A funny noise...

**Ms Piggy** · 23rd May 2004, 16:07

...has been happening when I go on any lengthy rides. It happened last time I went over the Rimutakas and today when Tigger & I were coming back from Otaki. I am new to riding so excuse me while I sound really stoopid

It kind of sounds like the noise my VW beetle car was making just before the bearings disintergrated - I mean I'm guessing bikes have bearings in them

and that I'm referring to the right bit (more

) the sound comes from the front wheel but it only happens when I'm on long journies.

As you can see I am not the least bit mechanically minded. I guess I could just take it into the bike shop but $$$$ So hence why I am asking my lovely mates on KB's.

**Big Dog** · 23rd May 2004, 16:31

Put it up on the centre stand.
Have someone lean on the back end (to raise the front of the ground).
Grab the wheel on two opposite sides.
Wiggle.
If you can move without moving the forks or you get a crunching noise your bearing is f&*ked.

If not Spin the wheel.
Does it turn freely or is it jerky?
Jerky in the same spot might indicate brake poroblems.
Jerky in general would indicate bearings being worn.

If not take your front axle out and check for grooves or cracks. If it has cracks or grooves in it replace and replace the bearings.

Wile you have the axle out look and see if the bearings look right (they should be evenly spaced, all the same shape and packed in axle grease.)

Lube the axle with axle lube and put back.

If it is still making noises or it only ever made them when accelerating or braking try degreasing, lubing and adjusting your chain as when it gets stiff and worn it will "bash" against your swingarm when really cold or really warm.

If you spot the problem you could save some money for the cost of a tube of lube, if not take it to the bike shop.

**Ms Piggy** · 23rd May 2004, 16:39

Thanks Big Dog I'll check this out ASAP!

**Posh Tourer :P** · 23rd May 2004, 18:50

What kinda noise is it, a metallic clacking? a whine? a squeal? a combo of all three?

**Ms Piggy** · 23rd May 2004, 19:01

Originally Posted by Posh Tourer :P

What kinda noise is it, a metallic clacking? a whine? a squeal? a combo of all three?

Not metallic, a little bit of a squeaky whine sometimes but kind of a tapping noise...not even tapping really, clicking...ummmm, yeah.

**pete376403** · 23rd May 2004, 23:20

Does the tapping increase as the bike goes faster?
As you're riding, pull in the clutch and let the bike coast with the motor idling - does the noise change or remain? (ie is the noise motor related or somewhere else)
Drag the front brake lightly - does the noise change?

Bearings are easy to change- this would be a good subject for the bike maintenance class.

Replacment bearings can be bought from suppliers such as Schrodoco in upper Tory st, probably a lot less than genuine Honda parts. You'd need the number off the side of the bearing, or take one in and they can match it.

**FROSTY:Me** · 23rd May 2004, 23:30

One other possibility is your speedo drive might be dry or clicking.
worth checking out.

**wari** · 23rd May 2004, 23:45

I reckonits the hydrocillator (spelling?) and Mortimer Ford...

**Ms Piggy** · 24th May 2004, 17:24

Originally Posted by pete376403

Does the tapping increase as the bike goes faster?
As you're riding, pull in the clutch and let the bike coast with the motor idling - does the noise change or remain? (ie is the noise motor related or somewhere else)
Drag the front brake lightly - does the noise change?

Bearings are easy to change- this would be a good subject for the bike maintenance class.

Replacment bearings can be bought from suppliers such as Schrodoco in upper Tory st, probably a lot less than genuine Honda parts. You'd need the number off the side of the bearing, or take one in and they can match it.

Hey Pete,
I'm pretty sure it's not noise related. It comes from the front of the bike but I can only hear it when I'm slowing down to stop and only after going long distances.

Bearings easy to change?? I don't even know what a bearing looks like! Heh heh.

Thanks for all the info guys

**pete376403** · 24th May 2004, 23:33

Bearings are easy to change BUT.. you'd need a few tools.
1. Bike on centre tand, blocks under the engine to hold the front wheel off the ground.
2. front wheel out - undo the speedo cable where it attaches to the speedo drive at the wheel hub. Undo a pair of nuts at the bottom of the fork legs and remove the caps. The wheel drops down. Maybe a bit of a fiddle to get it past the disk caliper.
3. Undo the nut on the end of the axle and pull axle out. Make a note (draw a picture if necessary) of the order the washers, spacers and so on go. Note how the speedo drive attaches to the side of the hub.
4. Put the wheel onto a rubbish tin so the disk doesnt get damaged.
5. You need a long (250mm) punch that can go through the hole where the axle came out, to rest against the bearing on the lower side of the hub. Give it a few good smacks with a hammer and the bearing should drop out, plus another spacer that goes inside the hub between the two bearings. It's worth checking for circlips or other fasteners that hold the bearing in. I've never enountered any, but that doesn't mean there aren't any.
6. Turn the wheel over and knock out the bearing on the other side.
7. Bearings may be sealed one or two sides with neoprene seals, or maybe shielded with metal shields on one or two sides. If both side, then they can go in any way. If one side, the the seal/shield goes to the outside.
8. If the bearings are sealed/shielded one side, pack a teaspoon full (about ) of wheel bearing grease into the open side.
9. Place the new bearing into the hub. It will fit a little way, then it will need to be tapped in. Use the old bearing between the hammer and the new bearing. Don't use brass or any soft metal, you get metal chips in the bearing and its stuffed from the get go.
10. Once the bearing is fully seated in the hub, turn the wheel over, put the spacer in, then the new bearing on the other side.
11. Reassemble the axle in order of disassembly.
12. A dollop of grease into the speedo drive can't hurt, either.
13. refit the wheel to the fork.
Be really careful about tightening the nuts and bolts correctly, refitting (if removed) any split pins.
Threaten to kill any person who goes near the brake lever while the wheel is out - you do not want to reassemble pistons into calipers just yet

And thats it. Easy, eh?

**pete376403** · 24th May 2004, 23:37

Originally Posted by Celtic_Sea_lily

Hey Pete,

Bearings easy to change?? I don't even know what a bearing looks like! Heh heh.

Thanks for all the info guys

They look like this

**Big Dog** · 25th May 2004, 18:52

Originally Posted by Celtic_Sea_lily

Hey Pete,
I'm pretty sure it's not noise related. It comes from the front of the bike but I can only hear it when I'm slowing down to stop and only after going long distances.

After a long ride on an old bike you may experience more sag due to the damper oil being old. This means the cahin will be looser after a good long / hard ride.

This also means a old chain is more likely to "drag" after a long ride.

It also mean different parts of your frame are stressed meaning it makes different noises after a long one than a short one.