Clack/rattle type noise in N

mcrowley · May 30, 2018, 09:59:52 AM

85 FJ1100, approximately 17,500ish miles. I'm the 2nd owner, bike was purchased new by my old man.

I noticed a few weeks ago wheeling the bike around in the garage in neutral (clutch out) it made a clack/clunk type noise as the wheels turned. My first thought was the chain was too tight but the noise doesn't seem to be coming from the left/drive side but more so the right side of the engine. Had to rebuild the clutch master cylinder (leaked at the dust cover) this weekend with the kit from Randy. I'm getting good pressure at the handlebar so I'm fairly sure the problem isn't there. Newer braided SS clutch hose. I also bled the clutch 3-4 times with a MityVac. As far as I know the slave is original and I'm not seeing any leaks. Rode it last night, shifts fine in/out of 1-N-2-3-4-5, no noise in gear, no false N or pipping out. Still get the clack-clack-clack noise coming to a stop and when wheeling into my garage (engine on or off). It's tough to hear with the engine running but it's there. I can also hear it with the bike on the center stand and spinning the rear wheel by hand (engine off). Any ideas? Thanks!

Rich Pleines · May 30, 2018, 12:46:29 PM

Sound like it might be a wheel bearing, and if so don't ride it till you change it.

mcrowley · May 30, 2018, 12:59:48 PM

I'm glad I asked. Has to be the rear if I'm hearing it when I spin that wheel by hand with it on the main stand. What's a good source for new bearings?

balky1 · May 30, 2018, 01:21:31 PM

Since you are from USA I think you already know the answer to that question - RPM.
I'm on 'All Balls' currently. Don't forget to change the oil seals together with the bearings and there is one O-ring under the rear sprocket hub.

mcrowley · May 30, 2018, 01:45:22 PM

I figured RPM, but I had to ask. What's strange is it seems to be coming from much farther up on the bike than the rear wheel. I'll have to listen again today with it on the stand.

Bearings are cheap enough to replace and I guess at 33 years old they don't owe me anything.

Rich Pleines · May 30, 2018, 03:45:55 PM

Also check chain adjustment/alignment and front and rear sprockets including nuts/bolts securely in place.

mcrowley · May 30, 2018, 06:56:45 PM

Took off the sprocket cover and got a little video. Chain noise seems normal. That loud irregular noise on the other hand...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHH9A3IkY88

Bike is on the center stand, in neutral, rear wheel spun by hand.

Harvy · May 30, 2018, 08:42:15 PM

That double click seems to occur when the sprocket is at the same o'clock position.... suggests that it's not chain related to me.
Can you loosten the chain sufficiently so that you can spin the sprocket only - as in pull the back wheel out and then support the chain away from the sprocket.

You may not hear the noise o obviously without the chain but it would think you would feel something turning the sprocket by hand

Harvy

FJ1100mjk · May 30, 2018, 10:05:08 PM

Had clicking/clacking/popping type sound on my '85. Situation very similar to yours. Made the sound when pushing it around in the drive or garage in neutral. Came close to convincing myself, that it was something expensive. Ribbert (Noel) I think, said to check the countershaft sprocket. From outward appearances, it looked fine, but thought for the cheap price of a new sprocket, what the hell. Once removed, the old sprocket's teeth showed slight (hard to see, but there) hooking, and little wear. Replaced the sprocket, and bingo, no more clicking sound. Needless to say, I was quite relieved.

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Clack/rattle type noise in N