Changing out the Redline
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
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From: Billings,Mt.
Changing out the Redline
I have been using Redline Heavy Shockproof since the 5000 mile service on my bike.The bike now has 53000miles and is going in the shop today to replace the shift shaft seal for the 4th time.
Going to switch to Amsoil Severe Gear to see if it make any difference on the seal.
What do you think?
Going to switch to Amsoil Severe Gear to see if it make any difference on the seal.
What do you think?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,173
Likes: 177
From: East Coast
I'm starting to be convinced that for some reason, certain bikes like certain oils. I have SYN3 in my bike and it has smoothed out the shifting nicely. This is the same oil that some riders say is terrible for their bikes. If you are doing the same kind of work for the 4th time, I would have ditched that oil brand sooner. Switching out to another type at this point is a logical course of action. Years ago, everyone liked that super thick gear oil. Now Some don't. I was afraid of the SYN3 because it is not like molasses, but so far, the bike seems happy...and if the bike is happy, I'm happy.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,335
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From: MA
I'm not a mechanic but I can't believe the shaft seal problem is from the Redline. There are so many people that run it(me) I'd think this would be a pretty big problem for a lot of people.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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Joined: Jul 2009
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I also don't believe the oil is the problem...
The splined shifter shaft has no bearing/bushing. I believe it simply rides in the bored casing, with a seal to avoid leakage. With 53,000 miles on the tranny you could suspect that the bore in the casing has worn and/or possibly the shifter shaft. Or that the seal was nicked on installation from rubbing across the splines on the shaft.
Suggest to your mechanic that (or ask) if he/she wraps the splines with electrical tape before slipping the seal over the shaft. If that seal fails, then I would think about checking the wear on the shaft and bore...
Just thought of another possible cause...
The spacer/washer between the the shift arm and the seal might have a small knick or burr which could eat up a seal, look at that closely also.
The splined shifter shaft has no bearing/bushing. I believe it simply rides in the bored casing, with a seal to avoid leakage. With 53,000 miles on the tranny you could suspect that the bore in the casing has worn and/or possibly the shifter shaft. Or that the seal was nicked on installation from rubbing across the splines on the shaft.
Suggest to your mechanic that (or ask) if he/she wraps the splines with electrical tape before slipping the seal over the shaft. If that seal fails, then I would think about checking the wear on the shaft and bore...
Just thought of another possible cause...
The spacer/washer between the the shift arm and the seal might have a small knick or burr which could eat up a seal, look at that closely also.
Last edited by CroK; Sep 4, 2010 at 11:47 AM.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,364
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From: Los Angeles, CA
I'm right there with you. My bike has 52K and it just had to have the tranny pulled out as the needle bearings walked on the shaft causing this leak to get really bad. I have been running Redline shockproof for 4 years and my mechanic said don't run Redline. I am switching to Amsoil.
It was the quad seal on my ride, not the shifter shaft seal.
It was the quad seal on my ride, not the shifter shaft seal.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Billings,Mt.
I also don't believe the oil is the problem...
The splined shifter shaft has no bearing/bushing. I believe it simply rides in the bored casing, with a seal to avoid leakage. With 53,000 miles on the tranny you could suspect that the bore in the casing has worn and/or possibly the shifter shaft. Or that the seal was nicked on installation from rubbing across the splines on the shaft.
The splined shifter shaft has no bearing/bushing. I believe it simply rides in the bored casing, with a seal to avoid leakage. With 53,000 miles on the tranny you could suspect that the bore in the casing has worn and/or possibly the shifter shaft. Or that the seal was nicked on installation from rubbing across the splines on the shaft.
The last replacement included a new shift shaft.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Beverly Hills, Fl. Swimmin pools. Movie stars
I doubt very much if it's related to the oil; if it was I'm sure there'd be many other complaints about it. I've been using it for years and swear by it but that's neither here nor there, just my personal preference. If you've been using the same shop (mechanic) and he's replaced the seal 4 times and also the shaft and it keeps going out, that might be something to look at....