Date: 05-11-25  Time: 16:07 pm

Author Topic: New whistling/rubbing noise after chain adjustment  (Read 3331 times)

Brettholmes89

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New whistling/rubbing noise after chain adjustment
« on: 19 May 2015, 08:59:12 pm »
I've adjusted my chain whilst I'm waiting for my new sprocket and chain lot to come.

But now when I get to about 40mph and upwards a strange whistling noise happens, or sort of like plastic rubbing really fast?
It's related to speed because the fast I go, the more constant and higher pitched it gets.

The noise isn't there whe the bikes on a paddock stand?

The wheel is aligned, chain isn't dead tight or too loose, about 35mm of play.

I'll try and get a video of it but I don't know how it will come out.

It's a bit worrying.

Any ideas anyone?
Thanks

Brettholmes89

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Re: New whistling/rubbing noise after chain adjustment
« Reply #1 on: 19 May 2015, 09:04:51 pm »
Also, should I expect excess noise from a x-ring chain? I've read they're noisier than o-ring chains?
Fed up of bikes!!

darrsi

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Re: New whistling/rubbing noise after chain adjustment
« Reply #2 on: 19 May 2015, 09:12:56 pm »
You've kind of already answered your own question.
By adjusting the chain you would've had to move the wheel, and by doing this although you may think it's as exactly straight as before it's highly likely it's in a slightly different position.
So the plastic rubbing noise you can hear is the chain cutting a new path on the plastic chain guide, underneath the top of the chain near the front sprocket.
It's not a problem, just a bit annoying for a while until it beds in again.

Brettholmes89

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New whistling/rubbing noise after chain adjustment
« Reply #3 on: 20 May 2015, 08:26:56 am »
So it is normal after disturbing it?
The new chain and sprockets should be here today.

Just don't want it to be anything serious, knowing my luck it will be!

His Dudeness

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Re: New whistling/rubbing noise after chain adjustment
« Reply #4 on: 20 May 2015, 11:23:59 am »
Can't say I ever noticed the chain cutting into the guide once the tension was correct

darrsi

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Re: New whistling/rubbing noise after chain adjustment
« Reply #5 on: 20 May 2015, 12:55:19 pm »
Can't say I ever noticed the chain cutting into the guide once the tension was correct

Once you've moved it about a few times it makes a wider path and then you won't notice it so much.
It was really loud when I put my first DID chain on.

Brettholmes89

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Re: New whistling/rubbing noise after chain adjustment
« Reply #6 on: 20 May 2015, 05:35:42 pm »
New DID chain came today so I'll get that swapped tomorrow and see what happens

darrsi

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Re: New whistling/rubbing noise after chain adjustment
« Reply #7 on: 20 May 2015, 06:16:13 pm »
It'll probably be noisier!  :lol

Brettholmes89

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Re: New whistling/rubbing noise after chain adjustment
« Reply #8 on: 20 May 2015, 08:29:36 pm »
But at least this time I know it's meant to be noisy!
I just had things like its my layshaft or my gear box on its way out!

tony_d123

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Re: New whistling/rubbing noise after chain adjustment
« Reply #9 on: 22 May 2015, 06:53:56 am »
I've never had a whistling type noise but I did have an annoying clicking noise that started on a bike and sounded like the chain. Couldn't trace it for ages until one day I noticed that one of the sprocket bolts had come loose and was touching the swinging arm as it went round.

Brettholmes89

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Re: New whistling/rubbing noise after chain adjustment
« Reply #10 on: 26 May 2015, 10:06:38 pm »
Changed my chain and both sprockets tonight. All tensioned up etc and the whistling noise is still there. Think it's a bearing on its way out, can't think of anything else

His Dudeness

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Re: New whistling/rubbing noise after chain adjustment
« Reply #11 on: 27 May 2015, 03:18:32 pm »
Can you be anymore specific? A whistling could just be wind noise

Brettholmes89

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Re: New whistling/rubbing noise after chain adjustment
« Reply #12 on: 28 May 2015, 11:51:43 am »
It's not wind noise. It's only just stared happening. 40mph upwards a whistling /squealing noise starts. I think it could be a bearing.

It's not the chain, it's a really prominent  noise. Not an engine whistle or anything. I'm trying to get a video but the exhaust is louder

His Dudeness

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Re: New whistling/rubbing noise after chain adjustment
« Reply #13 on: 29 May 2015, 07:53:45 am »
Yes it could be the wheel bearings. Take the wheels off and spin the bearings and feel for notches with your finger. It should be smooth. Check them as soon as possible because a failed bearing can be quite dangerous.

maxzer1500

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Re: New whistling/rubbing noise after chain adjustment
« Reply #14 on: 29 May 2015, 10:25:14 am »
I would be tempted to try loosening the back wheel enough to unhook chain and tie it to the swingarm, remove brake caliper or pry the pads back a bit. Tighten the wheel and spin it, also check any play, will give a good idea about the bearings as they would be while riding.