BMW 2005 1200GS Final Drive Service Part 2

[@richardho5955]

I usually use Yamaha outboard engine waterproof grease for the rear gaiter. It’s blue grease, and it stops the ingress of water into the rear hub. Works a treat, Norman!

[@normski3091]

@@richardho5955 that sounds brilliant Richard🤩

[@clunkygearbox]

Greetings again. Wow, the drama! Another great save there. To be clear then, you used a Moly Grease for the spline and UJ but a Silicon grease (or sealant like the plumbers use?) to seal the boot? My bike is non ABS so I guess there will be a hole and bolt where the sensor would go? Torque the bolt or hand tight? Sorry to ask so many questions, but....oh and 220 ml oil. Cheers.

[@normski3091]

Hi Mike, Yes Moly Grease as you say and I used to use the same grease for to seal the boot. It works fine but dries out whereas silicone grease (as plumbers use) doesn't. Not sure it there will be a hole where the ABS sensor should go, maybe BMW never drill them out on non-ABS bikes?? If there is one you can torque it, I do not have the manual so cannot remember what it should be, but no harm in just 'nipping' it up.

[@clunkygearbox]

Ok Thanks, I will find out about the hole soon enough! I have ordered a Haynes manual from Motorworks, so hopefully no more annoying questions from me! They really do have a lot in stock!

[@WoodNotts]

I’ve seen a video where someone drilled a small drain hole in the bottom of the swing arm casting at the lowest point through what looked like a feed point for the casting. I know from experience that with water you have two options, 1 to seal it 100% which is a very big ask in this scenario or 2 is to give it somewhere to drain away. Any thoughts?

[@normski3091]

I didn't really dwell on it in the video but the biggest thing I discovered was getting the best Silicone Grease you can find. I searched Amazon and found one designed for the automotive industry whereas most seem to be for plumbers? Don't know if there is an actual difference? If you use normal grease it can dry out whereas the silicone doesn't. The other thing is the Rubber Boot itself. Buy only a BMW one because they 'click' into place whereas I have tried different ones that are cheaper and they will not 'click' in place so can open up......yes go for the 100% watertight......this was the first time I have seen water in one so it taught me what can happen!

[@WoodNotts]

Normski I was staggered it got into the final drive unit considering it is said to be a non maintenance unit by BMW. I rebuilt a German made log splitter for a friend once and the agent where I got all the new seals from said that over the years of supplying and servicing garden machinery of all types the only silicone sealant they would use as a permanent gasket on the hydraulics no matter what brand the machine, was the Honda Silicone sealant! I wonder if there silicone grease is as good. It sounds like a GS911 would be a worthwhile investment, especially given the rear light scenario. Thanks again for the videos, beautifully done and much appreciated 👍👍

[@bluesafrica]

@@normski3091 Is the 220ml right quantity for FD oil? My GS is also 2005 and I have leaened that it should be 180ml. Please confirm. [e-mail]

[@normski3091]

@@bluesafrica that is a very good question Jori. I have been asked a few times. The manual that I have for 2005-2007 bikes says 220ml. Some people in the USA say: Replace the plug in the rear of the final drive Add 230 ml of gear oil through the opening for the ABS sensor Route the ABS sensor back through the final drive and install same BMW reduced it to 180ml in later bikes. Should you revert to 180ml I do not really know. If you ask BMW you will get different answers, like 220ml too much and will leak, others stick to the 2005 manuals. I have used 220ml for years on that model, but that doesn’t mean I am right😫🤔😱

[@bluesafrica]

@@normski3091 Thank you for your reply. I've been using 180ml on mine as the BMW service confirmed that this should be the right quantity. You are right that 2005 manual says 220ml but as well they wrote that it's for life, no need to change...who knows :)