Squeaking at speed from front - bearing?

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Sep 28, 2015 | 01:43 PM

#11

todd-67

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From: OH

Mine started out as a faint squeak that turned into a loud grinding noise when it finally went.

Sep 28, 2015 | 01:49 PM

#12

hardheaded

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From: St.Louis Mo.

you can remove the grease seal on a sealed bearing and take a look. you can also pack some grease in there while it's out. i always do this before installing these junk 25mm bearings.

Sep 28, 2015 | 01:57 PM

#13

Scrmnvtwins

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Joined: Aug 2012

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From: Indiana, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by larsfum

Before you go tearing into wheel bearings take some brake parts cleaner and spray the caliper pistons. They get dirty and can cause a squeak.

Agreed I get a noise like the pads singing on the rotors when the calipers get dirty. When you hear the noise, gently pull the front brake lever in to see if it goes away. if it does, washing with dish soap and water rinsing thoroughly rotating the wheel backwards will usually clean the caliper out.

Sep 28, 2015 | 11:15 PM

#14

RKZen

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From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keithhu

Its an 18" Agitator. Purchased used a couple years ago.

Depending on wheel/tire size combo, sometimes the tire rubs against the back inside of front fender, evidenced by a shiny, bare metal spot. Might not be the case with the 18 inchers.

Sep 29, 2015 | 04:44 AM

#15

Keithhu

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From: SE Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by RKZen

Depending on wheel/tire size combo, sometimes the tire rubs against the back inside of front fender, evidenced by a shiny, bare metal spot. Might not be the case with the 18 inchers.

It doesnt exhibit any symptom of this, but thanks.

I did have to replace the rear pulley due to wear, the belt looks fine as does the new pulley so far.

I've got an appointment for them to replace the front bearing, its less than $100 to get it done, and if nothing else I have the peace of mind knowing I have a new front wheel bearing.

Sep 29, 2015 | 07:55 AM

#16

bagman1

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Joined: Dec 2007

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From: Bay Area

Check your rubber muffler bushings, they can squeek, and maybe it sounds like its from the front. Dont start tearing bearings apart to start.

Sep 29, 2015 | 08:32 AM

#17

jaxdwg

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Joined: May 2005

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From: Minden LA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keithhu

Yo-

I can hear a faint squeaking from the front, hard to describe, but if you've heard a bat squeak, its kinda like that. I wonder if its my front wheel bearing.

It's possible it could be other things, but I'm thinking its worth a new bearing to find out.

What does a failing front wheel bearing sound like?

This may sound stupid but I thought my bearing was squeaking and changed them-- no dice. I then found that my belt was too loose and the belt was touching the lower case, support bridge and giving me that hi pitched whirring sound. Note: I have a 34 tooth on my fwd belt sprocket. Tightened the belt and it was gone. Just a thought

Sep 30, 2015 | 11:45 AM

#18

Keithhu

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From: SE Michigan

Quick update on this, for whoever cares -

I had my front wheel bearings replaced. Not expensive. Tech said the right one was going bad.

But - I'm still hearing the squeaking. I recently switched to a Madstad windsheild (Road Glide, now with even more fugly!), I think it might just be a whistling noise created by wind against the brackets.

Good news is I have new front wheel bearings, and I prevented at least one of them from going out completely, so a small win there.