Tapping noise from rear drive unit when cold...

Unfortunately, the SWing has not been run much lately.  I last rode it about a month ago and noticed there was a tapping noise coming from the rear drive unit when the bike was cold and was idling and warming up.  I rode the bike again today and noticed the same noise again.  The sound eventually goes away as the bike is ridden and warms up.  Driveability is not affected.  The drive belt was last changed about 8000 miles ago and the V light is not on.

Any ideas?

Jinglebob wrote:

Unfortunately, the SWing has not been run much lately.  I last rode it about a month ago and noticed there was a tapping noise coming from the rear drive unit when the bike was cold and was idling and warming up.  I rode the bike again today and noticed the same noise again.  The sound eventually goes away as the bike is ridden and warms up.  Driveability is not affected.  The drive belt was last changed about 8000 miles ago and the V light is not on.

Any ideas?

Does it make the noise when driving before it warms up? If not, then you may have to lub the rear inner hub bearings. The bearings only spin when the clutch is not engaged. I take it does not make the noise when warmed up?

I don't drive the bike cold, so I can't answer your question. I typically let the motor warm up for about 5 minutes, especially during the winter. Today, I did not notice the tapping noise when I got underway after ldoing the warmup.

If there was a tapping noise coming from my rear drive and I'd recently been over in Europe, I'd be checking for illegal immigrants.

1) does it make noise when idling ((wheel stationary)?
2) while on stand can you determine is it from the front or rear pulleys?
3) what rate of clicking? Can you hear it by turning rear wheel when with motor off?
4) eliminate noise possibility from brakes.
5) severity of noise?

You may need to  pull belt cover to further locate noise or define problem.

Since it only occurring when cold (what temperature) I would consider leaving until it either it Goes away or gets worse.

So far it's like going to doctor and saying I have a pain but not sure where it is. Final diagnosis being "pain in the a**" ;-)

Bob

Further to Bcook's points, I would consider removing the belt cover before starting when the scoot is cold and you have reasonable confidence that the tapping noise would occur. Then start the bike and listen for the noise. If no noise I would then reinstall the (cold) alloy belt case and restart the scoot. If the noise reoccurs then it is the belt case bearing. Best advise if that is the case is to live with it until, and if, it becomes unbearable. Then buy th bearing at your dealer or Partzilla, etc then remove the belt case again and take it to the dealer to have an experienced tech replace that bearing. Replacing that particular baring is not an easy DIY task.

The noise could be also coming from the bearings (one roller, one needle) inside the driven pulley. While they are surrounded by grease, that grease can get a become stiff in the cold and not lube thing properly until warmed up with use.

Tim

Meldrew wrote:

If there was a tapping noise coming from my rear drive and I'd recently been over in Europe, I'd be checking for illegal immigrants.

Meldrew
That was really funny!!!

Thanks for the responses.

BCooke:
1. I hear the noise while the engine is idling with the rear wheel stationary. When the engine is revved and the rear wheel is turning, the noise goes away.

2. The noise is coming from the rear pulley.

3. The clicking occurs at a rate of about 1/second. There is no clicking with the engine off when the rear wheel is manually cycled.

4. I detect no noise from the brakes.

5. Severity is subjective. It is clearly audible, but not cannon-like.

I think CJ's suggestion to remove the cover to better identify the source makes sense; however, for the moment, I think I'm just going to keep an ear on it and see if it gets worse.

Since it only occurring when cold (what temperature) I would consider leaving until it either it Goes away or gets worse.

As suggested. Doesn't sound like a bearings.

Bob

You could try putting a heat gun or hair dryer on the area and heating it up prior to starting. That might help isolating the area.

Tim is right about the bearings inside the driven pully. They only spin when the clutch is not engaged. once the rear wheel starts spinning, the bearings stop spinning and rotate with the driven pulley housing. That is why the sound goes away once the clutch engages and the wheel starts spinning.

Must concur.
Tim's explanation is logical.
Bob