'07 R1200ST rear drive problem

[progress49]

I'm not sure but it looks to me like a bad seal. Can anyone verify or comment on what I should do next. The bike only has 17 K on it.

Thanks,

Peter

[progress49]

checking to see if the picture tooK

[marchyman]

Warranty repair. Assuming it is only the seal (usually it is) it's about a 30 minute job. If you're concerned about riding the bike (how much fluid is left in the FD?) have the dealer pick it up.

[progress49]

Warranty repair. Assuming it is only the seal (usually it is) it's about a 30 minute job. If you're concerned about riding the bike (how much fluid is left in the FD?) have the dealer pick it up.



Thanks for that, I'll call them tomorrow.

[PGlaves]

It is my opinion that these little seal leaks are the underlying cause for the failures on the new style drives that I've heard about. What starts out as a little leak becomes a big leak, which becomes too little lubricant, which then causes the drive to eat its innards. Have the seal replaced. It ought to be under warranty still.

[progress49]

It is my opinion that these little seal leaks are the underlying cause for the failures on the new style drives that I've heard about. What starts out as a little leak becomes a big leak, which becomes too little lubricant, which then causes the drive to eat its innards. Have the seal replaced. It ought to be under warranty still.

Is there any way to tell - without taking it apart - if there is enough fluid for the 80 mile ride to the dealer? Or should I just play it safe and see if I can get it trailered?

Peter

[gr8ridn2]

I had the same seal leak on a cross country ride while in North Dakota. I scheduled a repair on my way through Detroit. That was about 1300 miles from the time I spotted the leak to repair. I checked the fluid level 2 times every one of the three days and found there was still plenty of oil spilling from the 9 o'clock drain plug. I have no idea how long yours has been leaking but my rear drive was considerably dirtier. I arrived at the dealer with no problem and the rear drive has been solid for over 14000 miles including the Alaska ride I just completed.

This is my practical experience. You have to go with what feels right. Good luck, the repair is simple.

[marchyman]

Is there any way to tell - without taking it apart - if there is enough fluid for the 80 mile ride to the dealer?

Well, you can remove rear wheel and drain the fluid -- your's has the drain on the bottom, no? If it had 180 cc or more there was enough and you just wasted some time and fluid. Put the drain plug back and add 180 cc of new gear oil through the fill plug. Button the FD up, put the wheel back on your bike and ride it to the dealer.

Or use BMW roadside assistance and have them pick up the bike at your house. Since the bike is still under warranty I'd do the latter, but I'm lazy. Actually, I'm so lazy I'd probably call my dealer and have them make the arrangements. :whistle

[progress49]

[QUOTE=marchyman;500402]Well, you can remove rear wheel and drain the fluid -- your's has the drain on the bottom, no? If it had 180 cc or more there was enough and you just wasted some time and fluid. Put the drain plug back and add 180 cc of new gear oil through the fill plug. Button the FD up, put the wheel back on your bike and ride it to the dealer.

I think the bottom drain started on the '08 models. This one has the 9PM one. I'll check the fluid level there and top it off to the bottom of the threads, ride it to the dealer and see if I can't talk him into repairing it while I wait. The common wisdom seems to be that it will be less than an hour - if it's only the seal. I had a trip to New England planned for this weekend, and I'm hoping I don't have to cancel it.

Thanks to all for the advice, it doesn't seem quite as serious a problem as I first imagined.

[Semper_Fi]

.... This one has the 9PM one. I'll check the fluid level there and top it off to the bottom of the threads, .

DON'T OVERFILL YOUR FINAL DRIVE

If you're going to do it - do it right

See Here (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=33229)

Else have the dealer tow it.

[JimVonBaden1]

If you have the 9:00 drain, then all you need to do is put the bike on the centerstand and pull the drain plug. The required 180ml is very close to the 9:00 drain plug position. If you have fluid at the threads to the drain plug you have plenty for a ride.

I have verified this on a GS and an ST several times.

Jim :brow

[leadfoot]

I just had the same issue....08 R1200RT....17K....only mine was not that damp, but enough to notice. I had just serviced the FD to the old fluid level prior to the 180ml notice. I thought I would let it go until the next service. So when it leaked, I wiped it clean, drained and re-serviced it at 180ml, hoping that the high level that it was at caused the seapage. Looks like I will have to put a few miles on it to see. Either way it will go to the dealer should it even appear to be leaking. Just kinda curious if the higher level has been known to cause a leak.

[progress49]

I just had the same issue....08 R1200RT....17K....only mine was not that damp, but enough to notice. I had just serviced the FD to the old fluid level prior to the 180ml notice. I thought I would let it go until the next service. So when it leaked, I wiped it clean, drained and re-serviced it at 180ml, hoping that the high level that it was at caused the seapage. Looks like I will have to put a few miles on it to see. Either way it will go to the dealer should it even appear to be leaking. Just kinda curious if the higher level has been known to cause a leak.

I got lots of good advice about fixing it myself. I had just done the service a couple of thousand miles prior and had filled the drive with 180ml. I decided to take it to the dealer to make sure that was the only problem. They were great (Hermy's in Port Clinton PA). They had me out in a little over an hour and changed the fluid to make sure that the right amount was in there. The service manager's opinion was that there was no pattern to the seal failures, sometimes low miles sometimes not.

In any case, it's good to go and so am I. Thanks to all for the input.

Peter

[Polarbear]

Changed the level from 230 to 180, yes. Seal leaks were showing in larger numbers than they should have, therefore the level recommendation from BMW got changed. Is this science or what, on BMWs part? Its called customer trials and errors, as BMW uses us as test subjects. I wonder what ever happened to BENCH testing a new item before it goes into production? A FD unit would be easy to put months/years of use into it, before it ever got to the bike assembly and to us. I wonder if they do this anymore, with anything???Randy....PS;Wouldn't it be really NICE to see just how these bikes are put to the test before we ever see them? I'd love it, as it might make good public relations, or not! :thumb