the morning.

And that is how to aporoach and adventure!



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[Padowan]

We have no firm plans, except a return ferry from Santander in 2 weeks, what will be, will be.

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[Slipperyeel]

Can I suggest you also order a bearing and 7mm allen key. Combined with the seal, you'll be sorted. As for the, starter. God knows! At least you can bump start it off the ramp at the exit

 

[Hay Ewe]

What Steptoe said.
Cos when you open it up to replace the seal, and you find that you need a bearing as well.......

 

[kennyc]

Can I suggest you also order a bearing and 7mm allen key. Combined with the seal, you'll be sorted. As for the, starter. God knows! At least you can bump start it off the ramp at the exit

+1 ! been there done that !

 

[Padowan]

So I've made it to Spain, 1500km, its still weeping, may have lost 5ml of FD oil, keeping an eye on it at stops, theres a light spray on the swingarm and undertray, it doesnt seem to be getting worse at the moment. Fingers crossed.

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[Seamaster]

Pleased your still enjoying her.

 

[Slipperyeel]

So I've made it to Spain, 1500km, its still weeping, may have lost 5ml of FD oil, keeping an eye on it at stops, theres a light spray on the swingarm and undertray, it doesnt seem to be getting worse at the moment. Fingers crossed.

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Did you try gently knocking the seal inward a little? Maybe the hub has worn and fresh metal might be sufficient? A free option to maybe sort it.