RT Rear End lube question:

[TourNut]

Someone in another thread mentioned they got to the 6000 mile service - to find out the factory had not lubed their splined hub to the wheel area, so I was going to do that on mine to make sure there was grease. While I am doing that , is there any other splined shafts / couplings , like in the enclosed drive shaft area that I should check out for lack of lube by the factory ?

[RoboRider]

I lube mine about every 6000 miles with the FD oil change and installation of new tires. Despite this, each time it looks pretty dry (with lube flung to the edges of the housing). This is why using MOLY is important becasue it bonds to the metal and lubes when you don't physically see it. So I bet the factory didn't forget, but you never know.

The other end of the shaft has a spline, but it does not move back and forth as much (at all?) like the end at the FD. I don't think anyone lubes that end, but I could be wrong. I don't.

[deilenberger]

The other end of the shaft has a spline, but it does not move back and forth as much (at all?) like the end at the FD. I don't think anyone lubes that end, but I could be wrong. I don't. Actually - on a hexhead the end at the final drive also doesn't move back and forth.. the universal joint centers are at the same pivot point as the points on the paralever arm, eliminating the sliding action that other BMW driveshafts have had. This should result in much longer spline life. Should.. (haven't heard of any failing yet - and some people are up there in miles - one R1200R I heard of has in excess of 150k miles on it now..)

[TourNut]

Thanks for the replies. I need to hurry up and get that done, since a surprise weather thaw has almost eliminated my usual winter 2" driveway ice.

[JimVonBaden1]

Actually - on a hexhead the end at the final drive also doesn't move back and forth.. the universal joint centers are at the same pivot point as the points on the paralever arm, eliminating the sliding action that other BMW driveshafts have had. This should result in much longer spline life. Should.. (haven't heard of any failing yet - and some people are up there in miles - one R1200R I heard of has in excess of 150k miles on it now..)


True.

I have, however, seen two severely rusted FD splines, one that resulted in the replacement of the FD and the driveshaft as they had to destroy them to get them apart.

Lack of lube on a GS, and an ST where the boot was dislodged and apparently rain water got in.

Jim :brow

[grahada]

It seems a lot of people use Honda 60 moly grease but I decided to give Guard Dog Moly GD-525 a go.