Click Clack in the Front? Getting Worse

**Shardy** · 09-26-2013, 07:21 PM

For the past week or so I have been hearing a clanking noise getting louder and louder. It's in the front. I've got just over 27K on the 08 Nomad. Just put a new tire on the front last weekend (didn't change the noise any) and did the 25K service a couple of months back including cam chain extensions. Also, greased the steering head. Engine is running fine. Sitting still and revving the engine does not produce the sound. I am also now noticing a whining sound when I down shift. Just looked at the brakes and they look O.K. I've got new pads on hand so I am going to go ahead and put new brakes on the front. Sounds kind of like a belt buckle slapping around. Any ideas, or do I just ride until something breaks? Should there be any looseness or rattle in the brake calipers? Sure would appreciate your thoughts.

redjay · 09-26-2013, 07:37 PM

Are you sure it is not electrical connectors in the headlight bucket ?

**Shardy** · 09-26-2013, 07:59 PM

Doesn't seem like that. But, I can take a look. It's been a while since I was inside the light. Would the sound keep getting worse?

smbke · 09-27-2013, 10:28 AM

Does the noise stop when you apply the front brakes? Possibly a rattling brake pad?

**a340driver** · 09-27-2013, 04:14 PM

Worn stem bearings?

**Shardy** · 09-27-2013, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smbke

Does the noise stop when you apply the front brakes? Possibly a rattling brake pad?

I'm thinking it could be the brake pads. I'll know when I change them out over the weekend. But how can they rattle? Don't the pistons take up any slack? The pads on it now are worn, but not worn out.

**Shardy** · 09-27-2013, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a340driver

Worn stem bearings?

Wouldn't I get some shimmy when I take my hands off the handlebars during deceleration if the stem bearings are worn?

redjay · 09-27-2013, 09:35 PM

Not always.

BigRat · 09-27-2013, 11:34 PM

Can you safely lift the front end of the bike? If so, sit in front of the front wheel and grab ahold of it and see if there is any play to and fro.

? just throwing it out there ?

**Top Cat** · 09-28-2013, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shardy

Sounds kind of like a belt buckle slapping around. .

It is your guardian bell bouncing around in the wind as you ride.

**Shardy** · 09-28-2013, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top Cat

It is your guardian bell bouncing around in the wind as you ride.

O.K., I give. What's a guardian bell?!

BigRat · 09-28-2013, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shardy

O.K., I give. What's a guardian bell?!

(Not mine)

**glwilson** · 09-29-2013, 07:58 AM

http://www.silverbacktriker.com/guardian-bell.html

Read above link for a simple explanation...

Unless the bell has lost it's "ringer/clacker", it would ring instead of "clack". However, some will eventually have that happen and bang-around underneath.

Your problem doesn't sound like though...

**ringadingh** · 09-29-2013, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redjay

Are you sure it is not electrical connectors in the headlight bucket ?

Thats what I was thinking as well, especially if its a random noise.
If it was the front wheel you would expect it to be a regular sound, coming each revolution.

**Shardy** · 09-29-2013, 01:43 PM

Well, changed the front brakes, checked the front end and front wheel, checked inside the headlight and I've still got the banging noise. I think it almost has to be internal. Can something bang around in the clutch or transmission? Seems to be more on the left side, but Im not sure. Any more ideas?

09-26-2013, 07:21 PM	#1
Shardy Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 115	Click Clack in the Front? Getting Worse For the past week or so I have been hearing a clanking noise getting louder and louder. It's in the front. I've got just over 27K on the 08 Nomad. Just put a new tire on the front last weekend (didn't change the noise any) and did the 25K service a couple of months back including cam chain extensions. Also, greased the steering head. Engine is running fine. Sitting still and revving the engine does not produce the sound. I am also now noticing a whining sound when I down shift. Just looked at the brakes and they look O.K. I've got new pads on hand so I am going to go ahead and put new brakes on the front. Sounds kind of like a belt buckle slapping around. Any ideas, or do I just ride until something breaks? Should there be any looseness or rattle in the brake calipers? Sure would appreciate your thoughts. __________________ Steve 08 Marine Blue Nomad 05 Suzuki C50 (sometimes missed) 63 Honda 250 Scrambler (really missed) Login or Register to Remove Ads
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09-26-2013, 07:59 PM	#3
Shardy Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 115	Doesn't seem like that. But, I can take a look. It's been a while since I was inside the light. Would the sound keep getting worse? __________________ Steve 08 Marine Blue Nomad 05 Suzuki C50 (sometimes missed) 63 Honda 250 Scrambler (really missed)
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09-27-2013, 10:28 AM	#4
smbke Advanced Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 809	Does the noise stop when you apply the front brakes? Possibly a rattling brake pad? __________________ Las Vegas, Nv VBA #02107 2003 Vulcan Nomad 1500 1980 Yamaha Seca 750 (past) 1969 Kawasaki 350 (past) 1967 Pannonia T8 250 (past) 1971 Honda 100 Twin (past)
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09-27-2013, 04:14 PM	#5
a340driver Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Langley B.C. Posts: 516	Worn stem bearings? __________________ JET-LAG Login or Register to Remove Ads
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09-29-2013, 07:58 AM	#13
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	http://www.silverbacktriker.com/guardian-bell.html Read above link for a simple explanation... Unless the bell has lost it's "ringer/clacker", it would ring instead of "clack". However, some will eventually have that happen and bang-around underneath. Your problem doesn't sound like though... __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417
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09-26-2013, 07:37 PM	#2
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,942	Are you sure it is not electrical connectors in the headlight bucket ?
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09-27-2013, 09:35 PM	#8
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,942	Not always.
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09-27-2013, 11:34 PM	#9
BigRat Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 430	Can you safely lift the front end of the bike? If so, sit in front of the front wheel and grab ahold of it and see if there is any play to and fro. ? just throwing it out there ?
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09-29-2013, 01:43 PM	#15
Shardy Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 115	Still Making Noise Well, changed the front brakes, checked the front end and front wheel, checked inside the headlight and I've still got the banging noise. I think it almost has to be internal. Can something bang around in the clutch or transmission? Seems to be more on the left side, but Im not sure. Any more ideas? __________________ Steve 08 Marine Blue Nomad 05 Suzuki C50 (sometimes missed) 63 Honda 250 Scrambler (really missed)
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