Found the Chirpy Squeek Finally!

[ringadingh]

Ive had my bike out now for a couple weeks, and over the winter it developed a squeek somewhere in the front that has been very annoying to me while riding. I looked at a few things to no avail. After yesterdays 160 mile ride I figured I couldn't live with this all season so I set my sights on finding it.
I know a few others here have had squeeks that they couldn't find as well, so now theres another couple things I found that you can check to see if it is a cure for your bike as well.

I started with the easy stuff checking to dee if anything was loose or rattling around the brakes and forks, all looked well.

Then I removed my outer fairing and checked the wires for the stereo, they looked ok but I put a couple zip ties just in case. I found two loose bolts that hold my inner fairing to the forks and figured I found the problem. Tightened them up and went for a test ride, Squeek was still there.

Then I opened the headlight bucket and looked in there but all seemed fine, used another zip tie anyways. Another test ride and it still squeeked.

I looked at the rad and the screen in front of it. The screen looked like it could vibrate a bit so I jammed a peice of small rubber tubing in between the screen and the top of the rad.
The grommets that support the rad at the bottom looked a little loose and allowed the rad to move a bit, when I wiggled the rad, it made the same squeek so I thought I finally found the problem.
I used some silicone grease on the grommets to lubricate the rubber and another couple zip, ties this secured the rad.
I was sure I was done but after another run around the block it was still chirping away. Now I don't care if the bike is pulled apart all over the driveway, Im not giving up yet.

The next thing I checked was the wires on the LH side, right at the fork bearings where they go under the tank, I added a couple more zip ties and went for another test ride.
It still squeeked!

I figured it must be under the tank, since Ive checked everything else, so I pulled the tank off. Everything again looked ok but I added a couple zip ties anyways just to make sure on some wiring under there. Then I greased the two rubber grommets and the two rubber pads that support the tank on the frame with the silicone grease. I installed the tank, then again greased the grommets that hold my speedometer and housing.
I went for another test ride and this time the squeek was gone at last!

Im sure it was the rubber grommets that support the gas tank on the frame that caused this, the rubber must dry out over time and the dust that builds up under there finally causes all these squeeks and chirps. After a fifty mile ride it was all quite except for the engine and exhaust. Im happy once again.

[phred]

What an ordeal. Glad you found it and fixed it.

[pirate]

Good for you! It's always nice to figure out those little quirks that can drive you nuts!

[cactusjack]

I'd bet if I looked up "persistence" in the dictionary, your picture would be next to it. Good job.

[Cajunrider]

Patience is a virtue. And it's one of the virtues I'm lacking. Great work!

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Ring, I'm glad you stuck with it until you figured it out. Congratulations on a job well done.

[Bdog]

Ring..thanks for finding my probably new squeek that has yet to appear. These little things just piss us right off eh..way to go...John

[kenb]

Now you have an idea what a technician at any vehicle dealer goes through when a customer brings in their vehicle stating "I have this squeak". Then they think it should be something simple because THEY know where the squeak is coming from. Buzzes, squeaks, and rattles aint fun.

[ringadingh]

It took me about four hours of trying to find the problem, but to me it was well worth it because now it won't be driving me nuts when Im on the bike for the next few months.
The last couple weeks were quite annoying living with that noise.
It wasn't that loud but just a real nuisance while riding.

[trip]

I had the same squeek, but mine was on the front exhaust head. On stock headers, Kawa uses radiator hose clamps to hold the guards on all along the exhaust system. Several of the clamps had come loose and was vibrating at about 2,400 RPM.

Glad you found yours, Ring.

[Idaho]

Way to go Ring. That must have been one very annoying squeek. I'm happy for ya.

[dantama]

Wish you had found that 10 years ago. On my 99 I had that squeak, and I knew it had to do with the tank because when I'd put a hand under the tank seem and lift, the squeak went away.

I looked at everything under the tank like you did trying to find what it was. Didn't think of lubricating the rubber stops. I had about 50,000 miles of that squeak off and on.

[Yellow Jacket]

Way to go Ring! Good info to remember.

The only thing more annoying than squeaks are those sorry intermittent bugs!!!! Drive me crazy. :(" title="" border="0"/> :(" title="" border="0"/>

[VulcanE]

Glad to hear it Ring. When I had my tank off to do the install of my electronic cruise control, after I finished, I went for a test ride, and had a "Chirpy Squeak". When I got back home, I saw a rubber isolator laying on the floor. It was one of the ones that the front of the tank slides onto when you re-install the tank. Guess I knocked it off. I removed the tank, and used weather strip adhesive to put it back on the frame with, both of them, and have had no more squeaks.

[landman]

the nice thing about being 63 and a lifelong gun enthusiast is the
fact that i don't hear any squeaks or rattles on my nomad.