Seal coming out of variator face

[Hoolander2]

My stock variator has been making more noise than usual so I opened it up and looked.  I found the oil seal in the face plate (or what may be called the backing plate) has fallen out.  I was kind of suprised to see that the seal is the only thing which keeps the plate centered on and spinning true on the shaft.  Really suprised that the scooter continued to operate at all. 

I pushed the seal back in place by hand and reassembled.  Within just a few miles of riding the noise is back so I assume it has fallen apart again. 

I wonder what to do about it.  Do you all think I could clean and re-install the seal with locktite or some adhesive?  Or should I order a new plate/seal assembly?  Or . . . order a Malossi? 

[kymcorider]

Hi scoot rider,
 If you we're able to push the seal in by hand it's not going to stay. Don't know of any adhesive that would work for that. I would definitely try new. has to tap in fairily tight. Ride safe, Kymcorider

[JustWantToRide]

Replace with new any part of the variator you aren't sure is fine.  If you've been interested in a Malossi - then now would be the time to try one.  I discourage people from replacing their variators with aftermarket - unless it has a problem anyway.

[Hoolander2]

Sometimes I overlook simple stuff and then feel stupid, you know?  Looked at my variator again and finally saw the obvious flaw.  The bushing inside was completely worn out and the boss was pretty ragged too.  The whole thing had been wobbling for so long that the slide pieces had broken causing the ramp plate to beat the slide posts till they were also ragged.  I ordered all new parts for the variator all except for the ramp plate.  That's both pulley halves, boss, and rollers.  Also noticed the washer under the main nut had a crack so replaced it too. All is good now and the scooter has more power than it's had for many months!    

I'd advise anybody who owns one to check the tolerances of the bushing and boss frequently.  I know I will from now on. 

[sissy mary]

Replace your 2 pully half's and the sleeve the pulley go's in and out on now! Do not ride anymore until you do this! 2 times now my variator has failed. It has broke the belt both times. This is a bad design or design flaw with the x500. The 1st time it happened I thought it may have been because I put on Dr Pulleys & a mellossi belt. It was not! I have learned that if I keep my 2007 x500, that I will have to replace almost the entire variator about every 20,000 miles. Take it from someone who knows first hand. If you have the $ you may want to switch over to the mellossi variator? I think it is much better than stock? Put since their weights are a little less, you will pull a few more RPM's at highway speeds. Good Luck.