Noisy transmission/drive belt
#1
Noisy transmission/drive belt
I've posted several times over the past few months about a "whining" or "chirping" type of sound I've been hearing. While moving, if I let off of the throttle I can hear the aforementioned noise. While acclerating or maintaining speed, there is no noise. It seems to only happen when the bike is being slowed by the engine a bit. I changed the oil last weekend and switched to Mobil 1 75W-90 Gear oil and the sound is still there.
At first I thought I may have had a tight primary chain, but over the past couple of days I believe the noise is coming from the drive belt side.
So I was wondering what might cause something like this. I don't know of anything that has to be lubed or maintained on that side of the drivetrain. I don't think the drive belt is out of adjustment, and I'm sure it's not too tight.
Any thoughts? We're going to have some rainy weather over the next couple of days and I'd like to correct this problem.
At first I thought I may have had a tight primary chain, but over the past couple of days I believe the noise is coming from the drive belt side.
So I was wondering what might cause something like this. I don't know of anything that has to be lubed or maintained on that side of the drivetrain. I don't think the drive belt is out of adjustment, and I'm sure it's not too tight.
Any thoughts? We're going to have some rainy weather over the next couple of days and I'd like to correct this problem.
Last edited by gilmour68; 04-15-2010 at 03:09 PM.
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BTW, I took a 40 mile ride after work and the noise was virtually non-existant by the time I got home.
#7
Get a belt tension tool if you dont already have one, they're cheap. They come with instructions and of course the book has info. Too loose or too tight will make noise. HD makes a "Belt Dressing" for drive belts that is just silicone spray. I get good results with LPS1, which goes on wet and then drys so as not to accumulate dirt. As to washing, warm soapy water and a brush a little bigger than a toothbrush. The bottom (moving towards the rear pulley) has a guard, but the top side bottom is open under that guard and you can wash there. Any silicone from a car parts store is the same as HD belt dressing.
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#8
Shiny is not a problem, nor are minor grooves from the uneven wear patters of the chrome rear sprocket. The front sprocket is hardened steel & not likely to be worn out untill over 50k miles.
#9
Even changes in humidity seems to cause a squeak some days. Old biker described cleaning. I use a floor jack to lift the rear enuf to spin the wheel and clean a few inches of belt at a time. It is a pain but cleans the belt.
Shiny is not a problem, nor are minor grooves from the uneven wear patters of the chrome rear sprocket. The front sprocket is hardened steel & not likely to be worn out untill over 50k miles.
Shiny is not a problem, nor are minor grooves from the uneven wear patters of the chrome rear sprocket. The front sprocket is hardened steel & not likely to be worn out untill over 50k miles.
I first noticed this noise when it was a humid night and the roads were wet from a shower. It seemed like once I rode over some wet roads, I could hear the noise more. I got caught in the rain on the way home and it was pretty loud as well. So I agree - I think the conditions do affect the amount of noise generated.
I'll try to clean the belt this weekend and see how things work out. What type of silicon cleaner should I look for?
#10