Driveshaft Leak

cone · Post by **cone** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 9:56 am

Hi, I bought a 2005 Rockster with 3000 k's on the clock and did a few short runs without any problems. My brother and I travelled 3500 k,s recently doing a country wide trip and during this trip i notices oil on the rear wheel which apparently leaked out of the rear rubber boot. I cleaned it off and has had no further indications of oil leaks but have only been doing short trips. I phoned the nearest dealer, (150 K's away) and he told me to trailer the bike to him and not ride it. Can it be that bad? Has anyone had a similar experience? Please let me know as I'm having nightmares about huge repair bills. PS I also have to replace the rear tyre at just 10000 kays.

vas2grny · Post by **vas2grny** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 5:07 pm

I had/have the same problem. It's no big deal at your next service they can change the seal. easy fix for the dealer. See if you can get it covered under warranty. Most Rocksters had this problem. Poor quality control from BMW. You'll also find chipping paint on fork legs. Ignition wires will get get cut around the the steering head ( zip ties too tight fix it before it goes.)
Great bike though. Love every minute riding it.Goes well off road on road rain or shine. A bit more power and it would be awesome....

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 2:28 am

I had/have the same problem. It's no big deal IMO also..unless it gets really bad.

DJ

riceburner · Post by **riceburner** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 5:24 am

Make sure the dealer checks BOTH driveshaft seals - there's one at either end (gearbox and final drive).

Most bikes just have a "weep" from the seal which isn't serious. Mine is currently displaying the symptoms of a leak, but when checked, both gearbox and final drive are full of oil. (

) I think there's a trickle of older oil from previous leaks still in the drive shaft which gets warm and weeps past the rubber boot.

Oh - Dependant on what tyres you've got, 10,000Km isnt too bad (6,000 miles), I barely get that from Diablo Stradas (mind you - I can be pretty heavy on the throttle..... )

Damo · Post by **Damo** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 5:45 pm

It happened twice to my Rockster, fixed first time under warranty. The first time I rode 350 km to a dealer to fix it, second time was only a 90 km trip. Wouldn't lose any sleep.

cone · Post by **cone** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 10:09 am

Thanks guys for your replies. I have since discovered that both the gearbox output and pinion seals need to be replaced, at quite a cost!
I am corresponding with BMW right now regarding a warranty claim. My bike was bought end July 2005 and I only took the bike to the agents last week so I have exceeded the 2 year period. They are considering the matter though. Will keep you posted.

cone · Post by **cone** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 10:00 am

I heard today that BMW will pay for the labour and I will have to cough up for the parts which is thankfully a lot cheaper than the labour. It took a few e-mails and phone calls on my part after the agents washed their hands in the matter. It goes to show that one must persevere and the dealers arent what they used to be when it comes to fighting for their customers. I used some of the replies I got from this website as ammunition, especially the bit about poor quality controll by BMW. I just hope the new replacement seals aren't made in China!

riceburner · Post by **riceburner** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 10:40 am

Ask the dealer to ensure the inside of the swingarm and the rubber boot are cleaned out well, and the UK regreased properly.

sometimes the film of oil that builds up can continue to seep out of the boot, makes you think the seal is leaking again.