Driveline Noise/Whine

**canuckrider** · 07-30-2024, 02:37 PM

2008 Nomad 1600 with 83,000KM (Approx. 50,000 miles)

I noticed a noise about a month ago that seemed to be coming from the front wheel. Installed new front wheel bearings (All-Balls) about a week ago but that did not correct the issue. The old bearings looked pretty good according to the shop that knocked them out for me.

I attributed the noise to the front tire, a Dunlop E3. No idea how many km on the tire as it was on the bike when I bought it about 15 months ago. Still a fair bit of tread left, but some cupping is starting on the LH side of the tire.
Thinking it was just the tire, I figured I could live with it until I replace it.

However, last night on the way home from a 2 hour ride I noticed that the noise was louder and become a very loud whine when I let off the throttle. When decelerating, if I pulled in the clutch it would quiet down. Also noticed the whine briefly when releasing the clutch when upshifting.

I checked tire pressures and both engine and rear diff fluid levels this morning and everything is up to par.

Based on searches of previous posts, I suspect either U-Joints, Drive shaft or the bevel gear bearing. Maybe rear wheel bearings? Any suggestions on where to start looking?

I'll have to tear into it next week when I get back from vacation. Planned on taking the bike but that idea is now out the window.

redjay · 07-31-2024, 07:50 AM

My guess is the drive shaft u joint is on its way out and some recent posts described a tear down of the bike to get at the drive shaft.

https://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/...ad.php?t=50547

https://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/...ad.php?t=50176

Brock · 08-01-2024, 05:13 AM

Sounds like the bevel gear bearing to me. I just swapped a 1600 into my 1500 nomad for a bad bevel gear bearing and bad 2nd gear that would jump out.

**canuckrider** · 08-05-2024, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redjay

My guess is the drive shaft u joint is on its way out and some recent posts described a tear down of the bike to get at the drive shaft.

https://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/...ad.php?t=50547

https://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/...ad.php?t=50176

Thanks redjay. I'm back from vacation and I'll make time this week to tear things apart and see what seems to be the issue.

**spil99** · 08-06-2024, 11:02 AM

I agree with Brock. Dump the oil and look metal shaving. Make sure you pull the screen.

07-30-2024, 02:37 PM	#1
canuckrider Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Okotoks, AB, Canada Posts: 1,090	Driveline Noise/Whine 2008 Nomad 1600 with 83,000KM (Approx. 50,000 miles) I noticed a noise about a month ago that seemed to be coming from the front wheel. Installed new front wheel bearings (All-Balls) about a week ago but that did not correct the issue. The old bearings looked pretty good according to the shop that knocked them out for me. I attributed the noise to the front tire, a Dunlop E3. No idea how many km on the tire as it was on the bike when I bought it about 15 months ago. Still a fair bit of tread left, but some cupping is starting on the LH side of the tire. Thinking it was just the tire, I figured I could live with it until I replace it. However, last night on the way home from a 2 hour ride I noticed that the noise was louder and become a very loud whine when I let off the throttle. When decelerating, if I pulled in the clutch it would quiet down. Also noticed the whine briefly when releasing the clutch when upshifting. I checked tire pressures and both engine and rear diff fluid levels this morning and everything is up to par. Based on searches of previous posts, I suspect either U-Joints, Drive shaft or the bevel gear bearing. Maybe rear wheel bearings? Any suggestions on where to start looking? I'll have to tear into it next week when I get back from vacation. Planned on taking the bike but that idea is now out the window. __________________ "Sun on my face, wind in my hair, sound of my bike in my ears and peace in my soul..." VBA Member #01514 2008 Nomad 1600, Blue & Silver Login or Register to Remove Ads
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07-31-2024, 07:50 AM	#2
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,982	My guess is the drive shaft u joint is on its way out and some recent posts described a tear down of the bike to get at the drive shaft. https://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/...ad.php?t=50547 https://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/...ad.php?t=50176 Last edited by redjay; 07-31-2024 at 07:56 AM.
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08-06-2024, 11:02 AM	#5
spil99 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Menasha WI Posts: 221	I agree with Brock. Dump the oil and look metal shaving. Make sure you pull the screen. __________________ 2011 National Rally, Maggie Valley, NC 2012 NCR Rally, Prairie du Chien,WI 2013 National Rally, Estes Park, CO 2014 NCR/SCR Rally in the Ozarks, Mountain View, AR 2014 Antlers Rally, Antlers, OK 2015 VRA/VBA Rally, Eureka Springs, AR 2016 NCR Rally, Hillsboro, WI 2016 Antlers Rally, Antlers, OK 2017 National Rally, Lake George NY 2017 Antlers Rally, Antlers, OK 2018 NCR/SCR Rally, Custer, SD 2018 Canada East/North East US Baddeck, NS Login or Register to Remove Ads
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08-01-2024, 05:13 AM	#3
Brock Jr. Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Posts: 13	Sounds like the bevel gear bearing to me. I just swapped a 1600 into my 1500 nomad for a bad bevel gear bearing and bad 2nd gear that would jump out.
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