Annoying Howl ... possibly from Drive Belt ?

[SpongeBob]

With 3,000 miles on the clock, my Spyder has been plagued by an annoying howl for the past 2,000 miles.

This howl begins around 44 mph and continues to 52 mph.

The belt tension has been adjusted several times and, as of today, is spot on at 450N.

However, after adjusting the belt alignment several times, the belt still migrates to the sprocket internal flange.

It's barely a fingernail (1mm) off the flange and I'm wondering if that could be the source of the howl?

If not, maybe the front sprocket is part culprit?

I'll be leaving the Spyder at the shop for several days next week while the mechanic (super guy, by the way) corresponds with techs at BRP in an effort to locate the source of the howl.

In the meantime, I'll likely be exceeding any posted 45-50 mph speed limit in an attempt to outrun the howl! :lecturef_smilie:

 

[Firefly]

With 3,000 miles on the clock, my Spyder has been plagued by an annoying howl for the past 2,000 miles.

This howl begins around 44 mph and continues to 52 mph.

The belt tension has been adjusted several times and, as of today, is spot on at 450N.

However, after adjusting the belt alignment several times, the belt still migrates to the sprocket internal flange.

It's barely a fingernail (1mm) off the flange and I'm wondering if that could be the source of the howl?

If not, maybe the front sprocket is part culprit?

I'll be leaving the Spyder at the shop for several days next week while the mechanic (super guy, by the way) corresponds with techs at BRP in an effort to locate the source of the howl.

In the meantime, I'll likely be exceeding any posted 45-50 mph speed limit in an attempt to outrun the howl! :lecturef_smilie:

Sure could be the belt rubbing making the noise. Take a small amount of dish soap (liquid) on your finger and try and lightly coat the edge of the belt... see if that helps. If it does than it probably is rubbing and howling.

 

[boborgera]

I'm thinking it's the belt also, should be an easy fix for the dealer,.

 

[hrbeta]

My RS's belt also makes a funny noise since I installed a tensioner, some 4,500 miles ago. It sounds like a turbine engine and although not very loud, the sound travels enough for other riders to hear. I have checked and checked, installed and re- installed the tensioner and the sound won't go away. The wear of the belt and the tensioner roller is completely normal, so I've decided not to worry about it anymore. BTW, The mechanic's manual for the Spyder allows 1 to 5 mm gap between the belt and the inner most flange of the rear sprocket and I am well within the limits.


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[spyder3]

I have that howling also. I thought it was the wind...:dontknow: what would the belt be rubbing on? i just inspected it and it appears fine.

 

[SpongeBob]

I'll give the soap a try before we head out this weekend and see if that makes any difference.

That will give me additional information to pass on when I return it to the shop.

 

[boborgera]

I have that howling also. I thought it was the wind...:dontknow: what would the belt be rubbing on? i just inspected it and it appears fine.

Sometimes the belt with a load on it will drift and rub against the rear sprocket flange.

 

[capt.jim]

My RS's belt also makes a funny noise since I installed a tensioner, some 4,500 miles ago. It sounds like a turbine engine and although not very loud, the sound travels enough for other riders to hear. I have checked and checked, installed and re- installed the tensioner and the sound won't go away. The wear of the belt and the tensioner roller is completely normal, so I've decided not to worry about it anymore. BTW, The mechanic's manual for the Spyder allows 1 to 5 mm gap between the belt and the inner most flange of the rear sprocket and I am well within the limits.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Some of the idler pulleys will have a slight turbocharger whistle, more so under deceleration, due to the cooling ribs on the belt as they contact and leave the pulley, according to the tensioner manufacturer's technicians, while others will be totally silent, maybe due to differences in the static tension setting. Most follows ups on whistle inquiries seem like the noise decreases as the belt wears to the pulley or they get used to it and don't notice it much anymore, as I have. But I could never get used to the vibration, that's for sure. For every action there is a reaction of some sort, hopefully the smooth ride more than outweighs the negativity of the whistle some will have. The idler is spinning very fast due to the gearing and high RPM of the Rotax, even more so on the GS/RS's tensioners, as they are smaller in diameter than the RT's, but 10 lbs. is not much tension, and they should last for many miles. While a small amount of whistle is normal on some until there is a smoothed backed belt available, if ever, if the noise is overly obtrusive or getting louder, send me a PM. The miles are starting to rack up on the tensioners in use and I am waiting, but not expecting, for some bearings to start failing, but so far only a hand full with excessive noise complaints.

 

[Firefly]

My tension noise is pretty loud.. but I wear noise cancelling earbuds so I don't much hear it. I have had riders behind me complain about the noise... but when I ride with my HD buds I'm always in the back.... just feel safer back there.

 

[Recluze]

Some of the idler pulleys will have a slight turbocharger whistle, more so under deceleration, due to the cooling ribs on the belt as they contact and leave the pulley, according to the tensioner manufacturer's technicians, while others will be totally silent, maybe due to differences in the static tension setting. Most follows ups on whistle inquiries seem like the noise decreases as the belt wears to the pulley or they get used to it and don't notice it much anymore, as I have. But I could never get used to the vibration, that's for sure. For every action there is a reaction of some sort, hopefully the smooth ride more than outweighs the negativity of the whistle some will have. The idler is spinning very fast due to the gearing and high RPM of the Rotax, even more so on the GS/RS's tensioners, as they are smaller in diameter than the RT's, but 10 lbs. is not much tension, and they should last for many miles. While a small amount of whistle is normal on some until there is a smoothed backed belt available, if ever, if the noise is overly obtrusive or getting louder, send me a PM. The miles are starting to rack up on the tensioners in use and I am waiting, but not expecting, for some bearings to start failing, but so far only a hand full with excessive noise complaints.

I had the whistling turbo noise with the Spyderpops tensioner. But it seems to have diminished with time. In any case the pluses to the tensioner far outway the minuses.