Urgent advice needed!!

[Warthog]

Hello All,

We are in Mendoza, Argentina, and I have visited a number of mechanics locally looking for a tyre. Going to an independant BM mechanic (à la Steptoe) who was recommended by Charlie B, I was told that I may have a problem. There is signs of oil leaking from the rubber sleeve where the shaft casing joins the final drive casing (R1150GS). Not much, but enough to stain the dust that we gathered on the road. The mechanic says that this could be either the gearbox seal, or final drive seal. Either way, there is a risk now that oil will reach the rubber cush drives on the shaft unit, perish them and leave us a buggered shaft (no doubt in the sticks). I filled both the final drive and gearbox with fresh oil before leaving, but followed the instructions in the Haynes manual, so I don't think overfilling was the issue.
Any suggestions?
Do I get the bike looked over?
Is it a real threat to the shaft drive?
This will mean delaying our departure by 24 hours, but could be a lot more if the shaft needs replacing. I did notice a oily patch arounfçd the sleeve about 10 days ago. We've only been driving for 18 days so it will not be any older than that IMO.

 

[Gas'd Off]

Maybe check the levels as a good start to determine if it's just a little seepage rather than a full on leak. Think someone will come along soon with some more useful advice. Best of luck, all part of the adventure eh!

 

[Tsiklonaut]

Any suggestions?
Do I get the bike looked over?
Is it a real threat to the shaft drive?

Could be just the "self oiling" axle input seal, mine had a little squirt of oil too collected after 30,000kms of riding, i just cleaned it and and it didn't failed after another 30,000kms of riding.

But if it's the gearbox seal, then it would be better to check it if it really is. So have it looked over if it's possible.

Threat to shaft drive? Don't think so, seems to be just a seal. Oil loss can be your main problem if the seal is blown very bad. But if it isn't, you can ride loads of miles, just adding a bit more oil time-to-time. So check oil levels first in the gear box and rear axle.

BTW, do you have a spare main bearing with you too? If not, then next time you go take one with the main seal, takes very little room and doesn't cost much, this set elliminates the most threats for final drive.

Keep us posted!

Good luck!

 

[Steptoe]

Check the levels in the gearbox and final drive. See if they're way down on oil .

I doubt they will be, most GS's will breathe through the seals on long rides, and a litle oil goes a long way.

Whattons looked bad when we went to morrocco, but nothing to worry about.

Don't get new seals fitted just to be on the "safe side", the new ones will do exactly the same, or more than likely as is often the case they will leak badly.

Whattons bevel

 

[Deleted account W]

Just a footnote to Steptoes answer, I've done another 8000 miles since and theres not been a problem, a little oil around the rubber boot every now and again that I wipe off. The oil levels in the gear box and bevel box never seem to need topping up

 

[wessie]

After a summer trip to Italy my final drive boot weeped in much the same way as in the picture above.

I cleaned off the lube on my return to the UK and it has not done it since.

As you are now entering the S American summer this is likely to happen from time to time. Do you need to consider using a different oil? Something a bit thicker perhaps?

On the plus side, if the bike is going to be broken for something more serious I can't think of anywhere better than the Mendoza region. They produce some excellent wines and the scenery is stunning

 

[Warthog]

Well, I've checked the oil levels in both the final drive and gearbox. They both seem fine and indeed the oil stain in the dust wa not as impressive as Whatton's!!

We will go ahead into Chile and see how we get on. I may check the oils again in a week. Looks like I'll be on Karoo's before long!!

Thanks for the input and for putting my mind at rest! Feel free to read the blog link in the Travel forum (top sticky:thanks Trev!)

 

[ELIMINATOR]

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75952

Gaitor's been vaguely damp, but not leaked any more.

Don't fret Nick. If you get some tie wraps, you could undo it, wipe it all clean. replace & keep an eye on it.

 

[Warthog]

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75952

Gaitor's been vaguely damp, but not leaked any more.

Don't fret Nick. If you get some tie wraps, you could undo it, wipe it all clean. replace & keep an eye on it.

Cheers, Trev, I may well do that , just to put my mind at rest. By the way: quality signature you have now: it did make me chuckle!!

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

"Always look on the bright side of life" !!