Tranny leak

[Kwazimoto]

My 86 R80RT is leaking out the shifter shaft seal. Is there an easy way to replace this or do I have to remove the tranny? Thanks in advance

[jdiaz]

You should be able to fix it externally w/o removing the gearbox.

[flash412]

Take a Sharpie and mark the shifter shaft where the opening in the lever goes. Remove the shift lever bolt completely. Remove the lever.

Put the bike on the center stand. Put a piece of 2x4 under the left foot of the stand (to keep the oil inside the gearbox). Take a sheet rock screw and using a power tool, screw it into the seal. Grab it with ViseGrips and yank it out.

If you haven't messed up the numbers on the seal, or haven't messed the seal up too much, you can get one at any industrial supply place rather than pay BMW prices for the same part. Probably run you somewhere between US$2 and $6, depending on where you get it.

Wet the new seal with gear oil and gently knock it into place using a deep well socket of the appropriate size. Reinstall shift lever. Job done. Money saved... I'll guess about $30-$50 at general BMW shop rates.