| Author |
Message |
    
Rogerbrown
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 04:46 pm: | 
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I have a '99 s3T. It has 16,000miles now. But the noise I am about to describe has been present for a long time.
The noise id a kind of harmonic whining sound. It appears at about 30 mph or so. It happens while slowing down while in gear, or in neutral. The souind seems to be coming from the right side. But I am not certain.
This sound seemed to go away for a while after changing the drive belt recently. But it is back.
I assume that removing the rear wheel affected it in some way.... The rear bearings appear to be smooth when rotating them. The drive belt is new.
The sound does not seem as loud as it once was. But it is there. And it seems that it is not always present now as it used to be.
A rider on the back can not determine wher it is coming from. And I am not certain it can be heard by someone on the side of the road. I assume so.
Any ideas?
Anyone know what this actually is caused by so I can stop it?
It is somewhat annoying. I want to solve this.
Thanks guys... |
Sparky
| | Posted on Thursday, September 14, 2006 - 11:22 am: |
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It could be the tires. Metzler M1's make a kinda humming noise especially the front tire.
Did you replace the belt sprockets too?
How much slack is there in the drive belt?
What other work has been done on the bike and who performed it? |
S3thunder
| | Posted on Thursday, September 14, 2006 - 01:00 pm: |
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You might want to pull the primary cover and check the primary chain adjuster for wear. These can wear out faster than you think. You might be able to see it through the primary inspection hole, but not very well. It is a pain to do but if the adjuster is worn the noise could be from the chain hitting the case on top. Mine made the sound most taking off from a start but was noticeable around town at slower speeds where wind noise wasn't a factor. |
Rogerbrown
| | Posted on Thursday, September 14, 2006 - 01:05 pm: |
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Have Dunlop tires. Did not replace the sprocket when the belt was changed.
The sound did seem to deminish somewhat. But is still there.
I did adjust the primary slack. Will check the tensioner. The drive belt ia adjusted to proper tension.
The sound seems to be coming from the right side. I have tried to put my head down there while riding to see if I can determine the source. But I do not want to have broken parts and ruined paint because of that... Know what I mean?
Anymore ideas? Thanks for the input so far though. |
Naustin
| | Posted on Thursday, September 14, 2006 - 01:28 pm: |
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Maybe your rear wheel is a little out of alignment and the belt is rubbing on the sproket in an abnormal way?
Just a wild guess - I'm not a mechanic. |
Tattoodnscrewd
| | Posted on Thursday, September 14, 2006 - 02:14 pm: |
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Another vote for the drive belt, most feel proper tension is still a little too tight. Drive belt should have a good amount of slack in it. But also as Naustin said, an out of alignment rear wheel, might also want to check that nothing back there is rubbing the belt (belt guard,etc... check the front drive sprocket, might be there as well.
One more thing - Does weather make a difference, hear it more in the cold ? if so, look to your belt again. |
Dave
| | Posted on Thursday, September 14, 2006 - 08:15 pm: |
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......Definitely check the belt tension. It should be almost stupid loose. I don't recall the specs but go loose vs tight. Bad things happen to tubers with tight drive belts.
DAve |
Jammer
| | Posted on Thursday, September 14, 2006 - 10:50 pm: |
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My 97 S3 had a strange noise like what you were describing. It was the main output shaft bearing. It's located on the right behind the countershaft pully inside the transmission. The way to check is to take a long socket set extention, place one end on the trans case above the bearing and the other to your ear. Now listen as you spin the countershaft pulley if it sounds like there could be some sand in there it's toast.
My drive belt was too tight appearently and if that is the case there are two bearings that could be affected the rear wheel bearing and or the main output shaft bearing.
In my case it was the output shaft one that was bad.
Jeff- |
Rogerbrown
| | Posted on Saturday, September 16, 2006 - 12:12 pm: |
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Thanks guys-
To Tattoodnscrewed- I do not believe the temperature makes a difference.
As for those who suggested the belt tension- I will loosen it up a bit an see what happens.
To Jammer- Hmmm, that is something I would have not thought of. I will give your suggestion a try...
The thing is, this noise is not the same pitch and intensity each time. It has seemed to have improved somewhat immediately after placing a new drivew belt. It is noticeable when coasting or slowing down either in gear or not- about 30 mph.
But I wll check some of the things that were suggested and then let you guys know.
Anyway- I enjoy riding that bike...
RB |
Bad_karma
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 20, 2006 - 02:16 am: |
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Rogerbrown,
While you are in there checking the primary chain tensioner, replace it with the upgrade, Mine failed at about 22k on the S1 and cost two days at deals gap. The one in my S3 at 23K was shot when I checked.
Joe |
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S3T strange noise