Transmission fluid leaking
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 93
Likes: 11
From: South Carolina
Transmission fluid leaking
Hey guys,
It looks like I'm getting some transmission fluid leaking and I haven't been able to narrow it down to where its coming from yet. It's dripping from the lowest point on the primary when on the kickstand. Any best guestimate on where to look? 01 Road King (88) I'm guessing there's a shaft that goes from Trans to Primary that could have a bad seal perhaps? Am I in the right ballpark at least?
Just looking for thoughts.
It looks like I'm getting some transmission fluid leaking and I haven't been able to narrow it down to where its coming from yet. It's dripping from the lowest point on the primary when on the kickstand. Any best guestimate on where to look? 01 Road King (88) I'm guessing there's a shaft that goes from Trans to Primary that could have a bad seal perhaps? Am I in the right ballpark at least?
Just looking for thoughts.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,810
Likes: 3,809
From: Cape Cod
YUP......you're in the ballpark.........see if you can set the bike upright.......that way you can maybe get a better idea of where it's coming from.....
does it leak all the time.......or only after a run?
Also......try a die to the trans fluid.......most parts store have them.......that way you can see if it's trans or primary.
does it leak all the time.......or only after a run?
Also......try a die to the trans fluid.......most parts store have them.......that way you can see if it's trans or primary.
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 93
Likes: 11
From: South Carolina
Thank you sir. It drips quite a bit more after a good run. I'm 95% sure its transmission, I just drained the primary and changed the outter gasket due to weeping. That fluid was dark and has a distinct smell to it. The fluid that is dripping is red (perhaps a pinkish tint) which is what I'm putting in the transmission.
I've looked at some parts diagrams to try and decipher how to even get to that pesky seal between the primary and trans, but not seeing anything (yet)....
I've looked at some parts diagrams to try and decipher how to even get to that pesky seal between the primary and trans, but not seeing anything (yet)....
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
The only to get to the transmission seal is to remove the inner primary. But look and see if your transmission vent tube is where the oil is coming from. If it was filled lately that would likely be the problem. Changing the seal is a lot of work. But if it's not sealing anymore...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,673
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From:
outer primary cover, compensator, clutch, primary chain, inner primary, starter and front pulley has to come off to get to the seal. i've done this at least a dozen times on my 85 model and it probably takes me at least 4 hours to do it. you need a pretty huge socket to get the pulley off so take that into consideration before you tackle it yourself.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,217
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From: St.Louis Mo.
before doing anything i would wash the area real good with a degreaser such as dawn and dry real good. then take some spray deorderant like airid extra dry or anything that sprays a white powder. spray and ride , then inspect. should be able to see where it's leaking from. the reason i'm saying all this is you could have the shifter shaft or a seal that's easy to replace without tearing the entire thing down. could be the seal between the main drive gear and the mainshaft. good luck !
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
Mines at an indy right now for the same thing. His initial thought was shifter shaft which he said wasn't a big deal. It was leaving one maybe two drops on the garage floor after a ride. Waiting to hear from him to be sure. I have my fingers crossed that's all it is.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 245
Likes: 30
From: Newcastle, California
Have you looked at the other side of the bike ? Check out the bolt that holds the
exhaust pipe mount to the trans, sometimes that will come loose and fluid will drip across the frame and look like its from the other side.
exhaust pipe mount to the trans, sometimes that will come loose and fluid will drip across the frame and look like its from the other side.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
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From: Simi Valley, CA
If it is the transmission on the left side it can only be either of two seals... the shifter shaft seal or the main drive gear seal. Either one is quite a bit of work with the main drive gear being the worse of the two. Therefore, I'd suggest you make certain that is where the leak is coming from before proceeding.
I had to replace both of them on my 2011. And wouldn't you know it, just months apart from each other. You might consider replacing both while you're at it.
I had to replace both of them on my 2011. And wouldn't you know it, just months apart from each other. You might consider replacing both while you're at it.