Stumped
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 997
Likes: 96
From: Channahon, IL.
Going to find out shortly. I'm hoping that's all it is. I'm due for pads anyway. The more I think about it based on the sound, it's short duration, and that it only happens when I start walking it backward. It is almost like there is some play in a pad or one of the calipers and when I reverse the direction it's been going it shifts. Like I've said though it doesn't happen all the time and I don't have any other issues as far as handling or tracking. I'll check the bearings too but there is no smell, no buzzing, no whining sounds. I've read on several forum posts that people have had bearing issues so I may just replace them to be on the safe side.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 428
Likes: 35
From: Calgary Alberta Canada
I agree with brake pad "squeal" vibration. I put new pads on once. Horrible squeak/squeal. Read about others with same problem. Bought some anti squeal gel for "back!!!" of pads. Not a peep since.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 997
Likes: 96
From: Channahon, IL.
There isn't a squeal, or any other maintained noise for that matter. That's what makes it so frustrating. It only happens occasionally, only when walking the bike backwards, and it sounds like a plucked guitar string but without the resonating.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 997
Likes: 96
From: Channahon, IL.
Quick update. Didn't get a chance to pull the calipers yet due to a Honey-Do list running interference. But I did find that one of the pinch bolts wasn't torqued to spec, loose by probably 20ft/lbs, and I couldn't generate any free play from the tire or the head bearing.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
OK. Personally I don't really see (or hear) a bearing creating this sound. Not saying it's impossible, just not a sound I associate at all with a bearing, or a seal.
Might want take a small hammer to the wheels and tap on the cast spokes, as well the rim and listen for a difference somewhere. I suspect you're hearing a load created popping of a fracture.
Might want take a small hammer to the wheels and tap on the cast spokes, as well the rim and listen for a difference somewhere. I suspect you're hearing a load created popping of a fracture.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 997
Likes: 96
From: Channahon, IL.
OK. Personally I don't really see (or hear) a bearing creating this sound. Not saying it's impossible, just not a sound I associate at all with a bearing, or a seal.
Might want take a small hammer to the wheels and tap on the cast spokes, as well the rim and listen for a difference somewhere. I suspect you're hearing a load created popping of a fracture.
Might want take a small hammer to the wheels and tap on the cast spokes, as well the rim and listen for a difference somewhere. I suspect you're hearing a load created popping of a fracture.
Hadn't thought about that, I'll give this a try as well. My gut is telling me once I get the calipers off I'm going to find the culprit. But like I said, short of that I'm stumped, so all suggestions are welcomed. I'll find this gremlin eventually.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,980
Likes: 6,107
From: Florida
Well then, don't walk it backwards!
Sorry; couldn't resist. Does your bike have floating calipers? Could be just the action of the calipers; my Fatboy made a similar noise whenever I changed the direction of bike travel, but only did it once until the next time I changed travel.
Sorry; couldn't resist. Does your bike have floating calipers? Could be just the action of the calipers; my Fatboy made a similar noise whenever I changed the direction of bike travel, but only did it once until the next time I changed travel.