Noise from rear shock
 

Hi, my XT600e has started making a bit of a grinding noise when Im 2-up and riding over speed bumps.

What exactly causes this grinding noise ? - ie: what is touching ?

Can one adjust a setting on the rear shock or is this why people upgrade the spring ?

Thanks

Sounds like the tire is rubbing on something.

You can ad preload on the spring, by tightenning the nut on the spring, so the springs is more compressed, making it firmer. It will help for sure.

I think you're just using your chain too tight...


Vando :cool4:

Thanks guys...
Is it normal for a chain to make such noises if too tight ?

There is approx 5cm play in the chain but that is while on the center stand. What would be the natural sequence for adjustment......the chain (then ride some bumps to see if cured) then the shock ?

Cheers

well.. the chain should have a little freeplay WITH you on the bike...
that sidestand hocuspukeus is clearly not working for ya...

Riding 2up and riding alone you should have slightly different freeplays and unless you can find a goodpoint between them..

Or just stop hitting speedbumps while riding fast! :nono:

Rule of thumb...Treat the bike with care and she'll care for you or one day she'll stop caring an you'll be the one needing care!


Vando :cool4:

you probably need more chainslack, but i doubt thats the thing making the sound.

Sit on the rear of the seat, or lean over the bike from behind (heh) putting all you're weight in it, there should still be 1 inch freeplay.

The chain is at its tightest position when the swingarms is perfectly horizontal, and thats where you should make sure to have some freeplay.

Its very easy to make the chain too tight on theese kind of bikes.

If I can add to Jens post....

The best way to check chain tightness is to get a set of ratchet straps. Remove saddle. Loop them over the rear subframe at the Y junction (you do Not want to stress the rear of the frame!) And fasten onto swingarm. Get some one to sit on the bike to load the suspension till the swing arm is horizontal as Jen says. Tighten the straps to hold the swing arm there. (Do not try to compress the swing arm by leverageing the strap ratchet). Prop the back wheel up and turn it checking to see when the chain is tightest (yes, it does change). When you have found the tight spot make sure the top loop of the chain is tight, the bottom should have about an inch play taken from the middle point of the chain(check your manual) I.e half up and half down. Once you have set this correctly you can loosen all your straps and with the suspension unloaded check how much free play you have. If it's now three inches or whatever, next time you set the chain tightness, set it for three inches slack unladen.

And yes, a overtight chain will grind like hell.

Fantastic, thanks....Ill give this a go.

Please could you describe exactly where I should attach the ratchet straps....on both the seat sub frame and the swing arm.

I presume 2 ratchet straps, one for each side of the bike ?

Cheers

On the rear subframe choose a spot closest to the vertical supports. If you hang the straps off the rear near the mudguard etc AND use the straps to try and tighten the swing arm up you run the risk of bending or cracking the welds. I haven't got photos but if you look at Yamaheads SuMo thread below it will be obvious.

1 strap will do if it can reach over and hook both swingarm arms. You just want to hold the swingarm in place, not tighten with strap...beware.