Strange Noise

[SuamicoBob]

Looking for some help with a strange noise I heard this afternoon on the way home from work. It sounded like metal grinding or a bearing spinning. At the same time I heard the noise the bike pulled to the left and slowed down. I did not hear the noise with just the bike running so I think it is coming from the wheels or drive train not the engine. Does anyone know what a failed front wheel bearing might sound like? Any thoughs? I checked the front wheel for side to side play and there was none. I put the bike on the center stand and ran the back wheel up to speed but I could not duplicate the problem.

 

Any and all thoughts would be appreaciated.

 

[Denden]

I would take a look at the rear wheel bearing, the left one is a special caged roller bearing. Most likely suspect. You have to remove the rear wheel, and pull the splined hub with the fingers that go into the wheel rubber snubbers.

[Marcarl]

That would be my guess, if it was the front you would probably notice it in the steering, vibration, or something like that.

[a1bummer]

Just a quick thought. Check the spedometer too maybe?

[cowpuc]

Did it sound like it was in the front of the bike??

Might wanna check the pads on the front. Maybe getting close to change time and a pad got cockeyed or a stone got into the caliper some how.. It only takes a second to pull the calipers and examine them.. Also check the rotors too..

[bongobobny]

So far both of my guesses have been mentioned. Yes, it does sound like a bearing problem, and it wouldn't hurt to check and clean/repack them, but the first thing I would check is the front brakes. If the rear caliper were hanging up I would suspect a pull to the right rather than to the left...

 

I would suspect rear bearings moreso as it would seem that front bearings would cause a noticeable wobble!

[SuamicoBob]

Great feedback guys, I am going to check the brakes first as there was an accident about 10 miles before I heard the noise the first time and I had to get on the brakes hard. Was riding with my feet on the road pegs so the front brake took most of the load.

 

[SuamicoBob]

Just check the front brakes and they appear to be dragging slightly. Also notice side side to sidee play in the rear wheel. Anyone know if that is normal?

[Tupperj]

Bob,

 

I don't think play in the rear wheel is normal. At least, not on any of the bikes I've wrenched on to date. Would be a good time to check the bearings and the axle.

 

Paul

[DragonRider]

Rear pinion gear in tranny makes an awful racket when it goes bad.............

[SuamicoBob]

Turns out the rear wheel bearing was shot, thanks for all the advice. Should be on the road again in a couple days.