Chirping sound.

[Amdonim]

Today I rode home and back. While riding I noted this weird clunking, chirping grinding sound, all three don't sound good. It happens kind of all at once. I also feel a slight strange feeling through the handlebars. I think it's coming from the rear but it's hard to tell through my helmet/wind. The one thing is, it's not the engine I don't think because if I pull the clutch in and let it idle while rolling, the sound doesn't change. Could this be the bearing going out or something? BTW, I ride a 2005 Honda Shadow 1100 (with a driveshaft).

[Wrider]

Does it change with your engine speed or with the speed of the bike? I have a few things in mind but I want to reserve judgement.

[zeligman]

i've got that chirping sound too - cant 'make' it happen - it does for me - front wheel - not brakes or clutch. went to the shop and asked, he said might be my spokes - some are rusty, and when they expand/contract they could be squeaking. I said its like i have a bird caught in my wheel!

will try lubricatiing them and trying to clean, tho not promising that - id rather spend time riding than cleaning!

-z

[Amdonim]

Changes with the speed of the bike. Also, I have cast rims so spokes aren't the problem.

[Johnj]

Yes it could be the bearings, although they should last 5 years (even 8 years). I'd take the wheel off and check them. They're easy enough to change them yourself, and cheap enough, if you go to the bearing warehouse, to make it worthwhile "AS LONG AS YOU FOLLOW THE SERVICE MANUAL".

[Amdonim]

Well unfortunately I think it's from the back and I don't have a way to get that off the ground. I bought a jack a few months ago only to discover the oil pan sticks out farther than the frame rails. Anything I can do to test it without getting it off the ground?

[Wrider]

I'm thinking it may be your rear drive gear. Where the shaft from the engine spins your wheel. Check your hypoid fluid level in there. IIRC it should be at the bottom of the threads at the fill-hole while the bike is leaned over. Might just need to change that if it's old. It should be changed every 3K like your engine oil but people rarely change it out.

[Amdonim]

I started thinking it could be that too. Is there a chance no permanent damage has been done?

[Wrider]

Yeah there's a chance, but make sure to check the fluid level ASAP. Then you might have to pull the pumpkin to check it properly.

[Amdonim]

It's definitely the bearings. What it looks like is some metal scraps tore the seal on the right hand side and the bearings got all rusted and tore up from sitting outside. Should be taken care of by tuesday hopefully. But I've learned something about the gear oil, so I guess it's all good. I'm glad I caught it before it got catastrophic I guess.