Triumphrat

pumpkinhead456

Evening all!
My 05 Tiger has developed a rumble at the front end. I initially thought it may be wheel bearings as it has done 17,500 miles, the noise increases with speed, and it has that low rumbley wheel bearing sound.
So I got the bike up on the centre stand and a jack under my crash bar to free up the front wheel.
I can't detect any obvious play in the bearing, however when I turned the wheel slowly there was a proper squeak when a 3" section of disc passed through the brake pads.
Firstly, do you think this squeak will be causing the noise when moving and secondly, what's causing the squeak in the first place?!?
Shall I remove the front wheel and check the bearings anyway, and if I am doing that should I just replace them? Many thanks for your time!

miker

Punkin you don't say whether you have replaced the brake pads at all?

My best suggestion would be to
1) Remove the calipers whilst it's up in the air,
2) Check the brake pads to see if there is any braking material left.
3) Then spin the wheel. If you don't detect any noises, or freeplay in the wheel side to side, then your bearings are going to be fine.
4) Take care with the speedo drive and that it's not fouled up in any way.
5) Replace the pads if they look like there isn't much left on them. Taking care to clean the pistons where they will need to be pushed back into the caliper bores.

If it's squeaky when you put the new pads into the calipers and back on the forks, you know where you stand.

I'd find it hard to believe front bearings are worn enough after 17,500 miles, unless the tyre fitter really screwed up on tightening the axle nuts.

Mick

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pumpkinhead456

Sound advice!
I done exactly what you suggested and can detect no plan with the bearings. The pads are a-ok for just now, a good few mills on each of them. So I guess my front end rumble might not the front end!
I will give the chain a good oil, check the engine oil etc and see what's what!

Thanks again,

Greg