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Author Topic: Strange noise when coasting on my new FXE  (Read 2450 times)

Bodo

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Strange noise when coasting on my new FXE
« on: June 18, 2023, 04:47:40 PM »
I have a noise that wasn't there before. It's most intense when coasting; not so much when accelerating.

The attached sound file was recorded when rolling down a hill with the engine switched off.

Where to look for more clues for the source?
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LeverCommaJohn

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Re: Strange noise when coasting on my new FXE
« Reply #1 on: June 18, 2023, 05:51:15 PM »
You might try removing the belt and free wheeling downhill to determine if it's a wheel bearing, motor bearing, or if the belt itself is rubbing on the sprocket. Sometimes, under acceleration, the belt will want to move to one side of the pulley, and under deceleration, it will naturally want to move to the other. An examination of the belt alignment and tension may sort that out.
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Specter

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Re: Strange noise when coasting on my new FXE
« Reply #2 on: June 18, 2023, 07:09:24 PM »
Given the freq of the noise id go with motor area, like something is rubbing maybe.
If it was a bearing, if it got that bad you should be able to feel that Id think.

Aaron
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Curt

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Re: Strange noise when coasting on my new FXE
« Reply #3 on: June 19, 2023, 07:34:29 AM »
Do you have a stand to put it on (or a friend's)? If you can spin the rear wheel manually you might hear whether the noise is coming from the motor or wheel. Or have a friend lever the rear wheel off the ground using the side stand.
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Richard230

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Re: Strange noise when coasting on my new FXE
« Reply #4 on: June 19, 2023, 07:06:07 PM »
A cheap mechanic's stethoscope will help you locate the sound of the noise if you can hear it as you rotate the wheel. They can be purchased at any auto accessory store and also likely on Amazon, too.
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DonTom

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Re: Strange noise when coasting on my new FXE
« Reply #5 on: June 19, 2023, 10:10:37 PM »
Quote from: Richard230 on June 19, 2023, 07:06:07 PM
A cheap mechanic's stethoscope will help you locate the sound of the noise if you can hear it as you rotate the wheel. They can be purchased at any auto accessory store and also likely on Amazon, too.
Such as shown here.


-Don-  Auburn, CA
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Bodo

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Re: Strange noise when coasting on my new FXE
« Reply #6 on: June 20, 2023, 02:36:18 PM »
Thank you all for the pointers.

It appears that the noise comes from the motor sprocket: it is loose, I can wiggle it along the axis. The sprocket retaining screw looks like it doesn't wiggle with it; ie. the bearings might be ok. My guess is the screw became loose - I can see the white marking on the screw; but not on the sprocket tophat, as it is covered in brown dust.

I've sent a video of the loose sprocket to ownersupport@zeromotorcycles.com, and await their advice as the bike is still in the warranty period.
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