Oicked up a growl

[labill]

Just put two new Kenda's on my 2000 Venture. Changed the Final gear oil while at it.

 

Went for a ride without any problems. Next day went out again. This time I would get a growling type noise when I let off the gas. If I went back on gas it was gone or when I pulled in the clutch to downshift the growl would be gone.

 

Bike runs fine, no loss of power, shifts fine without slippage, brakes are good. Any ideas?

 

Thanks,

labill

[BlueSky]

Dumb question but did you check again to verify the rear gear is full? That sort of issue sounds like it would be in the rear gears or trans.

[Marcarl]

Yep

[labill]

Going to do that tomorrow. I was thinking rear but thought it would be noisy all the time. It's a V-Max rear.

 

If it's one or the other I guess I should hope for the rear would.

[Freebird]

Here is a real possibility. There is a washer/spacer on the right side of the rear axle. If you get it run the wrong place, it will allow the tire to slide over just far enough to light rub against the swingers. I know this for a fact because I make that mistake once many years ago. I installed a new tire and got the washer in the wrong position. The next morning I left for a VentureRider gathering in Michigan and experienced he exact same thing that you are. It didn't rub all the time but during deceleration and etc. just as you describe. You need to look at the following thread and there is specific mention of the washer I'm talking about.

 

https://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?515-Rear-Wheel-Removal

[labill]

Found the problem. I guess I forgot to tighten the drain plug because it was gone. Feel good that it's not a transmission. If I need a new V Max I hope I did not lose his web site along with the file I lost.

 

I am hoping I did not do much damage. My question, should I use heavyweight engine oil or stay with the Final gear lube. The gear lube looks like regular oil.

 

Thanks,

labill

[RDawson]

I got rid of my rear growl with Mic-Mutes.

 

I would definitely stay with gear lube and just for peace of mind I'd open up the final drive and check damage. A few shavings in the bearings could sure mess up a ride.

[BratmanXj]

I am hoping I did not do much damage. My question, should I use heavyweight engine oil or stay with the Final gear lube. The gear lube looks like regular oil.

 

Get the rear end up in the air and refill the gear case with light-weight motor oil or ATF and spin it by hand for a minute or two. Use a coffee filter to strain the oil as you drain it to inspect for any swarf or major chunks. If you find a lot of metal its time to crack it open and investigate. If you get some minor shiny flakes I'd repeat the process a few times, even running it in idle in 1st gear with no load (up in the air) and see if it gets any cleaner.

[Freebird]

If you end up needing a new one, let me know. I THINK I have a couple around here somewhere. Just the cost of shipping if you end up needing one.

[labill]

I hope to get time tomorrow to check it out.

 

Freebird,

Thanks for the offer, hope I don't need to. I was not sure what I was going to do if I did need a new or rebuilt one because it's a V-Max. I needed the V Max upgrade after I put on a sidecar. I lost a lot of power with the stock one. The increase in power and speed with the V Max was if I never added the sidecar.

 

Thanks,

labill

[Freebird]

Yea, I see now where you had mentioned that. I understand. I had a Vmax rear on my '99 and loved it.

[labill]

Freebird,

Forgot to ask. I assume your rear drives are standard. Should I have to change do you know who can convert them to the V Max?

 

Thanks again,

labill

[Freebird]

Yes, they are standard. They can be converted but it takes some technical knowledge and special tools to set gear lash and etc. I've never done it. I bought mine from RSV Sport Max and just sent him mine for an exchange.

[labill]

Tried RSV sport max but nothing is showing. Did a search and nothing came up. I think they are the ones that I got mine from. Do you have an address for their site?

[Freebird]

Sorry, his company is RM Sportmax I think. I don't think he has a website any longer but he is a member here. I'm tagging him in this reply so hopefully he will see it and replay to you.

@rmsvmax

[labill]

Thanks.

[labill]

Looks like I dodged a bullet, at least for now.

 

I drained and cleaned like suggested. Did not see any metal. I will take it for a few runs before I celebrate and head off on our Natchez Trace Trail ride next month.

 

I want to thank everyone and Freebird thank you for the offer. I will let you know after a few runs if I still need a rear.

 

Again, thank you.

 

labill