Final drive dust seal ?

[ldrandler]

Dear DragonRiders,  I am going to have to remove the rear tire in order to have it repaired.  It has a small nail in it.  I work at an auto service center and am sure that I can safely patch the tire from the inside.  Two different dealers have told me that I must replace the tire at a cost of $350-$400 which is rediculous.  The tire still has quite a bit of tread on it.  Since I must to this, I thought I should give the final drive and shaft some maintenance.  I have already spent quite a bit of time looking at various articles in shop talk.  I have the O-rings and thrust washer numbers but the part number for the dust seal is incorrect.  Any one have the correct part number ?  Are there any parts required for the shaft maintenance ?  Any  input would be most appreciated !

2001 Standard, 23,273 miles

Thanks in advance, Duke

[sandy]

With that few miles, you shouldn't have to replace the O rings or thrust washer. I replaced my O rings at 62K the first time. Thrust washer too. Be sure to use Bel Ray waterproof grease on the wheel splines. Others are available but harder to find. If you feel the need for moly, mix Honda's paste with the bel ray or use Valvoline's Durablend. It has 3% moly in it. Pull the final drive out of the swingarm and check the shaft splines and input cup on the drive unit. Valvoline Durablend is good for these splines as they need the moly. Don't tighten the 4 drive unit bolts until the axle nut is torqued. That should do ya. Here's my original splines at 112K miles.

[JC]

Just did the rear end maintenance last weekend myself. Although I had new dust seal, I didn't need it, just 3 o-rings. No parts needed for the shaft, unless you decide to replace the pinion seal, found mine in good shape and just cleaned it up. Used Belray waterproof grease everywhere.

[X Ring]

Replace the 3 o rings.  Not doing so is risking having the grease washed out of the final drive and wheel flange leading to a $12-1500 repair.  All to save $3?  That's penny wise and pound foolish.  If you haven't already, go to Shoptalk and download Kulow's Maintenance Guide.

Marty