troubleshoot my strange noise : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Ty18769 · 10-22-2009, 10:30 AM

So...I recently had a new rear tire put on my 1990 fxrs. While it was off I had the dealer repack the bearing. Ever since then, when going over 15-20 mph I head a strange noise coming from the rear end of the bike. I would say it is predominantly heard on the drive side but all the way to the rear of the bike. It is completely intermittent, with no way to start or stop the noise. I only that know that it only produces the noise when I get up to the speed stated earlier...no amount of tinkering while at idle (no throttle position, brake pumping, choke in/out) will produce the sound. I have to assume it is the wheel bearing they repacked but I cannot be sure. The tire has plenty of clearance, and the noise frequency doesn't seem to be affected by the condition of the road, or while turning, or anything like that. I can be on a perfectly flat road, not leaning the bike any way in particular and every few seconds I will hear a low chatter/hiss from the rear of the bike. Any thoughts other than the bearring they repacked? I don't know what a wheel bearing sounds like when it starts to go, but it's my only guess. As, I stated, the noise is intermittent, but present every five or six seconds......very randomly.....and lasts from one to three second bursts. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I know how hard it is to troubleshoot noises from a written description. What started out as a minor thing is now a nuisance....

Waffen · 10-22-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ty18769

So...I recently had a new rear tire put on my 1990 fxrs. While it was off I had the dealer repack the bearing. Ever since then, when going over 15-20 mph I head a strange noise coming from the rear end of the bike. I would say it is predominantly heard on the drive side but all the way to the rear of the bike. It is completely intermittent, with no way to start or stop the noise. I only that know that it only produces the noise when I get up to the speed stated earlier...no amount of tinkering while at idle (no throttle position, brake pumping, choke in/out) will produce the sound. I have to assume it is the wheel bearing they repacked but I cannot be sure. The tire has plenty of clearance, and the noise frequency doesn't seem to be affected by the condition of the road, or while turning, or anything like that. I can be on a perfectly flat road, not leaning the bike any way in particular and every few seconds I will hear a low chatter/hiss from the rear of the bike. Any thoughts other than the bearring they repacked? I don't know what a wheel bearing sounds like when it starts to go, but it's my only guess. As, I stated, the noise is intermittent, but present every five or six seconds......very randomly.....and lasts from one to three second bursts. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I know how ahrd it is to troubleshoot noises from a written description. What started out as a minor thing is now a nuisance....

Just a thought. Could the brakes be making the noise?

W

Ty18769 · 10-22-2009, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waffen

Just a thought. Could the brakes be making the noise?

W

The noise seems to be unaffected by pumping the brakes (front, or rear). Thanks though....and the noise seems to be projecting from the opposite side of the bike. I know that can be deceptive when going at speed, which is the only time I can hear the noise. It's a thought....but given that it doesn't seem to change the frequency or anything.....wether the brakes are applied, or not.....I sort of eliminated it in my mind.

93 FXR · 10-22-2009, 11:56 AM

Might it be the lower belt guard {or cover} rubbing on the drive pulley,
if you have a lower guard installed?
Worth checking...

Ty18769 · 10-22-2009, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93 FXR

Might it be the lower belt guard {or cover} rubbing on the drive pulley,
if you have a lower guard installed?
Worth checking...

I checked my lower guard at a quick glance. I'll look into it some more after work today. Thanks!

plugeye · 10-22-2009, 12:18 PM

after riding it for 50 miles or so with the noise, feel the rotor
is it too hot?
or check the wheel alignment, sounds like the belt is not running true
or the shop got the spacer stackup wrong

Ty18769 · 10-22-2009, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plugeye

after riding it for 50 miles or so with the noise, feel the rotor
is it too hot?
or check the wheel alignment, sounds like the belt is not running true
or the shop got the spacer stackup wrong

What actually causes the noise if the spacer stackup is wrong? The belt rubbing because it isn't true?

plugeye · 10-22-2009, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ty18769

What actually causes the noise if the spacer stackup is wrong? The belt rubbing because it isn't true?

if a washer is in the wrong place, the wheel might be spaced to one side, the belt is misaligned.

plugeye · 10-22-2009, 02:31 PM

apply some wax to the edges of the belt & see if the noise changes or disappears
we used to put the bike on the lift & just turning the wheel by hand, you could see & hear when the belt was running to one side

blackjackcustms · 10-22-2009, 02:42 PM

I would guess it's the belt. You can try altering the belt adjustment slightly. If its real bad you'll get a squeal, but minor changes could cause a hiss.

hbmc · 10-22-2009, 02:54 PM

I would take it apart and re-put it back together---right this time. Those guys don't give a **** if you lock up or break down. The back wheel is a great way to POP YOUR CHERRY as far as mechanics go. Not to much you can break back there. It's a lowrider with no bags or any crap back there right? Kotter key from Home Depot the other HD dealer LOL and check it yourself
Regards

J--C · 10-23-2009, 11:38 AM

I had a similar noise , took off the belt guard, it was rubbing.

Ty18769 · 11-02-2009, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J--C

I had a similar noise , took off the belt guard, it was rubbing.

Ran my finger on this inside of the belt guard and found some buildup on there....must be from where the belt has been rubbing. I flexed the guard out a little and the noise was reduced by a wide margin. Thanks guys. Next I'll throw some belt dressing on the belt and maybe space out the guard a bit. Thanks for all the input guys.

J--C · 11-04-2009, 11:15 PM

I'd keep the dressing for salads. my belt is original @25,000m thinking of replacing it over the winter, yup the swingarm has to come off to. any thoughts out there , replace or not ? looks good for the age.

plugeye · 11-05-2009, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J--C

I'd keep the dressing for salads. my belt is original @25,000m thinking of replacing it over the winter, yup the swingarm has to come off to. any thoughts out there , replace or not ? looks good for the age.

if no tears or holes & with stock 80inch motor, it should last 3x that

my motor was pretty stout makin 86hp/ 92t with torn belt 1/3 of the width & it was still working when i finally replaced it with a used cop belt.