Drive Shaft Housing Leak

[tenerejack]

I parked my ST today and tucked my helmet under the shaft housing since I was in a safe place. When I went to leave, I picked it up and notice about 5 or 6 drops of gear oil on the face shield. The oil is coming from where the housing fits together. It's not where it connects w/ the bolts in the front but just behind that there's a joint that looks to have a gasket in it w/ no visible signs on how it connects. In other words there are no external bolts there. I ran my finger along the bottom of that connection and got a dirty (oily) finger. Has anyone out there experinced this failure?

 

[coastie]

I parked my ST today and tucked my helmet under the shaft housing since I was in a safe place. When I went to leave, I picked it up and notice about 5 or 6 drops of gear oil on the face shield. The oil is coming from where the housing fits together. It's not where it connects w/ the bolts in the front but just behind that there's a joint that looks to have a gasket in it w/ no visible signs on how it connects. In other words there are no external bolts there. I ran my finger along the bottom of that connection and got a dirty (oily) finger. Has anyone out there experinced this failure?

Pictures please.

 

[stevepsd]

Is it #18 in the attached drawing? It is held in place by 8 bolts around the periphery. There is a o-ring that seals this to the final drive housing (#21). If so, it is possible you just have a slightly loose bolt. Also check that no fluid has seeped out of the breather (it's rare, but has happened on severe washboard).

 

[tenerejack]

Bottom view of the connection (after I cleaned it).

 

[tenerejack]

Thanks STEVEPSD. The seam is just behind the rubber boot in the front and just behind the ankle guard. I guess I just need to keep an eye on it and see how it goes. I don't need a Harley in my garage leaving oil spots. Its under warranty still thank goodness. I got a nice ride in today so who give a real SH_T...Right.

 

[stevepsd]

OK, your dripping is at the motor end not the final drive end.

Completely sure it is only oil or maybe slightly watery?

From your pic it looks like that is a drain hole (have to take a peek at mine). Been thru any water (or washed your bike)? There is a loose fitting rubber plug in the other side of the swingarm and it is possible to get water in the swingarm and there might be some residue (anti-corrosion coating on the drive shaft and/or excessive seal grease) in there as well that could have mixed and drained out when warm?????

 

[Fast cat]

I to have the same thing on mine also oil dripping on my right side cover also going in friday to get cover gasket change they will look at other to see whats leaking on the shaft only have 800 miles.

 

[Spider]

Maybe the guy formerly in charge of installing the fuel pump gasket got promoted to the final drive department. :-\

Good luck!

G