The dreaded final drive drip....

[Marky Mark]

I just discovered a very slight leak from my '07's final drive, right off the bottom, it lands right next to the tire. It's only leaked a few drops at this point. Can someone clarify some issues for me?

Does this mean a failure is eminent, or is the risk of failure solely due to leaking to the point the oil level is too low?

Will it be ok for the time being as long as I top up the oil level in the final drive?

Can the seal that's leaking be replaced, or must I r&r the whole drive?

Also - am I correct my understanding that the final drive issues have been remedied in the newer Rockets? Reason being, I'm seriously considering trading in for an RIII Touring...

Thanks

 

[cardinal93]

Where exactly is the leak coming from? The drain bolt at the bottom, around the side and dripping down, or the vent at the top and dripping down.
Most likely, it's the drain bolt and yes that's replaceable.
Has it been serviced recently? It doesn't take much to over torque and break that bolt from what I understand.
Personally I'd say, if it's got enough oil it's good. Problem is, there's not really a way to know the level? You can only keep topping it off and seeing how much you have to put in.
Hope that helps. I'm sure some of the really smart guys will chip in soon.

 

[Marky Mark]

Looks like it might be the drain bolt, I wiped it clean so I can get a better idea. I've had the bike for a little over a year, and no one has touched the drain in that time, odd that it would start leaking now.

 

[CanberraR3]

As Cardinal says, the bolt could have been over torqued and either stripped or broken. Possible it's been "hanging in there" and just now finally letting go.

 

[Blackthou]

Eitherway, I hope it's nothing serious or if you are thinkingof trading perhaps now is a good time.

 

[Triple Trouble]

Never heard of final drive "issues". The very early Rockets had their final drives replaced under a recall due to an assembly problem. That was in 2004.
As long as you lube the splines regularly you should have no problems

 

[cootertwo]

My 2013 started leaking out the rectangular opening on the bottom, at around 1500 miles, replaced under warranty. AGAIN at around 5000 miles, replaced under warranty. This one (3rd counting original) is doing OK,11,000 miles, fingers crossed. Triumph says they are not serviceable. Read somewhere that they are made by an Italian company that also makes transmissions for Lamborghini and other exotic creations. ???? Some say it's exactly the same final drive as some other manufactures use on their bikes ???

 

[Jag]

Sounds like a good excuse to trade it in on a new one to me!!

 

[TURBO200R4]

the drain on the bottom has an oring on it to seal it up that is the reason that there is very little torque on the bolt. i would buy replacement bolt or try to get new oring.
to my understanding there is a collar pressed on to the pinion shaft (there fore a throw way part) however if you could press it off you might be able to replace seal.
you need to find out where its leaking also make sure of the type of oil (diff lube,engine oil, brake fluid)

 

[1olbull]

My 2013 started leaking out the rectangular opening on the bottom, at around 1500 miles, replaced under warranty. AGAIN at around 5000 miles, replaced under warranty. This one (3rd counting original) is doing OK,11,000 miles, fingers crossed. Triumph says they are not serviceable. Read somewhere that they are made by an Italian company that also makes transmissions for Lamborghini and other exotic creations. ???? Some say it's exactly the same final drive as some other manufactures use on their bikes ???

Cooter,
How the heck are you doing?
Sure wish you was coming to Marble Falls.