Gear Lube out the rear drum

[goathands]

So, Someone was kind enough to call the FD after my R65 was tipped over by someone who can't parallel park. Thank God for Vetter Fairings and crash bars. Just a few scratches on the rear mirror and tail light.

I drove it to the store to feel it out. The rear wheel had a splash of red fluid around the rim and the rear drum was pretty soft when applied the brake. It must have been sideways for less thank 30 mins.

Does this sound serious enough for me to take into a shop?

[Justin B.]

I don't know how it could have gotten brake fluid on the rim as the rear brake is mechanical!  Do you suppose it could be gear lube?  You might be able to save yourself a trip to the wrench by taking off your rear wheel and wipe the drum and shoes down real good with lacquer thinner, acetone, brake cleaner, etc.

[nhmaf]

+1 to Justin's suggestion.  It is much more likely that some rear drive gear oil   (the smell is usually distinctively different from any brake fluid, as well as color) leaked out from the top 'vent' cap (top of the final drive when the bike is standing on its wheels).   It might also have leaked out through a seal or one of the inner cover bolts inside the wheel hub when the wheel is on.    Either way, I'd take the wheel off, clean as Justin recommended, and check for obvious signs of continued leaking.  IF you don't see anything, put it back together, and drain&refill the final drive with the proper amount of fresh gear oil.    I'd also check the oil level in the swingarm, but I am a bit obsessive about maintaining lubricant levels.

If you actually got brake fluid on your rear wheel, it must have either come from the vehicle that hit your bike, or somehow your handlebars are wrapped around your rear wheel and it doesn't sound anywhere near that bad !!
 

[steve hawkins]

And if it was brake fluid, the paint would be peeling off your wheel as well.

Nasty stuff.

Sorry to hear about the bike being knocked over.

Steve H

[goathands]

Right, It must be Gear Lube. I don't know why I said Brake fluid. I wrote the first post in haste, I guess I wasn't thinking correctly.

THanks for the advise. I'll see what I can do.

James