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Author Topic: Final Drive Level Hole Stripped  (Read 1180 times)

ddebonis

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Final Drive Level Hole Stripped
« on: April 21, 2014, 09:02:18 PM »
I was checking my final drive oil level. All good. As I tightened the bolt, I new the torque rating was low and I thought I was being careful... The bolt never bottomed out and I managed to strip it.  [smiley=3stooges.gif]

I found someone with the same issue who fixed with a time-sert. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=693552

I've never used a tap/insert. And based on the cost, I think it might be smarter to have my mechanic do it.

But, if anyone has advice, I might go for it this weekend.

Thanks.

Offline montmil

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Re: Final Drive Level Hole Stripped
« Reply #1 on: April 22, 2014, 08:44:07 AM »
Consider simply tapping the hole to the next larger metric bolt.

Apply some heavy grease to the tap and back out the tap frequently to remove the aluminum-fouled grease. Apply more grease and continue. There should not be much in the way of aluminum chip dust as the original threads are now long gone.

If you have concerns, do not rotate the rear wheel before you flush the final drive with some kerosene once or twice and refill with gear lube. Any tiny flake of aluminum will not bother the pinion and crown gears.

Use a new crush washer each time you remove that small bolt and avoid gorilla-torque. Unless you are seeing gear lube dripping off the final drive case, there's really no need to continually check levels. I have not removed that little bothersome bolt in years. I simply drain the oil and refill with the spec amount and ride on until the next scheduled maintenance.

Be cautious with the front fork lowers, too. Another PITA waiting to happen. ;)
« Last Edit: April 22, 2014, 08:45:21 AM by montmil »
Monte Miller
Denton, TEXAS
1978 BMW R100S
1981 BMW R65
1983 BMW R65
1995 Triumph Trophy
1986 VW Cabriolet

Offline steve hawkins

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Re: Final Drive Level Hole Stripped
« Reply #2 on: April 22, 2014, 10:07:02 AM »
On my R100, the previous owner told me not to undo that bolt.....So I never have.   I fill from the top and drain from the bottom.  Measured amounts of course.
Steve Hawkins R100 (that wants to be an R65)

Offline montmil

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Re: Final Drive Level Hole Stripped
« Reply #3 on: April 22, 2014, 11:46:17 AM »
Quote
On my R100, the previous owner told me not to undo that bolt.....So I never have.

Wonder what kinda glue he used.  ;D
Monte Miller
Denton, TEXAS
1978 BMW R100S
1981 BMW R65
1983 BMW R65
1995 Triumph Trophy
1986 VW Cabriolet

Offline steve hawkins

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Re: Final Drive Level Hole Stripped
« Reply #4 on: April 22, 2014, 01:19:25 PM »
probably Araldite - if some of the other things that were done, ring true.
Steve Hawkins R100 (that wants to be an R65)

Offline Luca

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Re: Final Drive Level Hole Stripped
« Reply #5 on: April 22, 2014, 04:41:08 PM »
I had a Yamaha XS400 as my first motorcycle.  When I went to changed the fork seals (and steering head bearings... on a sidewalk... in the sun on a 95 degree day... my first time doing both!) I discovered the drain bolt was cross threaded and would not hold the oil.

I put the bolt back in and mixed up some of a "plumber's epoxy" stick.  Slapped it on the fork and made a mound over the entire bolt.  Held for the 6,000 miles before I sold the bike to a friend with full disclosure.  Those were my early days and I wouldn't hack a bike like that again.  At the time it didn't seem so bad since one of my MC reservoir screws was replaced by a zip tie.
'82 R65LS
'01 K1200RS

Offline Tony Smith

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Re: Final Drive Level Hole Stripped
« Reply #6 on: April 22, 2014, 06:44:11 PM »
Quote
I was checking my final drive oil level. All good. As I tightened the bolt, I new the torque rating was low and I thought I was being careful... The bolt never bottomed out and I managed to strip it.  

I actually replied yesterday, but the Internet gods apparently required a sacrifice.
 
The metal in the area of that bolt is very thin, I have concerns whether or not it would retain sufficient strength after being bored to take either an insert or a heli-coil.
 
I would visit your local boat yard and buy a drain bung and use that.

My wife's R65/80 has been so equipped since 1980. It does not admit water and is easily removed for servicing.
1978 R100RS| 1981 R100RS (JPS) | 1984 R65 | 1992 KLE500 | 2002 R1150GSA |