Final drive bearing housing

[Appie]

Good day gents

Working on the final drive for my 81 special. After draining the 100ml of tar-like oil, refilling with 230ml fresh oil and spinning the drive it still feels stiff to turn ( I can turn it by hand but it’ feels ‘tight’) and it takes more effort to get it turning as if it’s sticky. It does turn smoothly though, no grinding like I’d expect with a bad bearing. I’ve drained the fresh oil which was clear and particle free and I’m opening it to see if I can clean it completely.

I’ve opened to the bearing housing which doesn’t lift off easily. I’m hesitant to apply force because I don’t want it to break. Are there any tricks to this or am I missing something?

In addition I see there are different gear shims, how do they affect the tightness of the gear?

[Schming]

The XS11 final drive is pretty much bullet proof. Unless the seal was leaking or a definite noise or a rough rotation I don't see any reason to break it down. If it turns smooth as you say you can pour some deisel fuel or kerosene in spin it, flush it and consider it clean refill with your favorite lube and stick a fork in it, done.

[DEEBS11]

Everything you are describing is normal. Re-install it correctly. Axle tight first and then tighten the four nuts in a cross pattern. Lube all splines with 60% moly grease and fill with Bell Ray gear oil.

[LAB3]

I've never torn I to one of these but if it where me I'd probably figure out some way to turn the center with a drill and as mentioned, give it a good flushing out while doing it.

[DiverRay]

As an aside, you can try to find the 850 final drive housing and go with that. It will require some mods, but it gives you an overall higher gear so the engine revs are down about 500 at 60mph on the Special. The modification is on this site, and not that hard to do. I've done one, and will probably do a second one for the Special I ride now.

[Appie]

Thanks for the assistance guys. I didnt open it, just cleaned out with diesel (no debris or dirt), drained and refilled that drive and oiled the splines with Liqui Moly grease and it’s ready to go back on the bike. I’m waiting for new disc rotor bolts before I can get the wheel on, the rotor was bent due to cracking between the edge and the slots but I’ve found a replacement one.

You guys are legends, thanks again!

Diver Ray, I’ll be on the lookout for that 850 drive 👊.

[SFerinTEXAS]

Took a while to find this . May be of help.

https://www.ringler.us/xs1100/ShaftDriveManual.pdf

[Appie]

Much obliged SFerinTEXAS! 🙏