Shaft leak

[coolblue]

I noticed an oil leak on my garage floor the morning after a day long ride down the Natchez Trace. The leak was coming from under the seal on the shaft drive where it comes out of the engine. After reading some comments on the forum I dabbed my finger in it and smelled it. It was definitely gear oil. I had no idea how much had leaked out so I took it to the dealer to have the seals replaced. From what I understand the rear seals give out and allow the gear oil to push up the shaft and leak out the top. The fix was two hours labor plus the seals. I went ahead while I was there and had the big 15K service (about $300) plus a new battery (original is about five years old) for about another $100. All said and done I was about $600 poorer for the visit but the bike is running fine.

[dantama]

Purchased online, a 4 year extended warranty is 1/2 that :)

[zoom45]

Just from seeing how it's made after I took mine apart, I can't see how the gear oil would get that far foward unless you park it facing downhill. The shaft has a slight incline to the front where the u-joint is located. You must have had a real bad oil seal that leaked a lot.
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[formikec]

I've got the same issue. Been riding the Trace, too. Maybe it's something to do with the Trace? ;)

Seriously, I do have the same issue, but haven't had time to look into it yet. Just a small spot on the garage floor.

[formikec]

Originally Posted by Dan Lund

Purchased online, a 4 year extended warranty is 1/2 that :)

Indeed, but you have to purchase it prior to the expiration of the factory warranty. So, with a '04, probably wasn't an option (if he bought it used)?

If I ever get one that is new enough, I'll definitely purchase the GTPP from the place that sells them on Ebay.

[zoom45]

Coolblue does your rear wheel have an oil film on it?

Thats a common place to leak gear oil from. It probably leaks up there from braking is my guess.

[coolblue]

The dealer said that the rear end is not vented well. That results in a high pressure build up that starts the seal leaking and pushing the gear oil up the shaft. If what the dealer said was true you would think that someone would come up with a good venting system

I did not notice a film on my rear wheel but I did notice oil spray on my left pipe where it comes out of the goat belly

[ringadingh]

The gear oil does work its way up the drive shaft and leak out at the rubber boot, I replaced my own this spring, it took a couple hours and a $8.00 seal.

[watchman]

Parts are ordered to fix my 05. Problem started on our trip to Coos Bay. I am gettin mine fixed under the extended warranty. Had this happen twice on my 01 Classic FI.

[zoom45]

There is a vent hole in the gear housing. You can see it if you take the rear assembly off. Maybe it was stopped up and made pressure build. Just a thought.
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