Cleaning the splines

[Skinner]

I just got my wheels back from the dealer with new tires installed. Before I install them on the bike (1981 650GL) I'm going to clean the wheels and the splined area on the wheel and drive unit. It's 33 year old grease in there. What's the best way to clean both the wheel and drive unit before applying new grease and reassembling? I was thinking of spraying it with a degreaser like Gunk, but I'm not sure if this would be a good idea or not. Thoughts?

Thanks.
K

[rustybronco]

Kero, petrol, paint thinners. Pretty much any solvent based cleaner and a brush will remove the old grease.

Clean the differential side splines by wiping them clean with rags.

[Octain]

Grease has an expiration date? I wouldn't even worry about it unless it just makes ya feel better. Just apply new lube and ride.

[rustybronco]

Not a good idea. Dirt, rust and ?? do get in there and contaminate the grease.

[Octain]

This is true... Might even be some bird poop in there.

[Steve]

And the BEST grease to put in there (that is readily available) is Honda Moly 60.

It comes in a small cartridge to fit a mini grease gun, but you don't need the gun, just the cartridge. A small amount on the splines goes a LONG way. Unless you have multiple shafties (like I do) or work as a professional mechanic, the $12 tube of Moly 60 that you buy now can be willed to your grandkids.

.

[rustybronco]

It not poop that's the issue. The issue is those people who think slathering on grease without cleaning and inspecting the splines condition is proper maintenance.

[Wingsconsin]

And the BEST grease to put in there (that is readily available) is Honda Moly 60.

It comes in a small cartridge to fit a mini grease gun, but you don't need the gun, just the cartridge. A small amount on the splines goes a LONG way. Unless you have multiple shafties (like I do) or work as a professional mechanic, the $12 tube of Moly 60 that you buy now can be willed to your grandkids.

.

3 shaft drives in my garage right now...Had 3 others through last year....1 small cartridge of Moly 60 is still useable ...but almost empty after 2 years and several shaft drive bikes...

2013 Shaft Bike List
1- 1982 CX500
1- 1980 CX500
1- GL1100 Goldwing
1- GS650 GL
1- GL1500 Red
1- GL1500 Blue
1- GS850GL

All had tire changes in my garage in the past year +/- a few months..All shaftys ..all new Moly 60 from the same tube with enough left to do 1 or 2 more...

Cost of a new(ish) final drive for a GL1500 -- ?
$150 minimum (I know why we need to use Moly 60 )

[Octain]

It not poop that's the issue. The issue is those people who think slathering on grease without cleaning and inspecting the splines condition is proper maintenance.

Yeah, that could be a problem. Darn lazy people.
I suppose if those darned lazy people intended to put 100k miles they might look into cleaning the splines. Or not..

I'd bet those same lazy people use plain ole generic axle/bairing grease too. Sheesh!