Front wheel noise

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Kwacky
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Front wheel noise

Post by Kwacky »

I noticed last night when I wheeled the bike backwards in the garage there was a clicking from the front wheel.

Is this a sign that the bearings are going? The bike has done 22,000 miles so I would have thought they should still be fine.

Thanks in advance.
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Re: Front wheel noise

Post by StMarks »

Isn't it more likely to be the brake pads ?
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Kwacky
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Re: Front wheel noise

Post by Kwacky »

Dunno. I've not heard it before. I've no idea what it causing it.

Why would the pads make a clicking noise when the wheel goes backwards but not forward? (you have to remember I'm mechanically inept).
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Re: Front wheel noise

Post by duke63 »

Its usually bearings when heard like that.

22,000 miles could mean they need changing. Aren't Kawasaki known to be a bit lax with applying grease in the factory?
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Kwacky
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Re: Front wheel noise

Post by Kwacky »

I do believe that the motto at the Kawasaki factory is "Go in dry"

I take it bearings going this soon isn't a warranty issue? I've never had an issue with any of my previous bikes.
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Re: Front wheel noise

Post by C00kiemonster »

Does it click when wheeled forwards?

How old are the pads? Id be inclined to strip and clean the calipers and runners first and check pads anyway.
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Kwacky
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Re: Front wheel noise

Post by Kwacky »

There's only the clicking when I wheeled it backwards.

Pads are about 8,000 miles in.

I'll take the front wheel off and have a look.
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Re: Front wheel noise

Post by Stonesie »

That's all you can do, stick a couple of fingers in and twist, if there is any roughness at all then they need replacing.
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Re: Front wheel noise

Post by C00kiemonster »

Kwacky wrote:There's only the clicking when I wheeled it backwards.

Pads are about 8,000 miles in.

I'll take the front wheel off and have a look.
Could be the profile on the pads as the leading edge of the pads will be very slighly more worn than the back edge perhaps, so when you wheel it backwards the back edge catches the holes in the disc.

The other way of checking without taking anything off is to force the pads away from the disk with a flat edge and then wheel it backwards as the pads will not hit the disc then anyway so you can see if the noise is still there..
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Re: Front wheel noise

Post by Kwacky »

That's a good idea. Thanks.
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Re: Front wheel noise

Post by DaytonAndy »

ABS ring?
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Re: Front wheel noise

Post by Kwacky »

possibly. It's something else to look at.
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Re: Front wheel noise

Post by duke63 »

Bearings are not a warranty claim at 20k.

Could try a goodwill gesture from the dealer since you have spent plenty of cash with them. Its not a big job.
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Re: Front wheel noise

Post by Blade »

SKF bearing is £5 from an engineering retailer and 15 minutes work of which 10 is getting the wheel off.
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Re: Front wheel noise

Post by Rossgo »

Guess you will be looking at the weekend. Hope it's an easy fix Kwacky

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Re: Front wheel noise

Post by Kwacky »

I might just spray everything with WD40 and hope for the best.
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Re: Front wheel noise

Post by kiwikrasher »

Kwacky wrote:I might just spray everything with WD40 and hope for the best.
Remember what happened to me and the D6 when my front wheel bearing failed????
Happiness is not a destination. It is a way of life.
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Re: Front wheel noise

Post by StMarks »

Kwacky wrote:I might just spray everything with WD40 and hope for the best.
:?
I hope that's a joke.?
"A spray of WD40".
Best case scenario.: Masks the symptom for a short period.
Worst case.: Sounds like Kiwikrasher is going to be better placed to outline that one.

Besides, the clicking sounds like the perfect reason to use the AT instead (until the source of the clicking is identified & rectified)
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Kwacky
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Re: Front wheel noise

Post by Kwacky »

It is a joke.

Everyone knows ACF50 works better on your brakes ;)
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Kwacky
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Re: Front wheel noise

Post by Kwacky »

kiwikrasher wrote:
Kwacky wrote:I might just spray everything with WD40 and hope for the best.
Remember what happened to me and the D6 when my front wheel bearing failed????

No, remind me.
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