Topic: Rear suspension noise (Read 3191 times)

110tHunDer · « **on:** June 02, 2005, 09:30:39 PM »

Anyone experiencing any odd noises coming off the rear suspension? A few weeks ago, I started noticing what I guess I'd describe as a "clanking" sound when the rear suspension went over sharp bumps in the pavement. Taking the Experienced Rider's Course a couple weekends ago, they had us ride over a 2x4 to practice dealing with obstacles in the road and it did it every time (about 4) I went over it. When I noticed the cracked head pipe, I thought perhaps that had something to do with it as the mounting bracket was also broken, but riding home tonight from getting that fixed, it was still doing it. Sounds as if something is very loose somewhere and you can actually sort of feel it as well as hear it.

Just curious if anyone else has had this on a SEEG or other bike and/or where you think I should be looking. [smiley=nixweiss.gif] It is something with the rear suspension because there is no noise or feeling of "loose-ness" when the front forks go over, just when the rear suspension is asked to do its job.

OTIS · « **Reply #1 on:** June 02, 2005, 10:29:29 PM »

Brian I will be nice and leave your pipes alone, check your belt guard A good chance thats it.
Otis [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

110tHunDer · « **Reply #2 on:** June 02, 2005, 11:05:56 PM »

LOL! Out in the garage after leaving that post, I though to myself somewhere in there I shoulda said, "No, Otis, it's not the pipes!" [smiley=laugh.gif]

Will check the belt guard. It is probably either something simple like that or the whole a$$-end of the bike is gonna fall out on me this weekend in Ottawa. [smiley=nixweiss.gif] If that happens, hopefully Twolane won't be riding directly behind! [smiley=nervous.gif]

phattey · « **Reply #3 on:** June 04, 2005, 05:16:31 PM »

Hey Brian...

Mine does that and it freaks me out....

Sounds like a metal kinda clank..

If so, the same guy/gal must've put ours togehter.

I can't figure it out...

BLM777 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 04, 2005, 06:51:23 PM »

Brian...I don't remember if you have the 440's on or not. Before installing mine, I got a lot of noise out of the rear end when I crossed much of anything in the road. Haven't had any noise since.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #5 on:** June 05, 2005, 03:53:06 AM »

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LOL! Out in the garage after leaving that post, I though to myself somewhere in there I shoulda said, "No, Otis, it's not the pipes!" [smiley=laugh.gif]

Will check the belt guard. It is probably either something simple like that or the whole a$$-end of the bike is gonna fall out on me this weekend in Ottawa. [smiley=nixweiss.gif] If that happens, hopefully Twolane won't be riding directly behind! [smiley=nervous.gif]

Brian, the little bit I rode behind you last night on the way to drink one of your beers I can report that the whole a$$ end of the bike did not fall off (just trying to be helpful).

110tHunDer · « **Reply #6 on:** June 05, 2005, 03:30:37 PM »

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Hey Brian...

Mine does that and it freaks me out....

Sounds like a metal kinda clank.. If so, the same guy/gal must've put ours togehter.

I can't figure it out...

Yep, Ron, I would say from your description that you and I have the same thing. Definitely a metallic-sounding noise and it does scare the chit out of you when it happens. [smiley=nervous.gif]

BLM, I do have the 12" 440's, but it did it with the air shocks as well. Lately, it seems as though it's doing it more frequently, so I'll have it checked out when the floorboards get replaced next week and report back if anything is found.

05_Candyman · « **Reply #7 on:** June 05, 2005, 04:37:34 PM »

I would try removing everything from your saddlebags and tourpack, then go from there. I once had a noise from mine like you described and found out that my left saddlebag likes to open itself while riding down the road sometimes. Now I just keep it locked and the problem is solved instead of trying to adjust the latch.

110tHunDer · « **Reply #8 on:** June 05, 2005, 04:49:59 PM »

Yeah, for the longest time, I thought it was just the toolkit. It's the only thing I generally keep in the right bag, so I figured it was just flopping around in there. When I figured out I could make it make the noise at will by riding over a 2x4, I took the bags completely off the bike, emptied the tour pak, laid a 2x4 out in the road and went riding back and forth over the wood. The noise was, and is, still there.

Elvis · « **Reply #9 on:** June 05, 2005, 06:43:45 PM »

Brian,
Belt guard really sounds about right for what you're describing. But you also might check the saddlebag filler strips...mine were rattling over bumps cuz of metal to metal contact between the top bend of the strip and the mount...

elvis

Twolanerider · « **Reply #10 on:** June 05, 2005, 06:48:21 PM »

I think you just need louder exhaust [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

110tHunDer · « **Reply #11 on:** June 05, 2005, 07:36:49 PM »

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Brian,
Belt guard really sounds about right for what you're describing. But you also might check the saddlebag filler strips...mine were rattling over bumps cuz of metal to metal contact between the top bend of the strip and the mount...

elvis

Thanks for the reply and another direction to look in, but took 'em off cuz I didn't like the looks of 'em a little over a year ago.

Quote

I think you just need louder exhaust [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

Maybe Hogtunes that work would do the same thing, but strongly considering Screamin' Eagle Pro 2-into-1 after seeing the setup on an Ultra this weekend. By the way, at the Raptor show, the dude talking about the birds said eagles don't scream. [smiley=nixweiss.gif] [smiley=nervous.gif]

Twolanerider · « **Reply #12 on:** June 05, 2005, 07:47:19 PM »

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By the way, at the Raptor show, the dude talking about the birds said eagles don't scream. [smiley=nixweiss.gif] [smiley=nervous.gif]

I got to see just a bit of that before heading out to go "relax." So he thinks they don't scream? I think he's nucking futs and hasn't ever ridden one.

110tHunDer · « **Reply #13 on:** June 05, 2005, 09:15:53 PM »

So what should I be looking for on the belt guard? It seems tight and not rubbing on the belt or anywhere else from what I can tell. [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

OTIS · « **Reply #14 on:** June 05, 2005, 11:01:53 PM »

Brian check belt tension if enough slack it will slap belt guard when the suspension
travels up and down.
Otis [smiley=cool3.gif]

phattey · « **Reply #15 on:** June 06, 2005, 08:42:47 AM »

The clank mine makes is when I hit significant bumps when alone, yet more often when Wendy's onboard. It makes me wonder if it's bad, loose, or gone bushings in the swingarm. It's almost like a bottoming out sound...

!!

I have the 12" HD 440's, dialed on 2.

P

110tHunDer · « **Reply #16 on:** June 06, 2005, 09:10:57 AM »

Ron, that was my thought as well. Something in the swingarm. It does "feel" as if it is coming from the area around the pivot point and more toward the middle of the bike. Mine, however, tends to do it less often with a passenger. [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

Otis, belt tension seems right on and wouldn't account for the metal-to-metal sound. With your help, I think I've eliminated that as a cause for concern. [smiley=beerchug.gif]

hd-dude · « **Reply #17 on:** June 06, 2005, 09:52:59 AM »

I too have noticed a clucking sound since putting on the 440's. I think that it is the shocks. I have narrowed it down to the rebound on the shocks. It does it less with less pre-load. I was running them around 2 turns now down at 1/2 turn and it happens less often. I have the heavy duty version of the shocks.

110tHunDer · « **Reply #18 on:** June 06, 2005, 10:57:23 AM »

This is not going to be good news if it turns out to be the Progressives.

WFP · « **Reply #19 on:** June 06, 2005, 11:06:35 AM »

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This is not going to be good news if it turns out to be the Progressives.

you've got a lot to buy back if it is! [smiley=beerchug.gif]

roadrunner · « **Reply #20 on:** June 06, 2005, 11:13:55 AM »

I had the same noice riding 2 up with luggage, called progressive and with me (190) and my girlfriend (125) and luggage (40lbs) she said to turn shocks till you see the second line. No noise now.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #21 on:** June 06, 2005, 11:57:07 AM »

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This is not going to be good news if it turns out to be the Progressives.

Mine make no such noise. But even if they did and it were just part of their normal travel at a given load and setting that wouldn't necessarily imply they had a problem. Might be just how they are [smiley=nixweiss.gif] Mine are set at about 2 1/2 turns.

MAS · « **Reply #22 on:** June 06, 2005, 11:57:50 AM »

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I too have noticed a clucking sound since putting on the 440's. I think that it is the shocks. I have narrowed it down to the rebound on the shocks. It does it less with less pre-load. I was running them around 2 turns now down at 1/2 turn and it happens less often. I have the heavy duty version of the shocks.

I agree. Since I put the progressives on there has been an audible clanking sound on rebound. It just so happens where I like shocks the most (about two lines down) it makes noise. It goes away when I pack my girl on the back [smiley=laugh.gif], so it makes sense that it may have something to do with pre-load settings.

hdnut · « **Reply #23 on:** June 06, 2005, 02:20:37 PM »

I run the 440's at two turns out, I have not noticed any noise [smiley=confused5.gif]

110tHunDer · « **Reply #24 on:** June 06, 2005, 07:55:38 PM »

Seems like a good one for a poll (see above).

spydglide · « **Reply #25 on:** June 06, 2005, 08:22:20 PM »

Dang, I can't even vote in this poll, 'cause my Legend Air Shocks are not one of the 'options'.........foiled-again! Har! [smiley=brood.gif] spyder

WFP · « **Reply #26 on:** June 07, 2005, 08:29:29 PM »

Any chance it is the Jiffy Stand...I just put on my third rubber bumper...

/Bill

BLM777 · « **Reply #27 on:** June 07, 2005, 09:18:09 PM »

Bill....guess I'm heading off topic, so don't tell 2Lane, but those Jiffy stands really do rattle like crazy when the bumper falls off. I lost so many that I used to carry a spare until I got tired of the game and put the last one on about a year ago with 5 minute epoxy.

hdnut · « **Reply #28 on:** June 07, 2005, 09:44:59 PM »

Just went and checked, my rubber is still on! My jiffy stand that is [smiley=bigok.gif]!

Twolanerider · « **Reply #29 on:** June 07, 2005, 10:16:44 PM »

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Any chance it is the Jiffy Stand...I just put on my third rubber bumper...

/Bill

Is the spring loose enough that it's not tight and rattle free without the bumper?

Twolanerider · « **Reply #30 on:** June 07, 2005, 10:17:59 PM »

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Bill....guess I'm heading off topic, so don't tell 2Lane, but those Jiffy stands really do rattle like crazy when the bumper falls off. I lost so many that I used to carry a spare until I got tired of the game and put the last one on about a year ago with 5 minute epoxy.

I use the off-topic-marine-grade-silicone [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

WFP · « **Reply #31 on:** June 08, 2005, 06:41:18 AM »

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Is the spring loose enough that it's not tight and rattle free without the bumper?

Sorry Do,

It's early and I don't understand your question.

I just rode up to the dealer last night and heard a clunk when hitting a bump. When I got to the Dealer, I noticed I was missing the bumper. I went to put the stand down, missed and it clanked back up. That's what made me mention it. Bought another while there and threw it on. Hopefully it won't fall off before I get it home Saturday where I will add some sealant.

/Bill

WFP · « **Reply #32 on:** June 08, 2005, 06:44:50 AM »

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Is the spring loose enough that it's not tight and rattle free without the bumper?

Without the bumper, there is metal to metal contact if that answers the question.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #33 on:** June 08, 2005, 12:36:33 PM »

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Without the bumper, there is metal to metal contact if that answers the question.

Would bet that everyone has heard that particular clunk at one time or another. I think I might have misunderstood your original post as well Bill. Had thought you were describing it clunking or rattling anytime as opposed to just clunking when it banged against the frame as the stand was raised. And with a spring that's not stretched out I thought it would be tight enough not to rattle when it was raised.

BLM777 · « **Reply #34 on:** June 08, 2005, 04:24:39 PM »

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So what should I be looking for on the belt guard? It seems tight and not rubbing on the belt or anywhere else from what I can tell. [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

Belt tension needs to be checked with someone sitting on the bike in an upright position. On the belt guard you'll see a little window with incremental marks. Use a HD deflection tool or simply push up with about 10 lbs and see how far it deflects. I think the book says 3/8". I measure 1/4 or slightly over and let it go at that. If it is slapping the belt guard, it will make quite a sharp almost metal to metal noise. Good luck.....BY THE WAY...WHEN ARE WE GOING TO THE VALLEY? Oooooop's..off topic!

Author Topic: Rear suspension noise (Read 3191 times)