Rear Wheel Bearing Failure?

adamski49 · Oct 19, 2008

I'm getting a repetitive 'clunky' type noise from the mid to rear of the bike. At first I thought maybe the chain was a bit dry and a sticky link was to blame but having lubed it this doesn't seem to be the source of the noise.

With the bike on a paddock stand the chain seems fine however I seem to have a bit of side to side play in the wheel if I grab it at 8 o'clock and 2 o'clock (chain side) - this gives a definite clunk. I can get the the same clunk with the bike on side stand as well.

Questions: Could this be bearing failure? If so, is it a known fault? If not, any other ideas?

I will be visiting my dealer some time this week to have it checked out but thought I'd tap into the collective wisdom on here.

Cheers

Adam

Mogster · Oct 19, 2008

It used to be a fairly common thing on late 80s early 90s Kawasakis, but it is possable if the wheels have been over cleaned with a presure washers, as it can push water deep into the hub and cause the bearing to go horribly dry and rusty.
Or check the Torque on the wheel nut as well.

adamski49 · Oct 19, 2008

Cheers for the reply Phil

I don't have a 32mm socket so I can't check the torque but I can't move it with my large adjustable so it can't be far off. I also noticed the fitter used a torque wrench when I had new tyres so it should be ok... assuming he had the right torque figure.

Not an ideal start to Aprilia ownership but if it's all sorted under warranty then fair enough.

Adam

adamski49 · Oct 20, 2008

Quick visit to the dealer today confirmed that it is a shot wheel bearing. They've done a few in the past. Booked in for this coming Friday under warranty. Will let you know the outcome.
adam

Mogster · Oct 20, 2008

ok so now i have to go and check mine too !!

just checked mines ok ... but will keep a rather paranoid eye on it..

B o B · Oct 20, 2008

Mogster said:
ok so now i have to go and check mine too !!

just checked mines ok ... but will keep a rather paranoid eye on it..

That's the only downside to visiting a forum Mogs. When I first got my bike I had to check to make sure everyone elses problems I read about weren't mine. Never found any but I got quite good at it and I certainly learnt my way around my bike. Hhhmmmmm, maybe not a downside after all:thumbup

dazzza67 · Oct 20, 2008

Had to check mine too!! All ok but my clocks are still misting up and it's p***ing me off!! I'll have to go and see the dealer just to make me feel better :lol

england 2 · Oct 21, 2008

I did my checks when I put new tyre on 2 weeks back . I don`t ever use a power wash (haven`t got one )
Hope you don`t mind me giving a tip...... Adjustable spanners are ok to nip something up or hold a nut thats turning but not for any heavy stuff . They give a little and sometimes break but will most definatly round the corners off.
Very good for breaking treacle toffee

Mogster · Oct 21, 2008

england 2 said:
I did my checks when I put new tyre on 2 weeks back . I don`t ever use a power wash (haven`t got one )
Hope you don`t mind me giving a tip...... Adjustable spanners are ok to nip something up or hold a nut thats turning but not for any heavy stuff . They give a little and sometimes break but will most definatly round the corners off.
Very good for breaking treacle toffee

:lol:lol:lol @ the Toffee comment

The rear wheel nut has a suprisingly high torque as well sos tis best to be using a torque wench and the right socket....

england 2 · Oct 21, 2008

I think it`s 130newton ------ whatever? lbs ? .My torque goes upto 80 newton... and that were a lot

Mogster · Oct 21, 2008

england 2 said:
I think it`s 130newton ------ whatever? lbs ? .My torque goes upto 80 newton... and that were a lot

yeah i had to go and buy a new one... checked at the dealers too, cos thought ...fook me thats tight!

england 2 · Oct 21, 2008

I have left it at 80 as i have a habit of breaking screws etc , it seems ok

adamski49 · Oct 21, 2008

'Ere, you lot, I'm not stoopid you know... :lol the adjustable (and it's a brand spanker quality item, not a dodgy one I had lying around) was just to see if the nut was loose and would move.

Will be purchasing the correct socket this weekend.

As for the torque settings (straight out of the workshop manual):

Front Wheel shaft nut - 80 Nm
Rear wheel shaft nut - 120 Nm

If your rear wheel is only done up to 80 Nm I'd go out and tighten it some more.

Cheers

Adam :thumbup

england 2 · Oct 22, 2008

Didn`t think you were mate . Adj`s are handy as a quick fix ... nip up till get home? and sort out properly.

cmotandy · Oct 22, 2008

i got to say it, adjustables AKA "satans spanner" should be the first thing you chuck in the bin. bloody things ruin more things than they fix. i been working on my own bikes for nearly 20 years and they still make me break out in a sweat when i have to use one

adamski49 · Oct 24, 2008

All done

Initial thoughts, before the wheel was removed, was that a spacer was missing due to excess threads showing on the axle compared to normal. Once removed though, it was obvious the offside bearing was buggered. The play in this bearing had caused the spacer between the two main bearings to wear, hence the extra threads showing.

Not sure what caused the failure in the first place so I suppose it's just something to keep an eye on. Anyway, two new bearings and spacer and we're back in action.

Cheers

Adam

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