Rear Hub Vent Confusion

[Walter]

I have the oil splatter on the rear wheel problem with my 2017 V9.  My understanding is that I need to remove the vent bolt and clean it, however as shown in the picture it is partially behind the hub.  Is there any way to get this thing out without removing the wheel?
Also pictured is the rear vent bolt on my 2016 V7, which has the bolt exposed and easy to access.  I don't feel the newer design on the V9 is an improvement!

[John A]

It looks like it has a cap that could be removed and that might give enough room to take out the vent.

[Kev m]

It looks like it has a cap that could be removed and that might give enough room to take out the vent.

Isn't the cap an integral part of the vent?

[Huzo]

It might actually be the seal is shagged.

[Vagrant]

9 times out of 10 it's too much oil. 160CC's is the max to fill a well drained unit.

[John A]

Isn't the cap an integral part of the vent?

On some of them they are just a stamped steel cup, held on with a light crimp and can be prized off with a screwdriver. To put it back on , give the crimp a little squeeze to tighten it up and push it on. The pic looks like it might be that type.

[Walter]

Thank you for all the replies!  (Except guzzisteve...).  There is a rubber cap I pulled before taking the picture.  Thanks for pointing out that it is usually an overfill situation.  Instead of focusing on the vent I'll just verify proper fill level as it was last serviced by the shop selling it.

[guzzisteve]

OK, fixed it.

[Tom H]

Double check the manual for the correct amount of rear end oil. On the V9 it might be closer to 200cc IIRR.

To get the vent out without the rear wheel off. Another thread mentioned turning the OD of a socket down, a normal socket will not fit between the vent and the housing. When I removed one, the wheel was off and used an open end wrench.

I'm sure you know, but to add oil, you put it in through the level hole.

Good luck,
Tom

[Walter]

Thanks Tom, that's very helpful.  It looks like there is not enough room even with grinding a socket but I'll give it a try.  I'm ok with pulling the wheel but always looking for workarounds if they're out there!

[Vagrant]

The books were wrong on the v85. They finally revised them to 160CC. I was under the impression the v9 has the same box.

[Tom H]

Per the V9 Roamer and Bobber manual on Cadre Cycle. Is there a revision?

210CC for the rear drive.
85W-140 conventional gear oil GL5

Tom

[mechanicsavant]

It looks similar to my 21 V7/850 . Even with the final drive sitting on workbench I couldn’t get a tool in there . So to verify vent operation I set the final drive upside down (after draining) removed the drain plug & poured 2oz. Of alcohol in . It went through & came out the vent ! So , the vent is working . A new pinion seal is going in soon !