What is compromised by leaving Sprocket O-ring out?

[mikthebik]

Just replaced the rear tire on my F3S and noticed the infamous (sometimes missing) sprocket O-ring was pinched and distorted. Whatever sealing function it originally provided was severely compromised. I called for the part at the local dealer, but the wait was over a week. I decided to leave it out this time and order a couple of new ones (one as a spare) for the next tire change. I'm wondering what I may be compromising by leaving it out. The F3S is mainly my local trike and never gets ridden in rain. That honor will go to my "new" 2018 RTL. I just changed rear the tire on it, and the Oring is in good shape. If the Oring is meant as a last stand water seal, its omission shouldn't be a problem. Rear tire on each Spyder is now a General Altimax RT45.

[BajaRon]

Just replaced the rear tire on my F3S and noticed the infamous (sometimes missing) sprocket O-ring was pinched and distorted. Whatever sealing function it originally provided was severely compromised. I called for the part at the local dealer, but the wait was over a week. I decided to leave it out this time and order a couple of new ones (one as a spare) for the next tire change. I'm wondering what I may be compromising by leaving it out. The F3S is mainly my local trike and never gets ridden in rain. That honor will go to my "new" 2018 RTL. I just changed rear the tire on it, and the Oring is in good shape. If the Oring is meant as a last stand water seal, its omission shouldn't be a problem. Rear tire on each Spyder is now a General Altimax RT45.

That O-Ring is meant to do more than keep water out. Thought that is probably it's main function. It also keeps dust, etc., out as well. But if you replace it in a reasonable amount of time, you should be fine.

[EdMat]

If you happen to have a couple of smaller or one larger o'rings of the same diameter , a single edged razor blade and a drop or two of super glue it's easy to make a replacement. Let me know if you need details.

[Gwolf]

You could have just smeared a ring of silicone sealer around the O-ring grove before you put it together. Should be Ok anyway, if you have sealed bearings on the rear axle.

[Bfromla]

You could have just smeared a ring of silicone sealer around the O-ring grove before you put it together. Should be Ok anyway, if you have sealed bearings on the rear axle.

Better than nothing, if temporary becomes extended waiting Also, if there's enough left of the original, you can get a measurement of the diameter & find one somewhere else. Sure to be cheaper than BRP anyway.

[mikthebik]

That O-Ring is meant to do more than keep water out. Thought that is probably it's main function. It also keeps dust, etc., out as well. But if you replace it in a reasonable amount of time, you should be fine.

Thanks Ron. I agree. There are seals in front of the sprocket and wheel bearings, and I believe the bearings are sealed. The Oring seems to provide a bit of backdoor water and dust sealing to the sprocket and its bearing. Based on my environment, I'm good with leaving it out til the next tire change. If I see issues when I do that, I'll report back.

[Isopedella]

I will be fitting new rear rubber and a TPMS soon.

What are the dimensions of this O ring?

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Thanks Ron. I agree. There are seals in front of the sprocket and wheel bearings, and I believe the bearings are sealed. The Oring seems to provide a bit of backdoor water and dust sealing to the sprocket and its bearing. Based on my environment, I'm good with leaving it out til the next tire change. If I see issues when I do that, I'll report back.

I'm a firm believer in " if it's not Broke Don't fix it " ..( I have 76,000 mi on my oil " O " rings )... yours didn't break .... however it is compromised ..... How many miles do you think before next tire change ????? ... good luck ....Mike

[mikthebik]

I'm a firm believer in " if it's not Broke Don't fix it " ..( I have 76,000 mi on my oil " O " rings )... yours didn't break .... however it is compromised ..... How many miles do you think before next tire change ????? ... good luck ....Mike

The interesting thing about the pinched and squished compromised oil ring, is that the only mechanics that have had the wheel off prior to this tire change were those at the Phoenix Can Am dealership. where the PO took it for tire changes and ?. Based on the other screwups, that were probably the result of their work, I'd not hesitate in recommending people stay away from Ride Now in Phoenix out of caution.

I would imagine the next tire change would be in the 20K range with the Altimax RT45. I'll be ordering the 3-bearing set and a couple of the o-rings next week to have on hand, in case the bearings become an issue, before the tire change. I doubt that will happen, given the use and climate the F3S running in.

I have an outstanding work order for the front sprocket recall replacement, and the mechanic is a guy I've known and respected for years. I'll give him my pitch about not replacing the o-ring and he tells me it's more critical that my reasoning has suggested, I'll take the bloody wheel back off. Not my favorite project..

[Peter Aawen]

I will be fitting new rear rubber and a TPMS soon.

What are the dimensions of this O ring?

I know this is not gonna be much help if you're looking to get one in before you need it, but for what it's worth, this thing is a fairly large diameter 'O' ring with a pretty small cross section that fits in the groove between the bolt on hub extension and the centre of the rim proper on the 2-part rims.

I think your F3 may still have the 2-part rim, but IIRC it was about then or soon after that BRP changed to a single piece rim - effectively the same 'Form, Fit, & Function' piece of kit, just made in one piece instead of having to bolt the 2 pieces together with an 'O' ring between them....

[Isopedella]

I know this is not gonna be much help if you're looking to get one in before you need it, but for what it's worth, this thing is a fairly large diameter 'O' ring with a pretty small cross section that fits in the groove between the bolt on hub extension and the centre of the rim proper on the 2-part rims.

I think your F3 may still have the 2-part rim, but IIRC it was about then or soon after that BRP changed to a single piece rim - effectively the same 'Form, Fit, & Function' piece of kit, just made in one piece instead of having to bolt the 2 pieces together with an 'O' ring between them....

Cheers. Just went out and had a sticky beak. Looks like it is a 1 piece rim.