Final drive oil all over back wheel

[CaptainTrips]

Just took a look at my axle cap and the telltale sign of dampness is beginning to creep out of the cap and back up the tube (as seen from the wheel side with a flashlight). So, it looks like a pro-active seal change is in my future also. 

[CaptainTrips]

Now that mine is beginning to show some signs of pending leakage, I think that I will plug the final drive cap with a rubber plug and stuff a rag into the center of the wheel to contain any leakage if I go on a trip before I get around to changing the seal. I will, of course, check it frequently to see if the leak is getting worse, but right now, it is just seeping enough to collect some dust.

[Dragon88]

Originally Posted by CaptainTrips

Now that mine is beginning to show some signs of pending leakage, I think that I will plug the final drive cap with a rubber plug and stuff a rag into the center of the wheel to contain any leakage if I go on a trip before I get around to changing the seal. I will, of course, check it frequently to see if the leak is getting worse, but right now, it is just seeping enough to collect some dust.

All seals wick out a little oil mate, it's how they lubricate themselves. You will always have a bit of dust collecting. I wouldnt stress it.

[CaptainTrips]

Originally Posted by Dragon88

All seals wick out a little oil mate, it's how they lubricate themselves. You will always have a bit of dust collecting. I wouldnt stress it.

You are probably right, but I had not noticed it before. And mine is just at the mileage where I might expect issues, given what others have said. Currently, I've cleaned up and will keep an eye on it.

[Dragon88]

Originally Posted by CaptainTrips

You are probably right, but I had not noticed it before. And mine is just at the mileage where I might expect issues, given what others have said. Currently, I've cleaned up and will keep an eye on it.

I have a lot of customers coming to my shop freaking out about their wheel bearings because of the same issue. Its rarely ever an issue. Incidentally though, the number 1 cause of wheel bearing failure IMHO is guys blasting off the crud with a pressure cleaner and pushing water and sh#t into the bearing in the process. Number 2 cause is the idiot installing the new bearings 

[itchyfeet]

Well just to let you know I have completed the seal change, now just see how it holds up.
My Triumph dealer said they would have to quote for a complete new unit as thats what Triumph recomend. To be fair to him he said if I sourced the seal they would do their best to fit it although they had never done this before. They had only ever done two bikes previously, one brand new and one at 35k. Both new final drives fitted.

Anyway, I drilled the seals as described and inserted self tappers. i used the" two pairs of molegrips "technique to pull the old seal out, new seal had appropriate grease applied then i ground down an old 30mm socket as a driver and used the old seal to seat the new one properly. i did a quick 50 mile blast to test it and its so far holding up. ( I know thats hardly a definitive test) but at least the new oil didnt come straight out. Fingers crossed.

Thanks for all help recieved.

[Crosshairs]

Originally Posted by itchyfeet

Well just to let you know I have completed the seal change, now just see how it holds up.
My Triumph dealer said they would have to quote for a complete new unit as thats what Triumph recommend. To be fair to him he said if I sourced the seal they would do their best to fit it although they had never done this before. They had only ever done two bikes previously, one brand new and one at 35k. Both new final drives fitted.

.

Where did you get the seal from and do you have the part number?

I Googled the NOK part number  and came up empty

[itchyfeet]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GTSSA7W/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

try that in America. I just used the British site.

[pug27]

Item 5 on the parts diagram
Genuine parts £12 plus p & p

https://www.fowlersparts.co.uk/parts/5596596/tiger-1200-explorer-xc-to-vin-740276/final-drive-unit

[pug27]

The procedure to swap the seal is in the Triumph workshop manual. They say it has to be done  by stripping the whole unit down. I will post the page tomorrow if anyone is interested. Looks like a bit of a job to do.
I prefer the mole grip/jig method.