Clanking Sound in Rear Wheel (Dampers, Bearings or ???)

[Questions]

I have a 2009 Spyder with SE5 transmission and 12,500 miles. Starting last Fall, I would occasionally get a clanking sound emanating from the rear wheel area. After getting the bike out of storage and resuming riding this Spring, the sound has now become louder and more frequent. :cus:

Specifically, it will only make the sound when doing a slow, steady launch (like in traffic) from 2,200 to 2,500 rpm and only 2 – 5 mph. There is only a single loud clank and it is metallic sounding. Also, the clank will only repeat after starting out again from a complete stop. Surprisingly, I don’t hear the sound during hard take-offs, but perhaps it’s drowned out by the increased engine noise.

Per the rear drive assembly below, there are five dampers between the sprocket and wheel (Red - 21). Could one of these dampers failed and causing the clank? Has anyone ever had to replace the dampers? Looks like these dampers transmit all the torque, so definitely under a lot of stress! I’ve also heard that wheel bearing failures have been an issue due to over tensioned belts. Could my symptoms be related to a bad bearing (Green 18 & 24)? Finally, does anyone have any other possible ideas or things to check?

Thanks in advance! :thumbup:

-Paul

 

[Firefly]

Those dampeners are rubber coated and fit in there pretty snug-- can't see them being able to make that much noise if one broke loose.

12K miles would be a good time to check/replace the bearings and seals anyhow - especially if you were running the higher belt tension for most of those miles.

I'd be a little more concerned that the noise could be coming from the tranny area... maybe just sounds like more from the rear?

Either way-- better get her checked out soon.:thumbup:

Post back with yer findings.

 

[NancysToy]

I'd be inspecting the rear bearings and seals ASAP. You can inspect the dampers at the same time. Also look at the drive sprocket for possible sprocket/shaft damage. As Firefly said, it might just sound like it is coming from the rear wheel.

 

[boborgera]

I'd be inspecting the rear bearings and seals ASAP. You can inspect the dampers at the same time. Also look at the drive sprocket for possible sprocket/shaft damage. As Firefly said, it might just sound like it is coming from the rear wheel.

:agree::agree:I thought the same at first last week [rear bearings] Then when i isolated the noise to the transmission i thought Clutch, Wrong, ended up the sprocket and the shaft wore out.

 

[Questions]

I appreciate the replies so far! After hearing this "clank" a number of times, I'm fairly certain it's coming from the back wheel. But along with the bearings & dampers, the tranny & front sprocket will be checked too. Warranty expires in a couple weeks so the Spyder will be going back to the dealership soon!

While on the topic of those dampers, what exactly do they do? I'm guessing they reduce vibration, permit smoother starts, etc. but not totally sure. Also, how are the Spyder's dampers constructed? My thinking is this: If they have a metal core encased in rubber, perhaps one split and that is the source of the pronounced clanking sound.

-Paul

 

[docdoru]

My thinking is this: If they have a metal core encased in rubber, perhaps one split and that is the source of the pronounced clanking sound. Paul

I doubt it. Bearings or front sprocket are the ones. :doorag:

 

[Questions]

As a follow-up, the problem did turn out to be the rear pulley bearing (Item 24). While disassembled, the mechanic also replaced the remaining two bearings along with new seals. Since my belt was over tensioned at the factory, everything was covered under warranty.

BTW, to check for a bad pulley bearing on your Spyder, try this test: Firmly grasp the rear pulley at about the 3 & 9 o'clock positions. Next, simultaneously push with one hand and pull with the other and alternate repeatedly. When the pulley is wiggled in this manner, a bad bearing will likely 1) emit a creaking sound and 2) have noticeable play (focus on the narrow gap where the pulley and rim interface).

While at the dealer, I checked every new Spyder's rear pulley and all were tight and silent. And now that my bearing was replaced, mine is "as new" again as well. Test ride home was perfect too! :2thumbs:

Hope this helps,

Paul

 

[SpyderWolf]

Thanks for the additional information on the issue you had. That should definitely help some other people check things out in the future. :thumbup:

 

[Firefly]

Yup- mine was making the same clunk and rolling the spyder back and forth I could hear the bad bearing. Tore it apart and bearings 'felt' fine by hand- but many times hey will until under load.

Replaced all 3 and everything is great now.

 

[Questions]

Yup- mine was making the same clunk and rolling the spyder back and forth I could hear the bad bearing. Tore it apart and bearings 'felt' fine by hand- but many times hey will until under load.

Replaced all 3 and everything is great now.

Yep, same deal here! After the original bearings were removed, a cursory inspection revealed no issues. But a different story when mounted in the bike and under stress. Glad to hear the fresh bearings did the trick for your Spyder as well.

 

[Freddy]

Had this develop half way into 4 weeks tour recently. First noticed that the belt was progressively moving to the left, realign, ride a day or 2, realign. I was out for a walk when my son rode by on the Spyder and I heard a metalic clicking noise. Replaced the rear pulley bearing while getting new rear tyre a few days later and both issues resolved.