I went over the boarder to the US for a great ride this weekend. and then on the i5 hwy got a flat! ugh. so while i was looking at my flat back tire and waiting for a tow..noticed oily substance on the rim (uh oh). so it looks like something is leaking from side of a "rubber flexible boot" that connects the drive shaft to the tire part section rubber boot.
what is the deal with this? is this a big job, or a matter of fixing the seal (plastic zip strapped at each each is how it is tight to the bike)
of course i got another trip planned this week..so hey, need it done tomorrow if its necessary.
dont make me cry if i cant go! julia
Julia,
I have had mine leak a few times. I have had the seals replaced 3 times under warranty, but I rode a 1000 mile weekend after I had some leakage, with no problems.
If it is just a little drip, just keep an eye on it. If you have a puddle under your bike, you've got a bigger problem. It may be the seal for the FD, or if there is a bunch of oil it could be the output shaft seal from the transmission.
Jeff (lifer #289)
'17 F800GSA
'04 R1150R
There ain't no education in the second kick of a mule!
As Jeff pointed out it is not a big deal if it shows as a slight wetness. I would suggest the following:
1) Clean the underside of the rubber boot where it comes in contact with the final drive as you will probably find some wetness there as well.
2) Check to see that the transmission and the final drive have not been overfilled, as the seals are only good for splash containment not for direct exposure to liquid. (Where the liquid level is above the seal contact surface)
3) Proceed with your trip as planned, when you return home have the seal checked, more so if the bike is under warranty. If not under warranty just keep an eye on it.
I hate to use a cliche, as "they all do it"
Best of luck on your travels
Member #312
06 Suzuki Burgman 650 "state of flux"
79 CBX
No, they do not "all" do that. Just a too high percentage of what is normal do that. I have almost 62,000 miles and have never had any oil leak or weep problem.
You did not mention the amount of oil on your rim.
1--Just one drop?
2--Just enough to collect dirt on the rubber boot?
3--Just a few drops?
4--Enough oil to wash the dirt away?
5--Oil coating the whole rim?
If it's 1 or 2 you're OK for your tour.
If it's 3, 4 or 5 you're gonna cry . . . . and have to take a different bike on your tour.
okay i had another look at the back tire rim. what i can see is that when the bike has been parked it has dripped onto the rim from the seal on the "boot" and it is in several places on the rim from stopping several times yesterday, on the edge and bottom of the boot as well. i am going to have to take it in to now for "peace of mind" so i know whether i can go on a trip with the bike this week. i wont cry just yet. my other bike has pedals...so it wont get quite that speed and distance that i am hoping for.....
They are going to tell you to "Leave it here". They cannot/willnot OK it because if additional oil leaks on the tire and you crash in a right turn, THEY could be blamed.
julia
