GSX1400 Owners .org

Technically Speaking => General Technical discussion => Topic started by: ARH on Friday, 29 June 2018, 03:47 AM

Title: Strange noise...
Post by: ARH on Friday, 29 June 2018, 03:47 AM
Popped out to the local shop today and skipped putting in earplugs cos it was a short trip.   Noticed a 'wizzing' noise ( only way I can describe it), coming from the chain area.  Hopped off and had a look but couldn't see anything obvious... noise was only there when moving, increased/decreased with speed in all gears, no change in intensity in different gears, seemed to related to road speed rather than gear/engine related.  Sound is 'cyclic' - I noticed that more when slowing to stop.  First thought was chain, but it's only done around 500miles and is well lubed.  Checked rear tyre just in case... no sign of it rubbing or fouling anywhere.  Didn't have time to dig deeper and will have a closer look on Saturday.  So... my learned brethren .... any ideas?

I'm hoping to god it's not the bearing behind the front sprocket!
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: seth on Friday, 29 June 2018, 03:55 AM
Sticky pad on rear disc maybe or even the way the chain is wearing on the thick rubber pad on the swingarm near the pivot a new chain might wear differently to the old chain.
:cheers:
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: KiwiCol on Friday, 29 June 2018, 04:01 AM
Put it on the main stand & spin the wheel & have a listen.  Or start it on main stand & run through gears listening for the noise.  You could narrow it down to chain or engine / rear wheel related this way.
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: Blubber on Friday, 29 June 2018, 05:16 AM
Wheel or sprocket carrier bearing?

Tightened the rear axle nut properly? ( alignment issue)
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: Hooli on Friday, 29 June 2018, 07:31 AM
Put ya earplugs back in!
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: gsxbarmy on Friday, 29 June 2018, 07:50 AM
Thanks no most options covered above - rear sprocket bearing a possible culprit. Also check rear caliper, that one brake pad not sticking on slightly, as the pistons do get gummed up
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: KiwiCol on Friday, 29 June 2018, 04:47 PM
Ha Ha,  :rofl2:  going by the "Likes", Hooli has the right answer!!   :lol:
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: Hooli on Friday, 29 June 2018, 05:28 PM
Chains do make a noise even when in good condition & if it's at a frequency your earplugs block then it'll seem really loud riding without them. So I was 50% serious with that answer.
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: Speedy1959 on Friday, 29 June 2018, 06:22 PM
I have an engine stethoscope (Yes really)..
I checked my sprocket carrier bearing using is..Total silence from the bearing . . . But removed the rear wheel after just to be totally sure.. Yep smooth as silk.

If you REALLY want to alarm yourself then have a listen to the various areas around your engine with one of these gadgets.. You can use the handle of a screwdriver against your ear but believe me the proper gadget really amplifies how your pride and joy speaks to you !!
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: ARH on Friday, 29 June 2018, 06:39 PM
Thanks everyone... especially Hooli for that 'gem'  :rofl2:

Will be checking over the weekend so will let you know how I get on  :onya:
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: grog on Friday, 29 June 2018, 06:42 PM
Hooli is correct. i always ride with ear plugs except a quick trip to servo. that little trip scares me with noises. plugs back in, all normal. zinging noise to me is a perfectly lubed, adjusted chain. beautiful.
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: Notty on Friday, 29 June 2018, 06:49 PM
A stethoscope? How do You get your helmet on over those ? You been playing doctors and nurses again Simon ?  :rofl2:
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: Speedy1959 on Friday, 29 June 2018, 10:17 PM
Quote from: Notty on Friday, 29 June  2018, 06:49 PM
A stethoscope? How do You get your helmet on over those ? You been playing doctors and nurses again Simon ?  :rofl2:

Not at all expensive..
Mine is like this....

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001C0RYPG/ref=asc_df_B001C0RYPG53548951/?tag=googshopuk-21&creative=22110&creativeASIN=B001C0RYPG&linkCode=df0&hvadid=232020729251&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4448496370632481465&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046573&hvtargid=pla-420702612639&th=1&psc=1
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: ARH on Friday, 29 June 2018, 10:31 PM
Speedy - looks pretty good... but it would make me completely paranoid!  A bit like looking for a disease diagnosis on the internet  :rofl2:
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: Speedy1959 on Saturday, 30 June 2018, 03:04 AM
Once you accept that the engines chattering to you is normal its really quite fascinating how different sounds come from the different areas of the engine..

Its almost

A L I V E   ! !
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: T250 on Saturday, 30 June 2018, 06:31 AM
Quote from: Speedy1959 on Friday, 29 June  2018, 06:22 PM
I have an engine stethoscope (Yes really)..

If you REALLY want to alarm yourself then have a listen to the various areas around your engine with one of these gadgets.. You can use the handle of a screwdriver against your ear but believe me the proper gadget really amplifies how your pride and joy speaks to you !!

Hi Simon...check that out with a Trumpy...that'll give you brown corduroys... :happy1:
:onya:
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: ARH on Sunday, 01 July 2018, 01:01 AM
Well.... checked rear brake caliper, all working as it should be.  Rear sprocket bearing...all good.  Rear wheel alignment... perfectly lined up on calibration lines on both sides of the swing arm, checked with calipers and 2mm out on right side!  Adjusted using the calipers, lo and behold noise has disappeared! 
Seth was bang on the mark... I reckon the new chain was 'cutting' itself new grooves in the rubber pad on the top of the swing arm.  Gave her a damned good clean and told her not to do that to me again  :rofl2:
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: Hooli on Sunday, 01 July 2018, 08:16 PM
I never take any notice of the swingarm marks. I just turn the adjusters by the same amount (count the flats as you turn them). And then look along the top of the chain, if it kinks as it comes off the rear socket then the wheel is out of line.
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: Kiwifruit on Sunday, 01 July 2018, 09:21 PM
Comments about your chain ARH had me checking mine today. Was only 1mm out but made a world of difference to the sound it made when l spun it.
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: gsxbarmy on Monday, 02 July 2018, 03:55 AM
Quote from: ARH on Sunday, 01 July  2018, 01:01 AM
Well.... checked rear brake caliper, all working as it should be.  Rear sprocket bearing...all good.  Rear wheel alignment... perfectly lined up on calibration lines on both sides of the swing arm, checked with calipers and 2mm out on right side!  Adjusted using the calipers, lo and behold noise has disappeared! 
Seth was bang on the mark... I reckon the new chain was 'cutting' itself new grooves in the rubber pad on the top of the swing arm.  Gave her a damned good clean and told her not to do that to me again  :rofl2:

@ARH - dude how many times have we said never trust those wretched swing arm marks  :rolleyes:

But glad you sorted it  :clapping: :onya:
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Tuesday, 03 July 2018, 09:03 AM
@ARH, you said your chain had only done about 500 miles, did you do it yourself or did you have it done at the Stealers? They should have known better than to use the swing arm marks, or at least check after puttin the rear wheel back in and aligning.   

I also never use the marks, I use calipers and also run a straight edge along the side of the chain.

Cheers

Eric
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: grog on Tuesday, 03 July 2018, 07:18 PM
lucky i guess. yonks ago i checked my chain align marks. did all the measurements. marks were virtually spot on. never worried since. chain sounds good, all in align. now 15 th ks since cheap o ring EK fitted, was to wear out sprockets, i thought 10k max. not even one adjust or looking like it. guess suxuki got one lot of marks right, mine. EK rocks.
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: Andre on Tuesday, 03 July 2018, 08:08 PM
Marks on mine are alright too.
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: ARH on Tuesday, 03 July 2018, 08:20 PM
Quote from: Eric GSX1400K3 on Tuesday, 03 July  2018, 09:03 AM
@ARH, you said your chain had only done about 500 miles, did you do it yourself or did you have it done at the Stealers? They should have known better than to use the swing arm marks, or at least check after puttin the rear wheel back in and aligning.   

I also never use the marks, I use calipers and also run a straight edge along the side of the chain.

Cheers

Eric

Mea Culpa in this case Eric!  I had the wheels off to get new tyres fitted and didn't take enough care when refitting.... :embarrassed:
Title: Re: Strange noise...
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Wednesday, 04 July 2018, 10:59 PM
Live and learn eh?

I think your post helps, i bet we're all thinking about checkin our chains, Kiwifruit actually adjusted his. I'll be checking mine this Sat.