I have a 2023 RT that has the alternator shaft squeak or chirp when accelerating from a stop. When warmer weather gets here, I am going to change to Amsoil as suggested by BajaRon. Is this just a nuisance issue or is it resulting in damage? Only has 9000 miles but is out of warranty.
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Is the Alternator shaft squeal just a nuisance, or is it damaging anything?
- Thread starter 1989hawk
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BajaRon
Well-known member
The squeal indicates friction. Friction always creates wear. Whether or not this is significant beyond the aggravation is something that I'm not sure has been decided. We've had a good deal of success switching customers with this squeal to Amsoil 10W/40. We have not tried the new 5W/40 offered by Amsoil. I think it might be a good alternative for those who ride in cold climates. But most quit when temps get into low 40's. 10W/40 is more than light enough at startup for that kind of riding.
BajaRon
Well-known member
We've had a some customers go this route. For a few, the sound returned after awhile.
BajaRon
Well-known member
Output shaft components on the 1330 alternator run in oil. Parts 1-12 and 17-18 are lubricated with engine oil. This includes gears, bearings, washers, etc. All potential points of friction which will generate noise if components are defective or lubrication is not adequate. .
As you can see, the alternator is mounted high on the gearbox assembly. Maybe there isn't sufficient lubrication with those units that are squealing.
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Snowbelt Spyder
Well-known member
I was going to stay out of this, but....It's not the bearings or gears that are squealing, not a lack of lube. Parts #7 are spring washers, similar to Bellville Washers, that form a "slipper clutch", between the gear end of the shaft and the alternator end of the shaft. It's there to prevent trashing the gear train if something horrible happens inside the alternator. When it momentarily slips during that rapid jump in RPM, that's what is causing the squeal. In recent years, even though it wasn't broke, either BRP or Rotax tried to "fix" it and changed the design. And so, some units have been shipped with this design / manufacturing flaw that causes it to slip prematurely. The only fix is to replace the shaft, thus the service bulletin mentioned above.
And so, that's the paradox with this whole oil discussion. True, that a squeal indicates friction. However, the clutch functions because of proper friction between the discs. So, if you change to an oil that you believe has better lubrication properties, and reduce the friction to prevent the squeal, aren't you also reducing the friction between the discs and allowing the clutch to slip even more? Of course, you can't hear it so you don't know.
If this was happening to a brand new bike, I'd say that the shaft was bad and go have it replaced. Because it's happening to a 3 year old bike, I'd say think about why it's suddenly starting to slip the clutch? Why is there excessive torque on the alternator shaft causing the clutch to slip? Is he still running that cheap-ass Chinese battery causing excessive electrical load.? Etc.
And so, that's the paradox with this whole oil discussion. True, that a squeal indicates friction. However, the clutch functions because of proper friction between the discs. So, if you change to an oil that you believe has better lubrication properties, and reduce the friction to prevent the squeal, aren't you also reducing the friction between the discs and allowing the clutch to slip even more? Of course, you can't hear it so you don't know.
If this was happening to a brand new bike, I'd say that the shaft was bad and go have it replaced. Because it's happening to a 3 year old bike, I'd say think about why it's suddenly starting to slip the clutch? Why is there excessive torque on the alternator shaft causing the clutch to slip? Is he still running that cheap-ass Chinese battery causing excessive electrical load.? Etc.
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BajaRon
Well-known member
Why stay out? Good information is always, well, a good thing!
I wonder if the new parts might be designed to increase the mating pressure.
I replaced the Chinese battery with a Yuasa before I took delivery of the bike.
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