Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
Gear box leaking R1150GS Gear box leaking R1150GS
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 Jul 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Medellin, Colombia
Posts: 5
Gear box leaking R1150GS
I have a R1150Gs year 2001 with 36.000 kms. Three months ago I had the gear box opened in order to change the seal for the ROD (the axis that pushes the clutch). they put it together and then the leaking started through the oil seal that goes in the rear end of the drive shaft. We have tried four times to stop the leacking without any success. Any sugestions??

Thanks,

Camilo Delgado
Ruta 40
__________________
Ruta 40 Ltda.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 22 Jul 2004
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,313
Camilo,

What have you done so far in your attempts to stop the leak?

The usual cures are to replace the appropriate seal, and make very sure that the shaft that it is sealing isn't damaged in any way, or it will just destroy the seal. Also of course make sure that the vent isn't clogged or heat will build up pressure and force oil out.



------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 Jul 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Medellin, Colombia
Posts: 5
Quote:
Originally posted by Grant Johnson:
Camilo,

What have you done so far in your attempts to stop the leak?

The usual cures are to replace the appropriate seal, and make very sure that the shaft that it is sealing isn't damaged in any way, or it will just destroy the seal. Also of course make sure that the vent isn't clogged or heat will build up pressure and force oil out.
__________________
Ruta 40 Ltda.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Jul 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Medellin, Colombia
Posts: 5
Grant,

Thanks a lot for your prompt reply. We have done all you said (we have changed three times the oil seal) and also we checked vent and it is good (not clogged).

Anyone has have any similar problem?

Regards,

Camilo Delgado
Ruta 40

__________________
Ruta 40 Ltda.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 Jul 2004
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,313
Just to be sure - this is the seal at the back of the transmission, or the back of the driveshaft near the rear wheel?

Is it a big leak, or just a wet misting on the case?

What kind of oil?

Are you SURE there is no sign of wear, grooving, or scratches on the shaft? ANY damage or wear will cause a leak. How long does it take the leak to start after a new seal? Is it the CORRECT seal? Right way around? (Spring side to oil is usually correct)

Grant
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Jul 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Medellin, Colombia
Posts: 5
The leaking is at the seal in gear box close the driveshaft and the right footpeg. it is a big leaking

Oil is Castrol Syntrax 75W 90 Syntec oil.

What we have`t told you is that they opened the gearbox first time to replace this seal when the gear box was cold, but the heated it with a welder (oxigen flame). since then, every time they try to put it together there is a leak in that seal.

Is there any chance that the gear box was "missassembled"? could this somehow explain a small vibration that I feel in the bike through the footpegs?

Thanks a lot

Camilo Delgado

Quote:
Originally posted by Grant Johnson:
Just to be sure - this is the seal at the back of the transmission, or the back of the driveshaft near the rear wheel?

Is it a big leak, or just a wet misting on the case?

What kind of oil?

Are you SURE there is no sign of wear, grooving, or scratches on the shaft? ANY damage or wear will cause a leak. How long does it take the leak to start after a new seal? Is it the CORRECT seal? Right way around? (Spring side to oil is usually correct)

Grant
__________________
Ruta 40 Ltda.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Jul 2004
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,313
A small vibration in the footpegs is pretty normal. If new, it could be a sign that the driveshaft is going. Unlikely to be the gearbox if it works well otherwise.

Heating the gearbox with a torch is necessary to get the cover off on most BMW boxes. I've never done an R1150 so can't say for sure. But heating the case shouldn't be a problem, and certainly wouldn't affect a new seal.

There has to be some damage to the seal or it's mating surfaces, or it's installed backwards, or the bearing is bad and the shaft is moving around and overstressing the seal.

Were you using synthetic before the gearbox rebuild? If not, it could be that the seals just don't like that oil. Try using non-synthetic oil, just regular 80W-90 geearbox oil as a last try, and if that is ok, try a different synthetic.

Other than that, without looking at it I can't help much more I'm afraid.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Jul 2004
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Gwynedd, Wales, UK
Posts: 259
Hi
The bit about having used an Oxy-accetylene flame bothers me- with such a fierce and localised flame it would seem a strong possibility that the seating for the seal has been damaged. Try using a sealing compound on the seal where it beds on the casing, Loctite, for example, will probably have something suitable.
Good luck

------------------
Johnefyn
__________________
Johnef
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:28.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top