Front Wheel Squeak - Solved

klewi · May 28th, 2011, 06:47 PM

(New 250 Owner & First time poster)

Like so many other 250 owners after about 800km I developed the infamous front wheel squeak. I wasn't happy because I just got it back from my first service. Thanks to this site I found some very valuable information.

I first checked my speedo and that wasn't the problem. When I checked the factory torque on the front axle, Holy Hana was it tight. It had to be up around 100 ft-lbs. I backed it off, re-torqued to spec and problem solved.

Thanks to everyone for all the great posts and info here.

Alex · May 28th, 2011, 09:32 PM

CZroe · May 28th, 2011, 11:23 PM

I used a ton of axle grease last time I took the wheel off and that did the trick for me.

Alex · May 28th, 2011, 11:32 PM

Be careful about using too much grease. Any more than a slight film, and it can make it harder for the clamps in the forks to hold the axle as tight as you'd want if the grease migrates toward the ends of the axle. At higher speeds, it can make for an uneasy feeling in the front end.

CZroe · May 29th, 2011, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

Be careful about using too much grease. Any more than a slight film, and it can make it harder for the clamps in the forks to hold the axle as tight as you'd want if the grease migrates toward the ends of the axle. At higher speeds, it can make for an uneasy feeling in the front end.

Thanks. I specifically applied it to the whole axle and the inside surface of the forks. I ride at full speed on the freeway every day and haven't noticed anything, but I'll use less next time regardless.

Alex · May 29th, 2011, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CZroe

Thanks. I specifically applied it to the whole axle and the inside surface of the forks.

Yeah, don't do that.

Next time you have it off, clean off as best you can anything at the ends, or inside the forks.

CZroe · May 29th, 2011, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

Yeah, don't do that.

Next time you have it off, clean off as best you can anything at the ends, or inside the forks.

Still not sure that I understand how it affects things but I will take your advice. I know that the axle isn't really a friction-bearing surface there but that also means it shouldn't really turn there regardless of extra lube. Are you saying that it may cause my axle and axle nut to spin when it shouldn't?

Alex · May 29th, 2011, 01:49 PM

It won't spin freely of course, but it can shift small amounts. The axle nut won't spin freely due to the safety clip, even if it loosens. But, even small amounts of movement in axle placement can be quite hairy if they happen at the wrong time.

Racer x · May 29th, 2011, 01:50 PM

Generaly the squeek is from the speedometer drive . The lip seal gets twisted.

May 28th, 2011, 06:47 PM	#1
klewi Ninjette of the North Name: Kyle Location: Quesnel, BC Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): Blue 2010 Ninja 250 Posts: 51	Front Wheel Squeak - Solved (New 250 Owner & First time poster) Like so many other 250 owners after about 800km I developed the infamous front wheel squeak. I wasn't happy because I just got it back from my first service. Thanks to this site I found some very valuable information. I first checked my speedo and that wasn't the problem. When I checked the factory torque on the front axle, Holy Hana was it tight. It had to be up around 100 ft-lbs. I backed it off, re-torqued to spec and problem solved. Thanks to everyone for all the great posts and info here.

May 28th, 2011, 09:32 PM	#2
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	__________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

May 28th, 2011, 11:32 PM	#4
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Be careful about using too much grease. Any more than a slight film, and it can make it harder for the clamps in the forks to hold the axle as tight as you'd want if the grease migrates toward the ends of the axle. At higher speeds, it can make for an uneasy feeling in the front end. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

May 29th, 2011, 01:49 PM	#8
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	It won't spin freely of course, but it can shift small amounts. The axle nut won't spin freely due to the safety clip, even if it loosens. But, even small amounts of movement in axle placement can be quite hairy if they happen at the wrong time. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

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CZroe CPT Falcon Name: J.Emmett Turner Location: Newnan, GA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 CP Blue EX250J, '97 unpainted EX250F, 2nd '97 unpainted EX250F (no engine), '07 black EX250F Posts: A lot.	I used a ton of axle grease last time I took the wheel off and that did the trick for me.

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