08 Final Drive Fluid Change - do I HAVE to remove the wheel?

[RT_Jim]

I'll admit it, I'm lazy but I do want to perform the recommended maintenance. So I'm going to change my final drive fluid.

 

With the 08 model, there is a drain plug

I know the fill hole is on the back side of the final drive, but has anyone figured out a way to get to the fill hole without taking the rear wheel off?

 

Jim

 

 

[JayW]

Well I am not certain, but I would think you probably could change the FD fluid without removing the rear wheel, but the extra aggravation and tedium would not be worth it to me. Taking off the rear wheel adds only about 5 minutes to the job an opens up the whole work space there for you.

 

Jay

[rglassma]

Just remove the rear wheel. It isn't a big deal.

[hopz]

FWIW, I think you could do it...

 

Just pre-measure your 180ml of new fluid. Let us know how it goes.

[Satguy]

Hi Jim:

 

Guess we need another Tech Daze Eh?

 

You will find it much easier to remove the rear wheel.... Take the muffler off first and then the wheel. Don't forget to torque the lug bolts correctly when you put the wheel back on.

 

The real trick is getting the oil back into the FD without spilling it all over the outside of the drive housing. I used to use a large syringe with a short length of rubber tubing on it to squirt (slowly) the oil back into the drive.

 

Good Luck

 

 

[LeftCoastMan]

Hi Jim:

 

Guess we need another Tech Daze Eh?

 

You will find it much easier to remove the rear wheel.... Take the muffler off first and then the wheel. Don't forget to torque the lug bolts correctly when you put the wheel back on.

 

The real trick is getting the oil back into the FD without spilling it all over the outside of the drive housing. I used to use a large syringe with a short length of rubber tubing on it to squirt (slowly) the oil back into the drive.

 

Good Luck

 

 

I don't think you have to take the muffler off, just twist it to the side.

 

But when I did this, admittedly with the help of a fellow forum member who knew what he was doing, I think 5 minutes to remove and maybe 2 minutes to reinstall it was on the high side.

[99Roadster]

Hi Jim:

 

Guess we need another Tech Daze Eh?

 

Bruce, that would be great if we could make this happen again.

 

Let us know if you would be willing to and able to assist.

 

Tom