service rear differential

[R Robbins]

i live in Florida were it is hot and I going to service the differential and just wondering if I could use synthetic gear & axle Lubricant SAE 75W-140 instead of SAE 80. also how hard is it to Replace the clutch, or should I take it to Honda and have them do it. sorry I have a 2003 gl1800

[Steve F]

First you're talking about servicing the "final drive" (No differential) and then you're talking about the clutch. What's up with the clutch?
The final drive usually only requires draining out the old and in with the new. And synthetic hypoid gear oil should be fine, but unnecessary. A word of advice here, when you go to drain out the old oil, be sure you remove the upper cap first BEFORE you take off the lower one. Some have removed the drain cap, only to discover the fill cap (upper one) is stuck and can't be removed, and thus no way to fill it back up, and then you're stuck.
Is your clutch slipping or something? Are you thinking about bleeding the clutch?

[R Robbins]

SORRY I WAS TALKING ABOUT TWO THINGS NO THE CLUTCH IS NOT SLIPPING AS SOON AS YOU LET OUT OF THE CLUTCH HANDLE ABOUT 1/4 OF A INCH THE BIKE STARTS MOVING, AND IT IS STARTING TO CHATTER A LITTLE. AND ON THE DIFF SERVICE I WAS JUST WONDERING IF SYNTHETIC 75W-140 WOULD BE BETTER THEN 80 W

[MikeB]

Clutch: Are the levers chrome? If they are not black then they are aftermarket and the lever may be allowing the clutch to engage early. Try using the OEM levers if this is the case.

If not the case, flush and replenish and then properly bleed the clutch hydraulic system.

As to the rear end, one thing to know is, it is not a differential. It is a final drive. A differential works totally different than the final drive on your Goldwing.

[R Robbins]

ok thanks the levers are chrome, so I will flush and bleed the clutch hydraulic system. thanks again. R Robbins

[MikeB]

Keep in mind the levers on the 1800 are adjustable. Make sure they're adjusted so that they are all the way out before you assume that there is a problem with the system.

[R Robbins]

thanks for the advise I check the adjustment. tomorrow after noon when I get off work. thank you again.

[Ghostman]

Also by any chance do you have Kury grips on your bike? Between the Kury grips and aftermarket levers youll find sometimes clutch engagement issues with 1800s as they get older.

[mterraci]

I live in Florida, use Amsoil 10W40 in the engine and Amsoil Severe Gear 75W90 in the rear drive. No problems at all.

[Viking]

I would use 75W90 as well because 75W140 could be a bit thick when it gets warm, in colder climates, and might not move as freely. However, because you live in Florida and would never experience temperatures below about 60 F degrees, you can use the heavier gear lube.

[R Robbins]

i live in Florida were it is hot and I going to service the differential and just wondering if I could use synthetic gear & axle Lubricant SAE 75W-140 instead of SAE 80. also how hard is it to Replace the clutch, or should I take it to Honda and have them do it. sorry I have a 2003 gl1800

THANKS BLEEDING THE CLUTCH DID THE JOB THANKS

[GoldWingrGreg]

i live in Florida were it is hot and I going to service the differential and just wondering if I could use synthetic gear & axle Lubricant SAE 75W-140 instead of SAE 80. also how hard is it to Replace the clutch, or should I take it to Honda and have them do it. sorry I have a 2003 gl1800

Here at JustWings - GL1800 repair we only use Honda fluid, and Honda calls for 80w-90, not 75w-140. As for your clutch, it can be done while on its center stand. However, that is usually not something a DIYr will do. If you need help feel free to call, I offer help over the phone.