What would be making these Sounds of the Spyder?

[PartsBob79]

Hey all,

So just recently my 2014 RT started making this whooshing, whirring sound when accelerating that sounds like its coming from the left side. I cant see anything obvious but my fear is that it may be the bearing for the drive gear. Has anyone had experience with this? Thanks in advance!

 

[Mikey]

Got to ask, is your belt adjustment right? Do you have a tensioner, are the bearing in that good?

 

[PartsBob79]

I was thinking about that, if anything it's to lose, even with a belt tensioner installed. The tensioner seems to not have very much tension to it though, is that normal?

 

[PartsBob79]

Would the belt not being centered cause the noise? I noticed it seems to ride close to the inner edge of the rear sprocket.

 

[BajaRon]

I was thinking about that, if anything it's to lose, even with a belt tensioner installed. The tensioner seems to not have very much tension to it though, is that normal?

That's because it is not a tensioner. The tenseners are on the swingarm at the back of the axle. What you are talking about is a Vibration Dampener. Dampeners need very little pressure to do their job and make virtually no difference in belt tension. And because most, if not all, Spyder dampeners are frame mounted. Dampener wheel pressure is changing all the time based upon the relationship between the swingarm, which moves, and the frame, which does not.

You can disengage the dampener wheel by moving the dampener arm up. Then spin the wheel. If the bearing is going bad, it should be obvious. Do not run with a bad dampener bearing. It may cost you a belt.

 

[Mikey]

Did you pick the arm off the belt and spin the little wheel to see if the bearings in that hub aren't dry?

 

[Mikey]

:bowdown: Sorry Ron, Dampener!!!:2thumbs:

 

[BajaRon]

:bowdown: Sorry Ron, Dampener!!!:2thumbs:

No apology necessary. It's a hopeless effort. Everyone calls them tensioners so I understand the inclination. I've made no progress at all in changing this. However, it is easier to understand the function when the correct terminology is applied.

 

[PartsBob79]

Good stuff, good to know. Thank you!

 

[PartsBob79]

I did not yet, I will be doing that after work.

 

[BajaRon]

If nothing else, you will be confirming that your bearing is in good condition. This is something that should be checked fairly often. But there are other things which can create 'New' noises. Even changing helmets can give your ear sounds that you've not heard before.

 

[PartsBob79]

That could the case. It seems to have started on the way back from Americade, it definitely is RPM dependent. I know my front brakes are making some noise as they need to taken apart and cleaned/contacts lubed but I guess maybe I'm hearing the rubbing noise from the left brake and it just sounds different from the right side. All honesty I am partially deaf in my right ear so it may be making the same sound on the right side, I just cant hear it as well