First Rear Drive Thread of New Board

[TonyWilliams]

I did the first oil change on my rear final drive since I've owned the bike at 16,000 miles (now at 24,000).

Lots of stuff on the magnetic drain plug. Is this the precursor to failure of the bearing? Or, is this normal?

I know somebody will want me to describe what "lots of stuff" is. Well, stuff attracted to a magnet, but no big "chunks". Fine shavings like what would come off a grinder.

Hope that helps, but I'm probably going to replace the bearing anyway.

[eljeffe]

Was it just sludge, or were there shards of metal on the magnet?

[Steve_R]

Tony,

If what was on the magnet looks like mud, then don't worry about it as it is normal. That has happened on mine and I change mine every 6k when I do engine and tranny fluid changes.

If you get anthing bigger than the mud particles, then I would take to the shop for a bearing swap.

HTH

[gdroege]

Don't think there is any real percussor, but what you're seeing is probably close to normal. FYI I just changed my rear bearing at 53+ miles and the old bearing looked like new, so I still believe the vast majority have no serious problems, even past that milage. Just change the fluids at regular intervals and enjoy your ride trying not to worry about what might happen. I know that's easier to say than do, but it's my opinion. :)

[gdroege]

FYI I just changed my rear bearing at 53+ miles

Oops, meant to say 53k+ miles! :rolleyes:

[TonyWilliams]

More than "sludge".... but, certainly mixed with that. Running the BMW synthetic gear oil which the previous owner left me a quart of.

[patrickreyn]

lost my drive at 33k and it was serviced by the book every 5 thousand. I would change it out for 300 dollars rather than a 1000 if it fails..

[TonyWilliams]

Oh, I agree. Get that bearing changed before the inevitable.

My 24,000 mile service didn't go so good today. I changed the engine and rear diff oil, oil filter, brakes, and rear tire.

Then I cleaned it and took it for a ride to "get the water out of the joints".

Still need tons more crap to do, but that tupperware removal is making me procrastinate. I listened to the engine valves... sound good for another 1000 miles !! Air and gas filters, too !!!

[JATownsend]

Hi Tony,

Don't be listening to your valves for adjustment guidelines. The K engines get tight as they wear in. No noise, slop, clanking. But, they do take awhile to get there. :)

[vtwinwilly]

Tony,

Just finished my 36K service this weekend. The rear drive magnet had some sludge/very fine metallic particles on it. Nothing different from past rear-end oil changes. About normal I'd say.

Oh... and JATownsend is right. You won't be able to hear any valve lash on the LT. I had one valve that had gone too tight. You'd never know it from listening. The only way is to put a feeler gauge on it. Mine required pulling the exhaust cam and replacing a single bucket. Everything is in spec now.

Bill B.