1983 R80RT leaking through wheel hub rivets

[cpazambrana]

Hi to all. I’m new to the forum and first time owner of a 1983 R80RT. I wanted to say hi and to get some knowledge from your experience. The bike has developed a slight leak through the rear wheel hub rivets. See photo. She was leaking through the vents but I changed the oil to a heavier one and it stopped. But is still leaking through these rivets. No problems with the rear brake so I don’t think is that bad. Is it time to a FD seal?

[Rob Frankham]

The first thing you need to do is to take the wheel out and see what's happening inside the brake drum. There is no way that those rivets should be exposed to oil at either end so, unless there's copious amounts of oil leaking through the output seal or the brake cam shaft, those stains aren't coming from that source.

You also need to check that those rivets haven't worked loose. That wouldn't be good.

Quite what the stains are, it's difficuklt to say. I'm thinking maybe spline grease from the drive splines.

Rob

[Kurt in S.A.]

Welcome to the forum! I agree that looking at the brakes would help a lot. On my /7, there is a drain hole on the right side of the final drive. This is to allow any oil that accumulates in the well inside the final drive to leak out, giving the owner and chance to see there is a problem before it becomes a serious issue...as is oil on tire, ineffective brakes, etc. Often times that can get plugged...usually just a pipe cleaner up the hole will clear it...that can be seen when the wheel is off and looking at the backside of the final drive housing.

Kurt in S.A.

[cpazambrana]

I appreciate it guys. This afternoon I’m taking the wheel off. If I understand correctly, I will need to check this drain plug to make sure there is no excess oil in there?

[Kurt in S.A.]

It's not so much of a plug as a "cup" that runs around the edge. If you get the wheel off and look past the inside edge of the final drive down at the 6 o'clock position, this is where any oil would collect...that's also where the drain hole is to the outside. Can you take a picture of the final drive from the right side, maybe from the ground looking up under the muffler? We could then see where the exit hole is.

Kurt in S.A.

[cpazambrana]

Thank you and Of course I will take the photo. Forgot to say that this leak only happens when the bike is running. She won’t leak a drop when left standing.

[cpazambrana]

BTW the Yamaha is also a shaft bike but that thing runs with no oil. Just need to make sure that the splines are lubed. However, I find that working on the airhead is easier. Carbs and valve work in the Yamaha is another thing.

[cpazambrana]

Guys. The leak came from behind the spline wheel in the hub. It seems like old grease or excess grease there. FD is dry and I saw no leaks. See photos. I guess I would leave it like that for now as I don’t want to mess with it. What do u think? The

[cpazambrana]

Check photos.

[cpazambrana]

Final drive