Shock or Transmission Leak?
Thread Starter
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Stage IV
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4
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Shock or Transmission Leak?
I own a 2007 Softail Custom and had it on a lift giving it a good cleaning when I noticed red oil dripping off the end of the right shock. My initial thought that it was transmission fluid which is red. I could not find any leaks around the drain plug or any other part of the bike. I then wondered if it might be the shock leaking. I thought I would pick everyones brain before changing the transmission fluid in order to inspect the gasket around the transmission drain plug. I really don't think that's the problem since I always put a new gasket on each time I change the fluid.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
So you run ATF in your gear box? seems a little light for a gear box. Does it shimmy in the rear end when you hit a good bump. You should see dust/oil around one shock over the other if its leaking and it will react badly when you hit bumps if the oil is leaking out of the shock. Time to get under there and do some more investigation.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,364
Likes: 40
From: Los Angeles, CA
It could be the primary or the tranny depending on what you are running in each. It si probably leaking off the shifter shaft seal on the inside of the primary and running down to the shocks.
Drew
Drew
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 173
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From: Colorado
I had the same issue, and I originally thought it was a shock. Turns out I had a REALLY slow leak from the drain plug. So slow/small, it only hit the shock, and never left a stain on the floor. So far, new gasket has done the trick.
Thread Starter
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Stage IV
Joined: Mar 2008
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I use Harley Davidson oil in the primary.
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,364
Likes: 40
From: Los Angeles, CA
Then it is coming from the tranny somehow. Check the drain plug first. Maybe the o ring is shot.
Drew
Drew
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,257
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From: Gastonia, NC
Yea, BelRay tranny fluid is red too. That'd be my guess. I'd go ahead and change the transmission fluid, new o-ring, a little pipe dope on the plug and keep an eye on it from there. Hope it's nothing else.