[KeepTheShineyPartUp.com]

Celebrating the freedom of a 600 mile service, my buddy and I ('99S vs. '01S)chased each other over the Sierra. The speedo registered it's first triple digit for a brief period on one straight. On the subsequent set of twisties, the rear tyre broke loose. I performed the necessary rodeo act and saved the pony. When I found the time to pull the saddle material out of my puckered ass, I stopped to take a look. We noticed gear oil sprayed about the rear rim and right side of tyre contact area. A closer look found evidence of aspiration around the vent. I combined the visualization of "throwing it down" with knowledge of recent 600 mile service. I then performed the "pissed off Indian rain dance", removed the dealer license frame and hucked it into the horizon. Not wanting to compromise our ride, we cleaned tyre and rim to our best ability. We saddled up, shrugged our shoulders, and mushed onward. The remainder of the loop was about 120 miles and the '99S had the clear advantage as the '01S limped in with soaked rear brakes and a careful pilot. When I checked the final drive level at home, it was at the top of the threads. The dealer replaced the rear pads, and diplomatically acknowledged an overfill. Now certainly, a little heat will expand volume and design engineers take this into consideration. I have heard suggestions to keep the level at the bottom of the threads. This is my first "shafty." Thoughts, comments...