Putting WD-40 on fork tubes

[anacron]

My bike's been squeaking/chirping when going over bumps. Its definitely not a grinding/screeching noise that's associated with worn brake pads, but more like a metal rubbing on metal.

I'm sort of suspecting the forks (or even the front axel) not having enough lubricant when compressing.. would there be any issues with spraying some WD-40 down the tubes and around the axel?

[tooblekain]

I would check the following:

Check to make sure the following are straight: axle, fork tubes. If they are straight move on to the next step.

When was the last time you had your fork oil changed? If its been never or ages, that oil could be broken down and sheered so much that the springs inside the fork tube is causing the squeak. You should be using 15W oil

I would absolutely not spray WD-40 inside the fork tubes. The only liquid that goes inside the fork tube is fork oil.

Also maybe check your bushings on your forks. Or if possible, take a video of this squeek you speak of.

[alex.s]

every time my forks have squeeked on compression they have been bent and were rubbing on the inside. but that's only happened twice.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by anacron

......I'm sort of suspecting the forks (or even the front axel) not having enough lubricant when compressing.. would there be any issues with spraying some WD-40 down the tubes and around the axel?

The forks keep and recirculate the interior lubrication, there is no need to add any oil, unless your seals are showing leaks of oil.

There is nothing to lubricate in the axle; but it could be loose somehow: re-torquing it won't hurt anything.

Noise could come from the steering column (dry or loose bearing) and from the speedometer mechanism and cable (dry) as well.

[anacron]

A short clip of the noise I'm hearing. Seeing the video, it doesn't seem to be a fork/axel issue. The sound seems much closer to the camera (maybe from the dash...)

Link to original page on YouTube.

[backinthesaddleagain]

The wheel turns on wheel bearings. The axle gets greased when you remove the wheel just to aid installation and the next removal. No wd40 needed and keep it off the forks. It might even harm the seals, but that's a whole argument like wd40 harming an oring chain.

[anacron]

No WD-40 then. Also, it doesn't seem like an issue with forks/axel the sounds seems to be closer to the dash. I guess I'll start with the clip-ons since those were the most recent modifications near the dash.

[alex.s]

very strange noise in that video. the 300 i believe has no speedo cable unlike the 250. i would say it sounds just like the speedo cable but since you dont have one... do you have ABS? perhaps the speed wheel is rubbing. its possible it could be something else rubbing. try compressing the suspension without moving and see if you can get it to squeak

[anacron]

Originally Posted by alex.s

very strange noise in that video. the 300 i believe has no speedo cable unlike the 250. i would say it sounds just like the speedo cable but since you dont have one... do you have ABS? perhaps the speed wheel is rubbing. its possible it could be something else rubbing. try compressing the suspension without moving and see if you can get it to squeak

Nope, non-abs 300. Can't replicate the sound when compressing the suspension. Brake and Clutch levers have some up-down play and I noticed the brake side squeaked a little when the lever rubs against the housing. However, I can't get the levers to make the noise on-demand. Looking at the video the levers seem unlikely given that I'm holding both to stop vibrations but the noise still happens.

[leed]

What about the rear shock?

[anacron]

Originally Posted by leed

What about the rear shock?

Maybe but I hear the sound in front of me rather than behind...

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by alex.s

very strange noise in that video. the 300 i believe has no speedo cable unlike the 250........

I cannot hear any noise

No speedo cable?
What is the sensor for speed?

[leed]

Originally Posted by anacron

Maybe but I hear the sound in front of me rather than behind...

Understood, I was just throwing it out there. Mystery sounds are confounding, so you might be surprised is all.

[anacron]

Originally Posted by leed

Understood, I was just throwing it out there. Mystery sounds are confounding, so you might be surprised is all.

No no, suggestions are much appreciated. I need to dial down preload anyway so we'll see.

[alex.s]

Loose radiator fan?
Front engine mount loose?

[backinthesaddleagain]

Originally Posted by alex.s

very strange noise in that video. the 300 i believe has no speedo cable unlike the 250. i would say it sounds just like the speedo cable but since you dont have one... do you have ABS? perhaps the speed wheel is rubbing. its possible it could be something else rubbing. try compressing the suspension without moving and see if you can get it to squeak

I remember my 250 speedo drive gear had to be greased. didn't know the 300 doesn't have a drive.

[Lychee]

I don't hear anything out of the ordinary... Is it intermittent? What time stamp does it happen at?

[anacron]

Originally Posted by alex.s

Loose radiator fan?
Front engine mount loose?

Had the dealership install shogun frame sliders so loose engine mount is a real possibility.

[Xtina]

I don't hear anything unusual.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by anacron

Had the dealership install shogun frame sliders so loose engine mount is a real possibility.

i think we found a winner. the front engine mounts on the 300 are rubber mounts. if the rubber bushing is degrading/softening it means the engine vs frame positioning is moving a bit. which means that non-flexible shogun frame kit is sliding up and down, loosening your front engine bolts.

[anacron]

Originally Posted by alex.s

i think we found a winner. the front engine mounts on the 300 are rubber mounts. if the rubber bushing is degrading/softening it means the engine vs frame positioning is moving a bit. which means that non-flexible shogun frame kit is sliding up and down, loosening your front engine bolts.

I feel a lot of vibration coming off of the sliders so this may very well be the issue and potentially a symptom of degrading rubber mounts. Hopefully, removing and reinstalling the upper fairing will solve the issue with them popping out, as well.

Anyone know where I can buy the rubber mounts, in the event they need replacing?

[alex.s]

the bushings should be available from any oem supplier like cheapcycleparts or bikebandit

i get the feeling though that its a fault in the design of the sliders not in the bike. where are they mounted to on the front? are they designed specifically for the 300 or are they 250 sliders?

[leed]

What is the deal with Kawasaki having bad rubber suppliers/rubber choice?! My 06 SV's rubber bits [or at least what remains] are in good shape, where as my 09 250R's rubber pieces are.. well.. crumbling.