squeak / squeal from front end

fbristow

fbristow

Well-known member
Site Supporter
Details:
2008 speed triple (~3500km)
Squeak from front end (I think)
Starting about 30 km/hr +
Started after a long ride 2 weeks ago.
Definitely related to the rotation of the wheels.
Squeak gets worse as I accelerate
No squeak when I walk the bike up and down the street but I do hear the pads rubbing (low speeds)
Front brakes do squeak slightly when coming to a stop

I only have 1 day off this week so I want to see if I can at least source the problem during that day and either fix it or order the parts.

After searching gtam and triumphrat what I've come up with these possibilities: brake pads, calipers not releasing after braking, warped rotors, speedo cable and chain tension/not lubed or possibly the wheel bearings but I've been told I'd hear more of a grinding/squeaking sound and it is definitely an annoying squeak without the grinding.

Just looking for other possibilities so I'm not digging around aimlessly. I am having a hard time isolating where the sound comes from while riding while trying not to run into a pole.

Thanks
 
Last edited:
I don't know if this would apply to your bike...

My old GPz had a drive in the front wheel for the speedo, it got dry or bent or something and did the same thing. I just removed it.
 
Skurj said:
I don't know if this would apply to your bike...

My old GPz had a drive in the front wheel for the speedo, it got dry or bent or something and did the same thing. I just removed it.
Click to expand...

yeah definitely going to look into the speedo mechnism. a guy on triumphrat mentioned he spent a day or two working on the brakes only to find it was a simple lube job for the speedo mech.

thanks
 
that should be a easy fix.

find the sound and look into that component....
 
frekeyguy said:
that should be a easy fix.

find the sound and look into that component....
Click to expand...

yeah only problem is I can't reproduce it at slow speeds or with the bike on stands spinning the wheels/chain so it's been hard to find

I can't imagine it will be a hard fix once I actually find the source.

I've considered putting the rear on a stand and the front on my treadmill and cranking it up but I think that might be too ghetto for me at this point.

anyway speculation for sources are still welcome...
 
maybe a dumb question but I'll risk it: If it is the wheel bearings can you repack them with grease or do I have to replace?
 
They are cheap, replace... might be repackable if they aren't sealed.
 
my 05 gsxr 1000 started to have a slight squeak in the front wheel over the past week... has a bit over 40k on it... probably needs replacing- anyone know a good (cheap) shop?
 
Probably too late at this point by yup, some of these Triumph speedo cables make quite a squeal at temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius.
Solution I have found is to soak the cable in 10w40 Amsoil, until May ;)
 
a squeak is most likely the spacers and the dust seals of the rim. remove the dust seals, reinstall wheel and test. you should be able to spin it by hand fast enough to hear the sound.
 
If your caliper pistons are dirty inside its possible that they're not fully retracting and causing your pads to bounce around a bit. You can try removing the pads, cleaning the calipers with kerosene (or soap and water) and a toothbrush, and lube the pins, sliders, back of the pads and spring with brake lube. (very little, just a slight coating) I sincerely doubt that your wheel bearings are gone at 3500km.
 
Last edited:
Just so you guys know. Fred's bike is long gone and his new one is in my shop right now getting a brake upgrade. :)
 
nokturnal said:
I repack new ones. Sealed ones. The seal is easy to pop out and you would be surprised how little there is in there.
Click to expand...

Bearings are not suppose be packed full of grease, there needs to be plenty of room for expansion / contraction. If there is too much grease the balls will start to skid.



It is ok to pack a taper roller wheel bearing full of grease, but not a sealed ball bearing.

ball bearing...
grease_fill_spindle_bearing.jpg


Wheel bearing / Taper Roller bearing...
images
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom