Final drive oil leak?

[mfrane]

During a zesty ride yesterday I noticed black gear lube thrown on the rear wheel. It's leaking from the bottom leading edge of the black accordian boot at the final drive. Any speculated cause from members would be welcome.

[1100s nut]

It could be the output shaft from the transmisson or the input shaft going into the diff. Cut zip-tie and slide boot back and look up into the parlever housing and see if it looks dry or wet.

Regards,
Lane

[mfrane]

Internal inspection after peeling back the boot did not show oil from the tranny, so it appears the final drive seal has a minor leak. When the boot was opened approx. one ounce of gear lube dribbled out. When the filler plug was removed to check the oil level, it burst out as if under pressure although it was stone cold. Could it have been overfilled thus creating pressure when hot and forced oil past the seal?

[on2wheels52]

How much came out when the filler plug was removed?
Jim

[jduke]

Mine did the same thing. I drained it and made sure I kept the level slightly below the first thread. No problems since. (fingers crossed)

Originally posted by mfrane
Internal inspection after peeling back the boot did not show oil from the tranny, so it appears the final drive seal has a minor leak. When the boot was opened approx. one ounce of gear lube dribbled out. When the filler plug was removed to check the oil level, it burst out as if under pressure although it was stone cold. Could it have been overfilled thus creating pressure when hot and forced oil past the seal?

[mfrane]

I drained it into a pan so didn't measure it, but it was a substantial amount as it appeared to be over filled when I removed the filler cap to check the level. I havn't been able to locate a 16" zip tie so I'll connect two shorter and ride it to see what happens now. Thanks.

[tadIV]

Whenever I fill either the tranny or final I use one of those plastic 5 buck bottle pumps available at auto zone and the like. Not only is it a lot quicker and doesn't make a mess, bit it provides control and takes the guess work out of fluid filling. Using the bottle's measuring gauge, at .25 l / .26 qts, the final's dead on.

cheers,

[mfrane]

After inspection, no oil was visible from the transmission seal. After cleaning, re-filling and replacing the zip tie on the boot, no leaks after the long weekend ride :-)

[on2wheels52]

I love happy endings.
Jim

[Guest24]

If you know who did the last service on the final drive, I'd have a talk with them. I think it was over serviced which is not a good maintenance practice. The specs are there for a reason and not a convenience. You don't have to be anal about them but you should be at least close.