Tink testing spokes
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 458
Likes: 282
From: West Virginia
Tink testing spokes
For those with laced wheels, when/if you tink test your spokes, are you looking for an identical or very similar tone across all spokes or simply listening for a tone verses a thud?
I'm not having any issues, no vibrations or anything. I'm just curious about the procedure and what to listen for. When I tap my spokes, all give a tone albeit some ring higher than others and some ring on the lower end. It kind of makes sense in that, while truing the wheel, some spokes may require slightly more tension which would result in a higher tone.
I'm not having any issues, no vibrations or anything. I'm just curious about the procedure and what to listen for. When I tap my spokes, all give a tone albeit some ring higher than others and some ring on the lower end. It kind of makes sense in that, while truing the wheel, some spokes may require slightly more tension which would result in a higher tone.
Last edited by SmokeyHill; Nov 11, 2022 at 06:39 AM. Reason: spelling
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,064
Likes: 1,003
there will be diff since there are diff tensions
i know some aligners who swear by the process but they have years of experience. i use that method also to see if the wheel needs to be looked at.
why do commercial drivers carry a baton to check tires?
remember, spokes are dynamic and tensions are all over the place when in motion that is the beauty of spoke, wide deflection, reason they are used in baja.
i know some aligners who swear by the process but they have years of experience. i use that method also to see if the wheel needs to be looked at.
why do commercial drivers carry a baton to check tires?
remember, spokes are dynamic and tensions are all over the place when in motion that is the beauty of spoke, wide deflection, reason they are used in baja.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,459
Likes: 57,015
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
there will be diff since there are diff tensions
i know some aligners who swear by the process but they have years of experience. i use that method also to see if the wheel needs to be looked at.
why do commercial drivers carry a baton to check tires?
remember, spokes are dynamic and tensions are all over the place when in motion that is the beauty of spoke, wide deflection, reason they are used in baja.
i know some aligners who swear by the process but they have years of experience. i use that method also to see if the wheel needs to be looked at.
why do commercial drivers carry a baton to check tires?
remember, spokes are dynamic and tensions are all over the place when in motion that is the beauty of spoke, wide deflection, reason they are used in baja.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,110
Likes: 51,396
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
there will be diff since there are diff tensions
i know some aligners who swear by the process but they have years of experience. i use that method also to see if the wheel needs to be looked at.
why do commercial drivers carry a baton to check tires?
remember, spokes are dynamic and tensions are all over the place when in motion that is the beauty of spoke, wide deflection, reason they are used in baja.
i know some aligners who swear by the process but they have years of experience. i use that method also to see if the wheel needs to be looked at.
why do commercial drivers carry a baton to check tires?
remember, spokes are dynamic and tensions are all over the place when in motion that is the beauty of spoke, wide deflection, reason they are used in baja.
Takes an experienced ear but once you pay attention and can " feel " the tone differences it works well. Old millwrights can do torques checks on bolts by tapping the heads with hammers, very helpful skill when 60" in the air in a basket checking the under frame doing a travel crane PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 2,261
From: Ft. Wayne IN
I use the "tink" method for checking spokes. No, they do not sound identical, but a loose spoke will have a distinctly dull tone and needs to be tightened up. If you're going to do this, remember that the tightening requires what you may initially think is loosening the spoke. "Lefty-loosey" of the adjustment is needed to increase tension. I also recommend a set of spoke adjustment wrenches which are a bit wider than normal open-ended wrenches (you can even get these at Walmart). I don't use a torque wrench, but simply tighten up a spoke until it "tinks" like the others.
adjust motocycle spokes - Google Search
Motorcycle 9pc Spoke Wrench Set 5.4-6.8mm Motorbike Buckled Wheel - Walmart.com
adjust motocycle spokes - Google Search
Motorcycle 9pc Spoke Wrench Set 5.4-6.8mm Motorbike Buckled Wheel - Walmart.com
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,526
Likes: 6,406
From: Honah Lee
Good idea to put a dial indicator on the side of the rim also whenever you check. Keep and eye on it. For sure if you get the dead sounding one and give it a tweek.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,064
Likes: 1,003
it takes two indicators to align the wheel, radial is just as important as axial.
the older manuals have the process written down, do not know about the newer ones. a lot of wheels will have offset which is set first.
tip: stay sober and have the wife handy as women are usually better at puzzles. always use spoke lube and baby tweaks as one effects the other.
extra caution is needed for stainless, gall one and you will be cutting it out.
the older manuals have the process written down, do not know about the newer ones. a lot of wheels will have offset which is set first.
tip: stay sober and have the wife handy as women are usually better at puzzles. always use spoke lube and baby tweaks as one effects the other.
extra caution is needed for stainless, gall one and you will be cutting it out.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,526
Likes: 6,406
From: Honah Lee
it takes two indicators to align the wheel, radial is just as important as axial.
the older manuals have the process written down, do not know about the newer ones. a lot of wheels will have offset which is set first.
tip: stay sober and have the wife handy as women are usually better at puzzles. always use spoke lube and baby tweaks as one effects the other.
extra caution is needed for stainless, gall one and you will be cutting it out.
the older manuals have the process written down, do not know about the newer ones. a lot of wheels will have offset which is set first.
tip: stay sober and have the wife handy as women are usually better at puzzles. always use spoke lube and baby tweaks as one effects the other.
extra caution is needed for stainless, gall one and you will be cutting it out.
If you happen two find one loose spoke, a slight tweek with and indicator on side should be fine.
If you have a bunch loose, one needs two indicators and the tire off.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Nov 13, 2022 at 08:08 AM.