To moly or not to moly

[Arkyride]

I know this has been discussed in a previous thread, but I am close approaching my 6K service (which I will do myself). I intend to change the final drive fluid at every tire change, which will be 6-8K miles. I attended Paul Glaves seminar at the National and remember that he recommended a moly additive for the transmission and final drive, but I don't remember the brand (maybe bulldog) and the percentage to the 75-90 synthetic. Any thoughts? :)

[Semper_Fi]

Are you refering to this post by PG?

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showpost.php?p=193681&postcount=5

[PGlaves]

Dow Molykote M "Gear Guard" is one I have used, added 3% to 5% by volume.

My current choice is gear oil additive from Guarddog Moly - www.guarddogmolylubricants.com

I also use their GS525 grease for splines.

[deilenberger]

I'll just add a comment that BMW doesn't recommend adding moly to either the trans or rear drive, and in the case of a warranty claim, they could make an issue if they found it in there. It's kinda hard to hide since it turns the oil gray/black..

Just a heads up.. :scratch

[PGlaves]

I'll just add a comment that BMW doesn't recommend adding moly to either the trans or rear drive, and in the case of a warranty claim, they could make an issue if they found it in there. It's kinda hard to hide since it turns the oil gray/black..

Just a heads up.. :scratch

Don,

Have you seen that special Castrol European gear oil that comes out from the factory fill when they do the first service? Ever wonder what that black goop is? I did! Either they are using moly in that oil or are burnishing the gear sets with lots of moly or graphite during assembly.

Not that I would argue with the keep it pure while under warranty theory. But I don't do it. I do what I am convinced is best for the bike. Others do what they think is best too.

[deilenberger]

Don,

Have you seen that special Castrol European gear oil that comes out from the factory fill when they do the first service? Ever wonder what that black goop is? I did! Either they are using moly in that oil or are burnishing the gear sets with lots of moly or graphite during assembly.

Not that I would argue with the keep it pure while under warranty theory. But I don't do it. I do what I am convinced is best for the bike. Others do what they think is best too.Paul,

Actually the special euro Castrol gear oil is available in the US - Rover uses it in their rear axles (go figure..) and it isn't black like what comes out at the first 600 mile change. It's clear. I believe BMW is of the feeling that the residue left in the rear drives is one of the reasons for them failing... hence the now required oil change at 600 miles, and subsequent changes every 12k.

As you say - you can make your own choice in it - but just be forewarned that if you have a rear drive failure and BMW can demonstrate that you put something other than what they specified in the rear drive, they have an excellent reason to deny warranty coverage. Until my warranty is up (won't be long now 33k and climbing on my '07) I do keep it ALL BMW parts/fluids - just to avoid any warranty question.

[stpete]

Paul,

When I had my R1150RT, I also used Moly gear oil additive. I do not have a beemer anymore, instead I have ST1300 and I'm still using the same additive in final drive. I added 3%-5% ( of 1 gallon) of molycote to gallon of MAG 80W-90 gear oil. Now I see on molycote bottle that it has expiration date of 2013. Can it go bad after expiration date ?

Pete.

[PGlaves]

Paul,

When I had my R1150RT, I also used Moly gear oil additive. I do not have a beemer anymore, instead I have ST1300 and I'm still using the same additive in final drive. I added 3%-5% ( of 1 gallon) of molycote to gallon of MAG 80W-90 gear oil. Now I see on molycote bottle that it has expiration date of 2013. Can it go bad after expiration date ?

Pete.

As long as you periodically shake it to keep the moly in suspension - no - it won't go bad.

It has a shelf life only in the sense that if it sits too long and settles out into a good lump - say 5 years or more - it is hard to get it to re-mix.

[stpete]

Thanks Paul.

I'm using moly now and will use in my fd.

Paul,

Actually the special euro Castrol gear oil is available in the US - Rover uses it in their rear axles (go figure..) and it isn't black like what comes out at the first 600 mile change. It's clear. I believe BMW is of the feeling that the residue left in the rear drives is one of the reasons for them failing... hence the now required oil change at 600 miles, and subsequent changes every 12k.

As you say - you can make your own choice in it - but just be forewarned that if you have a rear drive failure and BMW can demonstrate that you put something other than what they specified in the rear drive, they have an excellent reason to deny warranty coverage. Until my warranty is up (won't be long now 33k and climbing on my '07) I do keep it ALL BMW parts/fluids - just to avoid any warranty question.

I believe BMW did not recommend using any lube on the tranny splines either, some did , some did not. Can not say for sure dry splines were going bad because of being dry, but I've seen many rusty, worn out ones to know that little grease would of helped. If I still had my '04 RT, I would use moly 60 paste. I don't have to lube splines on st1300 but I lube my final gears every time I change tires, your call.