83 650 maxim: front wheel making an odd noise

Guys, I've got a strange noise coming from the front wheel. When I first get the bike moving there is no unusual noise to speak of. But at about 15 mph there is a quiet whirring noise that begins emanating from the wheel and it persists through all speeds. After the bike has run for about 5 minutes the whirring turns into a loud howl which persists through all speeds above 15mph, and I think it gets louder during braking but I'm not sure since engine noise is lower and the sound may just seem louder.

The bike is an 83 xj650 maxim.

What should I be looking at for a possible cause of this noise?

 

IN ORDER: The speedometer cable, the speedometer itself, the speedometer drive unit (at the axle,) front wheel bearings, a dragging brake caliper.

The first three can be easily diagnosed by disconnecting the speedo cable from the back of the instrument; if it stops, it's one of those.

 

Do any of the first three pose a safety hazard?

 

Not really. (Although it does help to have a working speedo.)

 

I had this sound on my Honda GL500 - it was a speedometer going bad.

Yours may be something different, but an easy check would be to unscrew the speedo cable, tape it in place, and ride.

 

Well, I've narrowed it down to being an instrumentation issue. Disconnected the speedo and rode for about 40 minutes, no sign of any whining or loud squealing.

Thanks guys.

 

Probably just needs a good clean and lube: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15303.html

 

Usually that 'howl' is what we call 'the death scream' for the guages on the xj700. When that starts, they will eventually give out. (mine hasn't yet.......only does that when it gets below 50 degree and I go above 55mph. If I stay under that it usually won't start screaming. But when it does start, I have to slow down to about 24 mph before it stops. When it finally stops, the speedo needle give a near imperceptible 'jump' and then I can speed back up with no scream until I get too fast.....or the temp gets up high enough that it doesn't do it anymore. I would assume that for you it is probably the same thing.

Since you've already narrowed it down to speedo/cable related, it's just a matter of finishing the isolation. Keep us posted.

dave f

 

It's not limited to the 700s; I've had THREE tachs (not all XJs have mechanical tachs) and one speedo start screaming at me on the 550s.

 

I'm hoping this is what's going on with the Maxim X I just got...

Sounds like the same issue, idles beautifully, whirl, whine, whistle, or whatever you want to call it starts when I get up around 10mph, seems to continue as i accelerate. Doesn't stop until I get down around 10mph again. The more I think about it the more sense it makes...just couldn't think of what would make that much noise near the headlight.

Thanks for the help guys!

 

Look along the Cable Run for places that the Cable Sheath may be touching.

Sometimes the Speedo Cable chafes the Headlight Bucket.
That's where you can add some Anti-chafing :: Noise Reduction measures.

Slice a Rubber Grommet on a Bias-cut and affix it to the Cable Sheath.
Secure the Grommet with Dental Floss to hold it on tightly.
Conceal the Thread with Black Nail Polish.

Make longer Anti-vibration Wraps.
Spiral-cut Vinyl Hose or Rubber Hose and wrap the Cable where it bends or contacts a Fender or Mount of any kind.

 

Thanks Rick, I'll have to give that a shot when I get out to the garage. I did pull the cable from the sheath, gave it a good lube, lubed the sheath as best I could (apparently I'm out of all spray lubes but wd), and that helped. Now it doesn't start screaming at 10 mph. To be honest I couldn't hear where it started, I know it was somewhere over 25 mph, and she was a 'howlin when I slowed back down (people down the street were looking at me funny :roll: ). Again, seems to stop around 10 mph.

I plan on re-lubing the cable :x , and if that doesn't do it I suppose I'll have to disassemble and lube the tach/spedo. Any chance I can just squirt some lube up there :lol: ? I really hate tearing into new shiny things...

As a side note, I noticed that when the front tire is off the ground the front brakes drag ever so slightly. The pads look near new, so I didn't worry about it too much, but then I saw what Fitz wrote...

Thanks for the input guys, things are slow moving between work and putting the garage in order, but I'll keep you posted!

 

If the Brakes are beginning to Bind.
And, the Pads are not "Chamfered".
The Front Rotor will screech and howl.

Overhaul the Caliper.
CLEAN the Caliper's MAIN Seal Channel to bare Aluminum.
Restore complete movement to the Caliper Piston.