Clutch leak?

[jayc]

I'm finding a little fluid leak on the kickstand side of the bike. I think it might be clutch fluid. Anyone have any experience with a leak in this area?

Clutch fluid is brake fluid. Does it smell like brake fluid?

A few folks have needed to tighten the banjo bolt on the slave cylinder. Mine seemed a little loose & I tightened it last time I changed the clutch fluid. It wasn't leaking in my case, but eventually would have, I believe.

The chrome side cover must come off to do this.

[rickmeister56]

it could possibly be the clutch slave cylinder seal. according to the service manual it is supposed to be changed every 7500 miles. i have been changing mine every 15000 miles..

No kidding? 7500 miles? That seem pretty dang frequent. I think it should go 75,000 miles.

I've got 32,000+ miles on mine and it's never leaked. 90% of those miles are just going cross-town to work every day, so I've used that clutch a lot. There are 29 stoplights between my house and work.

[rickmeister56]

i figured if i didnt ahere to some kind of schedule on that particular seal i would be out in the boondocks when it went. it was only about 10.00 bucks and less than an hour to do. apparently its more resilent than i thought.

Hmmm..

My manual says to replace that seal every 4 years. no mileage is given.

Mine is nearly 5 years old. The bike is an '04, but I bought it in Aug of '03.

I intend to do all the brake & clutch seals and hoses as well before winter.

[rickmeister56]

in my service manual under periodic replacement parts. it has 4years,7500miles,or in kilos 12000km. replace whichever comes first. so it just goes to show you some parts last longer than others

Your bike must be older or newer than mine.

[doctorgski]

I changed my clutch slave cylinder seal at: I think it was 45,000, give or take 1 or 2 miles... the cost: $4.88, plus my labor. About 30min and I was on my way, felt good about myself and my wife was impressed. These do go out but the fix is easy, believe me. At first, I too thought it was the "Banjo fitting" but NO... If that fitting is tight when you check it, good chance it's the seal!

[ringadingh]

If its not brake fluid leaking, check for gear oil from the pinion seal. It can work its way up the driveshaft tube and leak out at the rubber boot and trickle down the kickstand as well.

[rickmeister56]

that same seal that you paid 4.88 here in kansas will cost me a minimum of 10.00 ive seen them as high as 12.50.