Driveshaft oil leak

[VPS1]

Just noticed some final drive oil all over the bottom on the swing arm by the acorn nuts. It’s coming out of the weep hole. Oil is not leaking from the final drive seal next to the wheel hub, it’s definitely on the front driveshaft side. When there’s a leak like this is the bike not rideable? Have a 3 day ride mostly dirt planned for this weekend so….. just thinking out loud here.


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[holligl]

You didn't say how much it is leaking. You could check your level, see how much you have to add to bring it full. That is not a common leak area, so not a lot of experience.

Does it seem like it is gear oil? Is it possible it could be coming from the universal joint seal at the front of the drive shaft?

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[~TABASCO~]

More than likely this is coming from the pinion seal at the front of the differential.. If its coming out the weep hole the oil is coming out more than just a little because the hole is up hill from this seal. It's mechanically possible that it's coming down from the output shaft seal of the motor but that is more unlikely. The fastest way to see where it's all coming from is to pull the Diff off and look. It will be obvious where it's coming from.

IMOP, I would not go out for a "trip / joy ride" until it's fixed. If you were out in the desert and your life depended on getting back to safety, it would be worth possibly blowing up the rear end. The issue Ive seen over 40+ years, it could weep for another year, or it could really let go and pour out all the oil in the next ten miles. Can you ride it, SURE, make sure the oil is filled up properly and keep a close eye on it. If its starts spitting oil out any faster you must park the bike no matter where you might be.... If it dumps the oil, and you don't catch it fast, you will burn up the Diff quickly, if it locks up you will know !

I remember seeing a post one time on this forum or on ST-FB. The guy took his bike to the Yamaha shop for the 600 mile service. They drained the rear diff, but did not put back in the drain bolt or new oil. No one caught this and let the guy ride off.. The rear end locked up before he got home. (it was not too far). He took a picture and there was shredded metal hanging out the drain hole. The rear wheel locked up and he said he was glad he was only going "slow" at the time. TOTALLY different situation, but if the seal goes, and the rider does not catch it, the same thing can happen.

Definitely not trying to scare anyone, just info Ive seen and learned over a ton of years... IMOP, get that seal fixed...

Side note, If it ends up being the large seal next to the cush drive you can change that out yourself quickly and easy. If it happens to be the front pinion seal (14), I BELIEVE you have to take it to the dealer. They have to pull the nut & pinion out along with the seal. The critical thing is they have to re set the ring & pinion lash with special tools. (ask me how I know, Ha-Ha)

I just noticed on the parts list... new rear Diff is $2000

 

[VPS1]

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[VPS1]

When I pulled it apart at the 4 acorns all the oil was at the pumpkin end, and oil was dripping out of the pumpkins end. Looks weird in the seal area, not sure what I’m looking at.


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[VPS1]

It’s great to hear from you Jaxon, it’s been a few years and I’ve not been on the forum much. Thanks for the reply and all the info, my first thought was no way, but I tend to over freak out! It’s not a blow out leak, but it’s not a slow seep either.


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[~TABASCO~]

It’s great to hear from you Jaxon, it’s been a few years and I’ve not been on the forum much. Thanks for the reply and all the info, my first thought was no way, but I tend to over freak out! It’s not a blow out leak, but it’s not a slow seep either.


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Was it obvious that the oil was actually coming from this "area" ? If it was me, I would get it fixed so I wouldn't need to worry about it.... Other wise you just have to keep a close eye on it...

NOTE: If you like you can do a little "experimenting"... Clean it all up real good, put it back together and go for a ride. The Diff always gets really hot. This will have everything expand and get 'loosened up'. Come back and inspect it carefully after your ride (you might have to remove the Diff again to properly inspect). At this point you can probably determine that after your (1 hour ride, for example) it has leaked, (______________) this much... Then you might have maybe a better idea on how soon you should get it fixed....

Because the seal might be from Japan, or back ordered. I would order that ASAP and just have it in your tool box for when you WILL need it.... Ive experienced parts from Yamaha I got six months later, I forgot I ordered.

 

[Checkswrecks]

From using Google to search with the terms
site:www.yamahasupertenere.com pinion seal

Final Drive Bearing Replacement

I removed the differential today to replace the leaking seals. I think I may have destroyed the rear end in this thing....I noticed after I got the unit on the table and the driveshaft out, it may not just be dirt and grime causing the seal to leak. Any differential I have seen, car or bike...

www.yamahasupertenere.com

 

[Cycledude]

What kind of oil have you been using in the final drive ?
I had switched to synthetic because supposedly it runs cooler but after a trip to hot Arizona it started very slowly leaking, switched back to regular GL5 80-90 and the leak stopped and never leaked again.
Also make sure you don’t over fill it, a little low is better than a little to full.

 

[VPS1]

Any ideas on what this costs at a dealer?


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[VPS1]

What kind of oil have you been using in the final drive ?
I had switched to synthetic because supposedly it runs cooler but after a trip to hot Arizona it started very slowly leaking, switched back to regular GL5 80-90 and the leak stopped and never leaked again.
Also make sure you don’t over fill it, a little low is better than a little to full.

Yamaha final drive oil.


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[Fennellg]

Less than a new differential, a lot less.

 

[Ossaboy2867]

Does the pinion gear have play in it? I posted a video of mine with an indicator showing the movement. If it does move, search for the post I made on here rebuilding the entire final drive.