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[ltank]

How often does a 5 speed transmission seal need replacement? I have some oil between the transmission and inner Primary. When the seal goes bad is the main bearing around the final drive gear also bad? I am a decent mechanic but I doubt have the special tools. Since I will probably only use them once because I'm 66. How much are the tools vs sending bike to shop? Thanks

[Bungy]

The only special tool you’ll need is one of these:  http://mbsmfg.com/puller-and-installer-set/. As it turns out, I have one to sell! PM me if interested.

[lpennock]

The seals on the 5-sp should last quite a long time between changes unless there are other issues.

Once you pull the inner race with the tool, get the Baker hi-torque primary bearing in place of the race and the stock primary bearing. Much better design IMO.

[ltank]

I have a Baker 6 Speed O.D. gearset that probably has that bearing already but I also have a S&S V124 motor. Motor and transmission have almost 39k miles.

[TN]

How often does a 5 speed transmission seal need replacement? I have some oil between the transmission and inner Primary. When the seal goes bad is the main bearing around the final drive gear also bad? I am a decent mechanic but I doubt have the special tools. Since I will probably only use them once because I'm 66. How much are the tools vs sending bike to shop? Thanks

The leak could be from several places, tear it down and it will be obvious what failed. While in there go ahead and replace all the seals. No special tools required until the drive pulley nut removal, and inner primary race if applicable.

You can shop around and find some reasonable prices on the specialty tools.

Good luck and give us a follow up when you can.

I had to replace my main drive seal this year myself 

[ltank]

I ordered George's Mainshaft tools for small and large seals, the pulley lock tool was sold out. Next week I should be able to order the tools from MBS to remove the 1 7/8" pulley nut and thier tool to remove and replace the sacrificial shaft spacer.
 I think I can do something to change the primary bearing if needed and for sure the seals.
 I will change the motor crankshaft seal. I have changed one before on my FXR4. Any hints/tips are appreciated thanks.
 

[TN]

It seems you got a handle on it. I replaced the big main drive seal earlier this year and when I did the job I didn't replace the spacer behind the pulley, had to go back in and redo it again as it still leaked. 

When I did it the second time I replaced the spacer and opted to put a new locknut on the pulley, I used the Jims meganut, there is a similar design by 3guyz that is allot more reasonable priced. http://www.3guyz.com/vtwin-motorcycles-topmenu My oem lock plate showed signs of movement, I hate dealing with that big nut. I also went with the OEM inner primary bearing and S&S race as my baker primary bearing left a mark on the shaft. 

I'm just giving you my real world experience. The price of the tools will still be cheaper than paying labor to someone else to complete the job.

Good luck, I'm sure you got this

I got a baker DD7 in my ride.....

[porthole]

On mine it has been the shifter shaft seal - twice.

And maybe a third time now, will be a winter project to see exactly where.

[Twolanerider]

On mine it has been the shifter shaft seal - twice.

And maybe a third time now, will be a winter project to see exactly where.

I've been lucky and never had mainshaft seal as just a seal failure.  Walking race or an internal trans failure; but not that big seal by itself on mine or those I help with.  Shift shaft seals on several occasions though.  FWIW if I have to go that far I'm doing primary and starter shaft seal at the same time though.  They're too cheap not to do while it's all apart in your hand and takes that long to get to.

[ltank]

Mainshaft seal was definitely leaking

[TN]

Yes it is. bearings feel good?  what bearings are in there?

You got this 

[ltank]

Well, I finally got the 5th gear shaft seal out. It was tough! I ordered James seals. Now now I am second wondering if I should have have gotten  Cometic. Are James Seals any good? Thanks.

[ltank]

It took a small awl ,screw driver and one hour of aggravation.

[Twolanerider]

It took a small awl ,screw driver and one hour of aggravation.

To get the old seal out?  I think that's what's in the pic but not sure.

If so I just drive a sheet metal screw in the side of the old seal.  Make sure you don't go in deep enough to hit the bearing.  Then just use a pair of side cutters or other comparable tool to squeeze down on the screw and leverage it out against the side of the case.  Takes more time than that to find and open the next beer.

[ltank]

The space between the Mainshaft and the 5th gear is small. Not enough space to drill and put a sheet  metal screw. I think its about 3/16". I used dental pics to eat away at the seal. Then tried to punch seal on the side with a Awl type punch hoping it would cook it some to remove. I ended up using a small electronics flatblade screwdriver  to deform seal to get it out. P.I.A. I HOPE the James Seals are good after all this.