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Bikes, Hints'n'Tips => FZS600 Fazer => Topic started by: shieldr on 22 March 2019, 02:49:50 pm

Title: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: shieldr on 22 March 2019, 02:49:50 pm
Hi, have an fzs600 with 31k on the clock. Have had it for around 6 years with no major problems. Just recently I have had a squawking noise intermittently when riding. The noise comes in short bursts. Usually just after accelerating. At first I thought was Some sort of wind noise but now am sure it’s mechanical. Any ideas? Brakes all look good. I thought maybe headers, loose plug, head gasket. Sounds like a budgie being strangled. Not like brake squeal at all. Thanks for any help  :) . It is hard to check when riding with lid on etc.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: mtread on 22 March 2019, 02:57:19 pm
Speedo drive on the front wheel? When they run out of grease they squeal something rotten.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: Frosties on 22 March 2019, 03:49:36 pm
Front fork seals ? Do you get the same when breaking ?


Are we talking hard acceleration then cruise/throttle off.....gentle acceleration then cruise/throttle off. Acceleration from standstill or acceleration from any given speed ? Any particular gear ?
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: Chris on 22 March 2019, 04:07:02 pm

Knackered wheel bearing/s?


Speedo drive as mentioned.


What about your lid? Vent open/loose and causing high pitched noise?


Chris
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: mtread on 22 March 2019, 04:35:29 pm
Parrot attached to the handlebars?  :)
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: shieldr on 22 March 2019, 05:14:57 pm
Speedo drive on the front wheel? When they run out of grease they squeal something rotten.


Cheers, I will grease it anyway as it has it been done in years. Also I have used the bike through the winter so that would stack up. 👍
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: shieldr on 22 March 2019, 05:20:51 pm
Front fork seals ? Do you get the same when breaking ?


Are we talking hard acceleration then cruise/throttle off.....gentle acceleration then cruise/throttle off. Acceleration from standstill or acceleration from any given speed ? Any particular gear ?


Ta, the noise is fairly intermittent. Happened say 4 times for a few seconds on a 10 mile commute home. Fairly loud and Squawky though. I would say some times during normal acceleration in the middle gears then particularly when coming off the the throttle for a few seconds or more. It sounds like air squawking past some sort of seal.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: shieldr on 22 March 2019, 05:27:27 pm
Parrot attached to the handlebars?  :)


I will check 1st thing Monday morning  :b
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: shieldr on 22 March 2019, 05:30:49 pm

Knackered wheel bearing/s?


Speedo drive as mentioned.


What about your lid? Vent open/loose and causing high pitched noise?



Chris


Ta, doesn’t sound like a bearing squeal. More of a weird squawk. I did think it was the lid or glove heating cables hanging out of the jacket but definitely not. 🍻
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: His Dudeness on 22 March 2019, 06:07:19 pm
Does the frequency of the noise change with speed? If so I'd be looking at rotating things like wheel bearings, speedo, brakes, chain and sprocket. If it's a bit more random and doesn't change with speed it might be rear suspension linkages, maybe swing arm bearings. Also I'd check the dreaded front sprocket nut. Your description is pretty vague, the problem could be anywhere, check the easiest things first but it's a good excuse to take the front and rear end off one at a time and  investigate and give everything a clean and grease.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: shieldr on 23 March 2019, 08:00:25 pm
Update; got an hour to check the bike today and found an extremely slack chain. It was fitted new a year ago and tightened up at mot time last August. The play was massive and I have no idea why or if this might cause the intermittent squawk. Will be Monday before I get a chance now.  The front sprocket I checked as fine also. This was changed at the same time as the chain. Can anyone confirm if a super slack chain could make this noise. Ta
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: His Dudeness on 23 March 2019, 08:47:44 pm
Yeah there's a good chance it was the chain. How many miles since you adjusted it?
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: shieldr on 24 March 2019, 09:34:31 am
Hard to say.  less than 2000 for sure.  I have never seen a chain that slack though. I will keep an eye on it anyway.  I won't be riding until Monday but finding that seems like a smoking gun to me. ;) 
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: darrsi on 24 March 2019, 10:28:11 am
If the wheel is not straight and the chain a bit dry then that could cause the noise.
With the bike on the centre stand, spinning the wheel will tell you if it's aligned correctly or not. The chain should quietly purr when it's right, but if it's not straight then you'll hear all sorts of noises.
When adjusting the chain slack don't forget to slacken the brake caliper bar, and take your time nipping up either side a tiny bit at a time then spinning the wheel to hear if it's okay.
You want roughly around 35mm of play at the lower middle part of the chain, or a quicker and easier way is pushing the front of the lower chain upwards with your finger and it should just touch the plastic chain guide.   
Having it too tight is just as bad as having it too loose, so get it right then you won't need to adjust it again for ages.
I've started using a paint brush with engine oil to lubricate my chain now, instead of spray lube which i used for decades, and the chain is in better condition than ever. Plus it doesn't clog up any more, it repels dirt, and the oil effectively gets into every link when applied when the chain is warm after a run plus only takes a maximum 2 minutes to apply. I have newspaper down in my garage to catch any drips, and any other excess gets flung off next time i ride it.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: His Dudeness on 24 March 2019, 05:06:50 pm
If the wheel is not straight and the chain a bit dry then that could cause the noise.
With the bike on the centre stand, spinning the wheel will tell you if it's aligned correctly or not. The chain should quietly purr when it's right, but if it's not straight then you'll hear all sorts of noises.
When adjusting the chain slack don't forget to slacken the brake caliper bar, and take your time nipping up either side a tiny bit at a time then spinning the wheel to hear if it's okay.
You want roughly around 35mm of play at the lower middle part of the chain, or a quicker and easier way is pushing the front of the lower chain upwards with your finger and it should just touch the plastic chain guide.   
Having it too tight is just as bad as having it too loose, so get it right then you won't need to adjust it again for ages.
I've started using a paint brush with engine oil to lubricate my chain now, instead of spray lube which i used for decades, and the chain is in better condition than ever. Plus it doesn't clog up any more, it repels dirt, and the oil effectively gets into every link when applied when the chain is warm after a run plus only takes a maximum 2 minutes to apply. I have newspaper down in my garage to catch any drips, and any other excess gets flung off next time i ride it.
Yeah I agree with darrsi. I think that's all spot on.

The chain shouldn't really be hanging off after only 2k. Either you're not oiling it enough and it wearing faster than it should or there might be a bit of play in your wheel bearings or swingarm bearings. Most likely is you're not oiling it enough but I'd check the wheel and swingarm bearings to be sure. How often you have to oil it depends on the lube you're using and the weather. If you're brushing on gear oil probably once a week/every other petrol fill up is enough or if it's very wet maybe do it every fill up. If you're using spray on lube you can push that further but you should still be doing it regularly. That's just my thoughts on it but it's definitely true that the same chain can last 50,000 miles or 5,000 miles, it all depends on how well you look after it.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: fazersharp on 24 March 2019, 07:31:44 pm
I've started using a paint brush with engine oil to lubricate my chain now, instead of spray lube which i used for decades, and the chain is in better condition than ever. Plus it doesn't clog up any more, it repels dirt, and the oil effectively gets into every link when applied when the chain is warm after a run plus only takes a maximum 2 minutes to apply. I have newspaper down in my garage to catch any drips, and any other excess gets flung off next time i ride it.
Where does it get flung off to. Side of trye - undertray  -underdarrsi  :lol
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: His Dudeness on 24 March 2019, 09:57:03 pm
You can spin up the chain on the center stand and wipe away any fling when the wheel is stopped and the engine is off (safety notice :lol ). If you put it on sparingly and don't over do it there isn't much fling. The manual even recommends using engine oil or a suitable o ring safe lubricant


LUBRICATING THE DRIVE CHAINThe drive chain consists of many interacting parts. If the drive chain is not maintained properly, it will wear out rapidly. Therefore, the drive chain should be serviced, especially when the motorcycle is used in dusty areas. This motorcycle has a drive chain with small rubber O-rings between each side plate. Steam cleaning, high-pressure washing, certain solvents, and the use of a coarse brush can damage these O-rings. Therefore, use only kerosine to clean the drive chain. Wipe the drive chain dry and thoroughly lubricate it with engine oil or chain lubricant that is suitable for O-ring chains. Do not use any other lubricants on the drive chain since they may contain solvents that could damage the O-rings. Recommended lubricant Engine oil or chain lubricant suitable for O-ring chains
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: darrsi on 25 March 2019, 07:55:36 am
I've started using a paint brush with engine oil to lubricate my chain now, instead of spray lube which i used for decades, and the chain is in better condition than ever. Plus it doesn't clog up any more, it repels dirt, and the oil effectively gets into every link when applied when the chain is warm after a run plus only takes a maximum 2 minutes to apply. I have newspaper down in my garage to catch any drips, and any other excess gets flung off next time i ride it.
Where does it get flung off to. Side of trye - undertray  -underdarrsi  :lol


As Dude says you can "carefully" spin the back wheel on the centre stand and it will just fling off in a straight line behind the bike (use newspaper), or a lot of people will run a decent rag round the chain after oiling (one that doesn't fall apart) to mop up any excess oil.
Also, as he mentions, you just use common sense about how often to oil it. It does last longer than you'd imagine but if you've just done a motorway run in a storm then it would make sense to give it a bit of aftercare, but i don't think that will apply too much with you.  :lol
You will get an oily rear sprocket though, but that really doesn't bother me at all.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: fazersharp on 25 March 2019, 12:35:01 pm
I've started using a paint brush with engine oil to lubricate my chain now, instead of spray lube which i used for decades, and the chain is in better condition than ever. Plus it doesn't clog up any more, it repels dirt, and the oil effectively gets into every link when applied when the chain is warm after a run plus only takes a maximum 2 minutes to apply. I have newspaper down in my garage to catch any drips, and any other excess gets flung off next time i ride it.
Where does it get flung off to. Side of trye - undertray  -underdarrsi  :lol



As Dude says you can "carefully" spin the back wheel on the centre stand and it will just fling off in a straight line behind the bike (use newspaper), or a lot of people will run a decent rag round the chain after oiling (one that doesn't fall apart) to mop up any excess oil.
Also, as he mentions, you just use common sense about how often to oil it. It does last longer than you'd imagine but if you've just done a motorway run in a storm then it would make sense to give it a bit of aftercare, but i don't think that will apply too much with you.  :lol
You will get an oily rear sprocket though, but that really doesn't bother me at all.
I am nearing a new chain and sprocket set although its not badly worn the chain does have a tight spot that I can not free up and I can feel it when riding. I have always used chain wax but my riding is is all dry - so that's dust and grit that sticks to the wax. So I think when I fit new I am going to give engine oil a go and see how the fling goes. But cause I like my bike clean I may end up under lubing the chain.   

Sorry for the post  :hijack   shieldr(http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=25083.0;attach=34879;image)
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: Jamieg285 on 25 March 2019, 01:47:27 pm
I had squealing that matches your description.  At first I thought it was a worn chain too, but it turned out to be a worn chain and a knackered sprocket carrier bearing.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: His Dudeness on 25 March 2019, 06:06:08 pm
I've started using a paint brush with engine oil to lubricate my chain now, instead of spray lube which i used for decades, and the chain is in better condition than ever. Plus it doesn't clog up any more, it repels dirt, and the oil effectively gets into every link when applied when the chain is warm after a run plus only takes a maximum 2 minutes to apply. I have newspaper down in my garage to catch any drips, and any other excess gets flung off next time i ride it.
Where does it get flung off to. Side of trye - undertray  -underdarrsi  :lol


As Dude says you can "carefully" spin the back wheel on the centre stand and it will just fling off in a straight line behind the bike (use newspaper), or a lot of people will run a decent rag round the chain after oiling (one that doesn't fall apart) to mop up any excess oil.
Also, as he mentions, you just use common sense about how often to oil it. It does last longer than you'd imagine but if you've just done a motorway run in a storm then it would make sense to give it a bit of aftercare, but i don't think that will apply too much with you.  :lol
You will get an oily rear sprocket though, but that really doesn't bother me at all.
I am nearing a new chain and sprocket set although its not badly worn the chain does have a tight spot that I can not free up and I can feel it when riding. I have always used chain wax but my riding is is all dry - so that's dust and grit that sticks to the wax. So I think when I fit new I am going to give engine oil a go and see how the fling goes. But cause I like my bike clean I may end up under lubing the chain.   

Sorry for the post  :hijack   shieldr
Try gear oil. It has a higher viscosity than engine oil so it's less prone to dripping or spraying off. You can get a 1 liter bottle on ebay for under £5 or probably under £10 locally. One bottle should last you a life time. I pour some into a smaller squeeze bottle and then use the small squeeze bottle and a brush to apply it to the chain. You can put a bit of cardboard down to catch any drips. The first few times I used it I was putting too much on and there was drips everywhere but now I don't really get any. All it needs is a very light coat brushed over the surface to wet it. Any more than that will spray off. Less is more
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: shieldr on 25 March 2019, 06:28:05 pm
If the wheel is not straight and the chain a bit dry then that could cause the noise.
With the bike on the centre stand, spinning the wheel will tell you if it's aligned correctly or not. The chain should quietly purr when it's right, but if it's not straight then you'll hear all sorts of noises.
When adjusting the chain slack don't forget to slacken the brake caliper bar, and take your time nipping up either side a tiny bit at a time then spinning the wheel to hear if it's okay.
You want roughly around 35mm of play at the lower middle part of the chain, or a quicker and easier way is pushing the front of the lower chain upwards with your finger and it should just touch the plastic chain guide.   
Having it too tight is just as bad as having it too loose, so get it right then you won't need to adjust it again for ages.
I've started using a paint brush with engine oil to lubricate my chain now, instead of spray lube which i used for decades, and the chain is in better condition than ever. Plus it doesn't clog up any more, it repels dirt, and the oil effectively gets into every link when applied when the chain is warm after a run plus only takes a maximum 2 minutes to apply. I have newspaper down in my garage to catch any drips, and any other excess gets flung off next time i ride it.

Some great tips here much appreciated.  It's always been a quiet purr for me.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: shieldr on 25 March 2019, 06:32:12 pm
If the wheel is not straight and the chain a bit dry then that could cause the noise.
With the bike on the centre stand, spinning the wheel will tell you if it's aligned correctly or not. The chain should quietly purr when it's right, but if it's not straight then you'll hear all sorts of noises.
When adjusting the chain slack don't forget to slacken the brake caliper bar, and take your time nipping up either side a tiny bit at a time then spinning the wheel to hear if it's okay.
You want roughly around 35mm of play at the lower middle part of the chain, or a quicker and easier way is pushing the front of the lower chain upwards with your finger and it should just touch the plastic chain guide.   
Having it too tight is just as bad as having it too loose, so get it right then you won't need to adjust it again for ages.
I've started using a paint brush with engine oil to lubricate my chain now, instead of spray lube which i used for decades, and the chain is in better condition than ever. Plus it doesn't clog up any more, it repels dirt, and the oil effectively gets into every link when applied when the chain is warm after a run plus only takes a maximum 2 minutes to apply. I have newspaper down in my garage to catch any drips, and any other excess gets flung off next time i ride it.
Yeah I agree with darrsi. I think that's all spot on.

The chain shouldn't really be hanging off after only 2k. Either you're not oiling it enough and it wearing faster than it should or there might be a bit of play in your wheel bearings or swingarm bearings. Most likely is you're not oiling it enough but I'd check the wheel and swingarm bearings to be sure. How often you have to oil it depends on the lube you're using and the weather. If you're brushing on gear oil probably once a week/every other petrol fill up is enough or if it's very wet maybe do it every fill up. If you're using spray on lube you can push that further but you should still be doing it regularly. That's just my thoughts on it but it's definitely true that the same chain can last 50,000 miles or 5,000 miles, it all depends on how well you look after it.

Cheers.  The funny things is the last touch on the chain was by the local bike shop at MOT time.  Mind you the back brakes have been rotten since he changed the brake fluid too.  A wee bubble in the back caliper I suspect.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: shieldr on 25 March 2019, 06:38:04 pm
I had squealing that matches your description.  At first I thought it was a worn chain too, but it turned out to be a worn chain and a knackered sprocket carrier bearing.

Cheers.  I will check that if the noise recurs.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: Dynspud on 25 March 2019, 07:01:50 pm
I use hypoid gear oil (80/90 I think) from Halfords in a Scottoiler.
Chain & sprockets seem to not need adjusting very often, if at all, and are almost soundless when checked.
Also never had a tight spot on the chain either.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: fazersharp on 25 March 2019, 07:16:32 pm
I've started using a paint brush with engine oil to lubricate my chain now, instead of spray lube which i used for decades, and the chain is in better condition than ever. Plus it doesn't clog up any more, it repels dirt, and the oil effectively gets into every link when applied when the chain is warm after a run plus only takes a maximum 2 minutes to apply. I have newspaper down in my garage to catch any drips, and any other excess gets flung off next time i ride it.
Where does it get flung off to. Side of trye - undertray  -underdarrsi  :lol


As Dude says you can "carefully" spin the back wheel on the centre stand and it will just fling off in a straight line behind the bike (use newspaper), or a lot of people will run a decent rag round the chain after oiling (one that doesn't fall apart) to mop up any excess oil.
Also, as he mentions, you just use common sense about how often to oil it. It does last longer than you'd imagine but if you've just done a motorway run in a storm then it would make sense to give it a bit of aftercare, but i don't think that will apply too much with you.  :lol
You will get an oily rear sprocket though, but that really doesn't bother me at all.
I am nearing a new chain and sprocket set although its not badly worn the chain does have a tight spot that I can not free up and I can feel it when riding. I have always used chain wax but my riding is is all dry - so that's dust and grit that sticks to the wax. So I think when I fit new I am going to give engine oil a go and see how the fling goes. But cause I like my bike clean I may end up under lubing the chain.   

Sorry for the post  :hijack   shieldr
Try gear oil. It has a higher viscosity than engine oil so it's less prone to dripping or spraying off. You can get a 1 liter bottle on ebay for under £5 or probably under £10 locally. One bottle should last you a life time. I pour some into a smaller squeeze bottle and then use the small squeeze bottle and a brush to apply it to the chain. You can put a bit of cardboard down to catch any drips. The first few times I used it I was putting too much on and there was drips everywhere but now I don't really get any. All it needs is a very light coat brushed over the surface to wet it. Any more than that will spray off. Less is more

I still have to place cardboard all around the area with the wax in the can as it comes out under pressure and tends to over spray the chain.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: darrsi on 25 March 2019, 08:33:23 pm
When i had my rear tyre put on by the bike shop i always use i had to adjust the chain again at home as i could hear it slightly grinding from the wheel not being totally true.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: fazersharp on 25 March 2019, 08:46:02 pm
When i had my rear tyre put on by the bike shop i always use i had to adjust the chain again at home as i could hear it slightly grinding from the wheel not being totally true.
Yep I had front and back tyres fitted and when I got back I loosened every bolt they touched and re- torqued it up myself. Not saying they were wrong but much happier knowing that I did it.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: shieldr on 25 March 2019, 09:03:30 pm
OK. Chain adjusted fine now and intermittent squawk apparent for a few short bursts on a 5 min run around.  Occurring at quite slow speeds, 30mph, accelerating and remaining for a few seconds easing off the throttle.  Sounds like it is coming from inside some sort of enclosure which is making me think front sprocket bearing...
Things I am sure it is not but haven't proved yet...... fork seals, brakes, chain alignment or tension.  Sounds like a blade of grass held between 2 thumbs and blown for short bursts...
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: His Dudeness on 25 March 2019, 10:51:29 pm
Do you lube the chain regularly? If the chain is dry lube it and see if that improves things. Assuming the chain is all good so it's lubed, the tension is right, it's aligned properly, there's no tight spots, the sprockets are good, the front sprocket nut is tight. The next thing to check is the bearings in the rear wheel. There's two in the rear wheel and one in the rear sprocket carrier as Jamieg285 said. To check them properly you have to take the rear wheel off, put your fingers in the bearings and spin the wheel and feel for binding or rough spots in the bearings. The bearing for the front sprocket is inside the engine. It's the bearing for the output shaft of the gearbox. It would be very bad if the problem was that bearing. You have to strip the whole engine to get to it but most likely it's not that bearing that is the problem. Generally they good bad from over tightening the chain not from letting the chain go too slack
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: His Dudeness on 25 March 2019, 11:00:20 pm
If you're sure the chain is all good and you're not comfortable taking the rear wheel off I'd recommend getting a mechanic to have a listen. A failed wheel bearing could cause an accident so you're better off being safe rather than sorry
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: shieldr on 25 March 2019, 11:33:52 pm
Next steps checking the rear wheel bearing.  Am still not sure but it is a process of elimination now. Seriously hope it’s not an engine rebuild but it does sound more like it is coming from that area. Would a rear wheel bearing failure only make that noise occasionally?  Thanks for the fantastic advice by the way.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: His Dudeness on 26 March 2019, 12:01:44 am
I haven't had gearbox bearing trouble but I think it's more of a low rumbling noise rather than a high pitch squawk. A high pick squawk seems more like something is rusty like a chain or a rusted wheel bearing/ sprocket carrier bearing. That's what I'd be leaning towards but it's only a guess. Is the chain oiled? If the chain has tight spots you tend to notice them through the front sprocket because it has to go around a smaller diameter. If you could get a few pictures of the chain and sprocket up or a video of the noise that might help.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: darrsi on 26 March 2019, 06:38:36 am
Tight spot in a chain should be felt on your left footrest as a bumping feeling through your foot.
Another easy way of telling, put the bike on the centre stand and slowly examine the lower part of the chain. If it's fine every link will be horizontal, but any stiff/rusted links will be slightly at an angle and will stay that way.
Dunno what condition your chain is in, but i used to give mine a good scrub with a proper chain brush using WD40 which not only cleaned it very effectively and easily of any chain lube but used to get into all parts of the chain as well, before i would lube it again afterwards after wiping off the excess.
Since i've been using the engine oil as a lube though every link on the chain remains completely free and very easily movable by my fingers.
I'll probably be trying the thicker gear oil instead soon though.
Just for the record, i always buy D.I.D. X Ring chains, not O Ring ones.   


On a side note, with the bike on the centre stand, spin the front wheel with your hand and see if any noises come from it. I would still be inclined to have the front wheel off and pack the speedo sensor with thick Lithium Grease, or axle grease, to rule that out. Just make sure you don't break the lugs when refitting the wheel.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: darrsi on 26 March 2019, 07:02:35 am
I had a brainwave and wondered what Chainsaw Oil would be like on a bike chain? Kind of makes sense, they run at very high speed and are designed to have anti fling properties, but after a bit of research i was put off it for being too sticky to the point it can keep hold of road dirt, although that's what i found that proper bike lube spray did anyway.


So i'll give the heavier gear oil a try, there is a 140 version, but i'll stick with the advice and go for the tried and tested 90 grade stuff.


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1L-Hypoid-Gear-Oil-EP90-API-GL4-EP-90-1-litre/121636781361?hash=item1c521dfd31:g:LSUAAOSwh-1W3fEu (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1L-Hypoid-Gear-Oil-EP90-API-GL4-EP-90-1-litre/121636781361?hash=item1c521dfd31:g:LSUAAOSwh-1W3fEu)



Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: Dynspud on 26 March 2019, 07:54:27 am
That's the stuff I use Darrsi and it works a treat  :thumbup
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: shieldr on 26 March 2019, 08:01:23 am
I haven't had gearbox bearing trouble but I think it's more of a low rumbling noise rather than a high pitch squawk. A high pick squawk seems more like something is rusty like a chain or a rusted wheel bearing/ sprocket carrier bearing. That's what I'd be leaning towards but it's only a guess. Is the chain oiled? If the chain has tight spots you tend to notice them through the front sprocket because it has to go around a smaller diameter. If you could get a few pictures of the chain and sprocket up or a video of the noise that might help.

The chain looks in great nick to me and a video of the squawk could be tricky as it only happens on the road.  I will take a close look at the chain and then get the rear wheel off next. Cheers.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: Jamieg285 on 26 March 2019, 01:11:55 pm
I should of added, my sprocket carrier bearing had disintegrated and separated, hence the metal on metal screeching.   It will be very obvious if this is the problem, just pull the dust seal off and look.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: shieldr on 28 March 2019, 11:41:01 pm
Update: back wheel off tonight and bearings feel sound. Also took front sprocket cover off too and all looks and feels normal. Reassembled all with smidgeon of grease and squawk occurred a couple of times for a second or two on a one mile run.


I found a mcn article online about motorbike noises and it says that a squawk is most likely to be the clutch going. This sounds plausible as I never really thought this noise was from wheels, bearings or forks etc.


Any thoughts on the clutch theory and is it an easy job?


Ta
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: His Dudeness on 29 March 2019, 12:18:06 am
Well that's ruled out a few things so not a waste of time. Never heard of a squawking clutch but maybe it's possible. Usually when a clutch is going it slips under heavy load. When you give it a lot of throttle the revs shot up but your speed doesn't change much. It's easy to take it apart you just have to be careful when you reassemble it that it's all sitting evenly or you can snap the pressure plate. You could try taking the oil fill cap off an listen does the squawk get louder with the cap off that would be a good indicator that it's coming from the clutch area. You might get a bit of oil spray with the fill cap off.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: darrsi on 29 March 2019, 07:47:22 am
Update: back wheel off tonight and bearings feel sound. Also took front sprocket cover off too and all looks and feels normal. Reassembled all with smidgeon of grease and squawk occurred a couple of times for a second or two on a one mile run.


I found a mcn article online about motorbike noises and it says that a squawk is most likely to be the clutch going. This sounds plausible as I never really thought this noise was from wheels, bearings or forks etc.


Any thoughts on the clutch theory and is it an easy job?


Ta


You may be thinking a bit too far ahead.
First thing i would do would be to properly adjust the clutch cable from the bottom as well as the top, and see if that makes any difference.


I'm guessing you have the correct amount of oil in the sump as well, and it is within the recommended mileage range, or does it need changing at all?


I've never heard of a clutch causing a squawking noise either to be honest.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: shieldr on 29 March 2019, 09:47:08 am
Thanks.

Need to check the clutch items you mention. All new for me.  Engine oil is clutch oil right?  If so then all is good.  In range and right level. 

If you say clutch doesn't normally cause squawk then it might be another red herring.  I thought a slightly faulty clutch would make it safe to ride until symptoms become more apparent or obvious.  I have checked brakes and bearings so think it will be safe to ride anyway.

Was also wondering if the noise could be coming from the air side.  Maybe carbs, head gasket, loose plugs....

I will see how to check and adjust the clutch cable next.  If nothing else I am learning about my bike.

Cheers
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: shieldr on 29 March 2019, 11:23:23 am
Pic of front sprocket. Nothing to see other than sludge from chain lub.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: darrsi on 29 March 2019, 12:56:43 pm
Bike would run terribly if there was an issue with the things you mentioned.


Engine oil level needs to be checked on the centre stand AFTER the engine has been running for 30-60 seconds so it's spread around the sump.
It will then take anout 90 seconds to settle in the sump window.....that is when you check the level.
So i would double check that to make sure it isn't low, a lot of people mistakenly check the level when the bike is cold, which is incorrect and will give a false reading.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: shieldr on 29 March 2019, 05:38:23 pm
Could a bit too much oil cause this?
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: His Dudeness on 29 March 2019, 06:02:14 pm
I'd clean all that gunk out from the sprocket and sprocket cover. You said you thought your squawk was coming form the front sprocket area at one point. Maybe your noise has something to do with all that build up. The clutch actuator is in the sprocket cover. When you pull the clutch lever the actuator moves out and pushes against the clutch push rod. The clutch push rod is the part that's sticking out on the left of the front sprocket. All that should be clean.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: darrsi on 29 March 2019, 06:13:56 pm
Could a bit too much oil cause this?



It can cause issues, but not the noise you’re describing.


Have a good read of this though, worth doing:
http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php/topic,10124.msg105459.html#msg105459 (http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php/topic,10124.msg105459.html#msg105459)
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: His Dudeness on 29 March 2019, 06:35:18 pm
Could a bit too much oil cause this?



It can cause issues, but not the noise you’re describing.


Have a good read of this though, worth doing:
[url]http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php/topic,10124.msg105459.html#msg105459[/url] ([url]http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php/topic,10124.msg105459.html#msg105459[/url])

This is a weird problem. We've not got a lot of information to go on. All we know is the bike has 31K on it and there's a squawk happening sometimes when he's slowing and he's not too sure where it's coming from.

So far he's found a very slack chain and he's tightened that and the squawk is still there. He's checked his chain and sprockets and his wheel bearings and sprocket carrier bearings and they're fine.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: fazersharp on 29 March 2019, 08:15:25 pm
My old Sidi Vertebrata used to squawk when I walked in them.  :lol   
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: Dynspud on 29 March 2019, 08:25:31 pm
My missus squawks when I ride on her  ;)
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: His Dudeness on 29 March 2019, 08:46:10 pm
My missus squawks when I ride on her  ;)
Does the frequency of her squawk change with speed? Does she squawk on acceleration or deceleration? We're going to need more information to solve this one. Maybe some pictures and a video of the squawk :rollin :lol
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: Dynspud on 30 March 2019, 07:37:47 pm
Definitely squawks on acceleration; tends to be more of a moan on deceleration  :lol
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off - sorted I think
Post by: shieldr on 02 April 2019, 08:21:28 am
I did 2 things and the noise has gone for now.

added a smidgeon of oil that I don't think was necessary

Removed the front wheel, checked the bearings to be OK and added a bit of grease.

I guess my lesson learned now when she is squawking is to check the safety stuff by a process of elimination.  i.e. brakes, chain, wheel bearings, drive bearings and add a wee bit of grease.  I did not think that kind of noise would come from the wheel.

Hey ho thanks for all the tips, hi-jacks and  connotations  :rollin.  Am a bit handier with the bike now
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: TOM VR46 on 02 April 2019, 02:32:04 pm

Have been watching this and it has been good reading all ideas on the Squawking noise. So ive had just a wee thought. Front wheel off. Was the front wheel torqued up too much ? If the spacer on axle had a rounded face - inside face - then your front wheel has been torqued up to much and it would make a noise. The wee bit of grease always helps.
Added a wee bit of oil. Has your engine had right oil level ? All engines make some sort of noise under or on acceleration. No two engines are the same. When your doing an oil change you will notice a change in engine noise as fresh oil in there helps keep them sweet. Also different oil's will change the pitch of your engine.

Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: darrsi on 03 April 2019, 06:36:31 am
Due to peoples different ideas of describing sounds, have a look on YouTube at cam chain noise/ticking, seeing as it's not been mentioned.
Bit of a wild guess but worth ruling out just in case.


http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=fzs+600+cam+chain+noise (http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=fzs+600+cam+chain+noise)
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: His Dudeness on 03 April 2019, 07:21:36 pm
If it comes back try taking your helmet off and listen for where it's coming from.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: darrsi on 03 April 2019, 08:06:44 pm
Terribly difficult to pinpoint a noise when the bike needs to be moving.
I had a strange buzzing noise for months that has now disappeared but i still have no clue whatever caused it?
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: stevie-g1968 on 06 April 2019, 10:27:24 am
I used to get this.. could hear it around 30mph or so... it went after I had tyres fitted and the fitted gave the speedo drive in the wheel a thin smear of grease.
Title: Re: Squawking noise on and off
Post by: darrsi on 12 April 2019, 06:45:21 am
I noticed something yesterday that could well be the culprit of the mystery noise on my bike, and maybe a few others too.
I just happened to glance down at the front mudguard extender and couldn't help but think it was hugging the tyre a bit closer than i remember when it was fitted.
My one is not glued on, i've used the 3 plastic rivets it came with and drilled holes through the standard mudguard to fix it on properly.


On closer inspection though i could see that the centre bottom part of the extender has a little upside down 'V' shape in it where the tyre has rubbed on it and worn through it.
It had a good 6 or 7mm gap when stationary, but i reckon that a combination of bike vibration, plus the tyre movement, sucks the extender towards the tyre just enough for it to skim it and make the circular grating noise that's been driving me potty for months now.
It would also explain the reason why when i pull the clutch in the noise will stop because i'm cutting out the bike vibrations.
Don't know if it can be moved back slightly, but it would seem that over time the extender has sort of curled itself towards the tyre just enough to make this irritating grinding noise.   
Problem solved.....for my bike anyway.  :think