Squeeking / Chirping sound

[kturner37]

I have a 2004 Nomad and just had the 7500 mile service done on it. When I picked it up, it had a squeeking/chirping sound coming from what sounds like the front engine area. It sounds very similar to a squeeking fan belt on a car. The mechanics spent 4 more hours tightening things and called Kawasaki who told them to loosen and then re-tighten the heat shield bolts. That didn't work... and now they are telling me that it is the condenser box for the exhaust. They say the only thing that will stop the squeek is to replace my exhaust pipes with slips ons and do away with the condenser box. They say it's a common thing for Nomads. Are they just trying to screw me out of more money??? Anyone else have this problem???

Is this noise evident while the bike is moving, or when stopped, or both?

If it's the heatshields they'll be even worse on an aftermarket exhaust IMO. It's more of a "ticking" sound to me though, but mine do it like crazy when I shut the bike off hot.

Now some folks have had chirping noises from the fan. Does it only do it when the bike is hot? (Bear in mind the fan can run after you shut off the key.)

Did they do the driveshaft lube on the 7500 mile service? If so they likely took off the exhaust system. they might have damaged or lost one of the seals at the pre-muffler (goat's belly.) If they did, then overtightened a clamp to compensate, that might be what's squeeking, but it's directly under the seat. Not in the front of the bike.

[dank]

Mine makes a squeaking/chirping sound from somewhere down in the engine area sometimes at idle speed when I stop at lights. I have not been able to locate it. Only does it occasionally. It's an '06. Thought it might be the rubber gasket in the engine mounts, but they are tight. Can't even decide on anything else to check.

Some have reported that the left side air filter support bracket has cracked and made a chirping noise. You have to remove left cover, filter, and backing plate to see it.

[vulcanero03]

mine did the same, i lifted the fuel tank, cleaned up with water and soap the rubber insulators under the tank, on the frame tube, and the tank's mating area, and it went away,i think that dust accumulates on the rubber and it sort of "dries up" the rubber insulators. thus creating a vibrating/chirping noise. good luck!

Jesus Granados
La Verne,Ca
2003 nomad 66,000 miles and loving it!

[kturner37]

It is definitely a squeeking type noise and not a ticking. I have heard the exhaust pipes tick when hot after riding on all bikes I have owned so I assume that is normal. I do NOT hear it when sitting still at an idle... only when moving in the low end of each gear when the engine is shaking the most. It does it both when the bike is cold and after I have ridden it a few miles and warmed it up. The first day I rode it about 50 miles and it didn't go away.

Grab the gas tank and wiggle it around somewhat forcefully on it's rubber mounts. Did you hear anything? If so I'd do what Vulcanero did.

[kturner37]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll give them a try and see if something works.

[ringadingh]

Give all the areas with a rubber bushing a little silicone spray. Like motor mounts, tank grommets etc. See if that helps.