clicking noise coming from rear wheel

[Anonymous]

1981 gs850g 37,000 miles

i am experiencing a clicking noise from my rear wheel. i don't think it's coming from the brakes. i recently replaced my tire so i had to remove the wheel. before this...there was a clicking sound about 2X every revolution. after reinstalling the wheel...the clicking sound is more frequent...about 6X per revolution. it comes and goes...e.g. right off the start-no noise. after a few miles...very noticeable. any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

wheel bearing? sorry, i can provide any more help, but it could also be something metal tagging on something else. are there any close clearance parts around the wheel?

[Anonymous]

i dont' see any close clearance parts that could be making that noise. also, one more thing if this helps....after i turn off the bike and let it sit...i hear that same clicking noise coming from the shaft part of the wheel...like the clicking sounds coming off a hot car engine after it has been turned off.

[Dink]

When you removed and replaced the rear wheel did you rememeber to lube the splines? I would re-disassemble it and have a good look at your crownwheel and pinion, check for free play and wear and lube it and reassemble and see if that helps at all.
Dink

[Anonymous]

I had a clicking noise coming from the rear wheel and it was a bearing that somehow actually was BENT..........Replaced it and No more clicking

[Anonymous]

I also experience this problem on '84 gs1100gk, I took a good look at what I thought could be potential problems, ( dry splines, rough or worn feeling bearings.) to no avail. I lubed the drive splines liberally with wheel bearing grease, and still have the noise. Also, the noise I have is constant while riding, and the popping also occures steadily as it cools down. I plan on doing a major teardown this winter to address some minor mechanical and cosmetic issues, and also to see if I can find the source of the noise. If i come up with a solution I will be sure to let you know. Also if it's a consolation, I have put about 3,000 mi. on my bike this summer including a 600 mi. trip to so. Illinois with no problems, just that annoying noise.

[Anonymous]

argonsagas had an applicable post on a different topic:

If you have a mechanic's stethoscope, this is the time to use it. If not, get a broom handle or a piece of thick wood dowel. Do NOT use anything of a half inch or smaller diameter as it may damage your ear. Cut the length down to suit yourself. Put one end on the engine, and the other against your ear and listen.....works just like a stethoscope, but not as comfortable.

Of course, you're going for the wheel, not the engine, but you get the point.

If you can't find any large dowel, you can put your thumb over the tip to keep it from jabbing you in the ear.

Hope it helps,

Michael

[Anonymous]

try removing the playing card and clothes pin

[chuck_zc]

I have the same kind of sound coming from my diff too. I usually get it when I coast to a stop. Gonna pull everything on the weekend and have a look.

[Planecrazy]

I have the same kind of sound coming from my diff too. I usually get it when I coast to a stop. Gonna pull everything on the weekend and have a look.

When you pull the rear wheel make sure you actually REMOVE the splines from the wheel - even if they're trashed they often look perfectly fine on the visible edge. The ONLY way to tell for sure is to unbolt and remove them from the rear wheel (ask several of us how we know ).

Good Luck and

Regards,

[chuck_zc]

Thanx for the advice Steve. It's almost the same sound as 2 gears almost meshed into each other. Like a slow, click,click,click, sound. I only get it rolling to a stop. Thanx again..
P.S. Is it an expencive repair? Is the spline replaceable or will I have to buy some sort of complete unit. Thanx again, again.

[Planecrazy]

Thanx for the advice Steve. It's almost the same sound as 2 gears almost meshed into each other. Like a slow, click,click,click, sound. I only get it rolling to a stop. Thanx again..
P.S. Is it an expencive repair? Is the spline replaceable or will I have to buy some sort of complete unit. Thanx again, again.

Usually it's the splines on the wheel that go - the splines in the final drive are usually ok (assuming, of course, that this is where your problem is). You have an additional problem in that the 650 uses a different final drive (and splines) than the bigger bikes - 850's, 1000's, and 1100's are all interchangeable. The 650 parts are more rare but they ARE out there. Once you know what the issue is you should be able to find replacements either through the forum or through Fleabay/Craigslist. It shouldn't be too expensive to correct, and if you get lucky finding parts it'll be pretty cheap.

Once you know exactly what the issue is I'd suggest you start a new thread on it, since this is a pretty old one and doesn't refer back to your 650 specifically. There are a lot of good people here who will be happy to help out if they can. I have an extra final drive that I would have gladly offered to you at a fair price, but since it's incompatible it's a moot point.

Keep us informed, and good luck!

Regards,