[ltbauzo68]

Hi - a couple of months back I became the proud owner of a 2016 Thruxton 1200 R. Due to weather and work I have only managed to ride around 150 miles on it and the total on the bike is now 9450 miles. I bought this w/out much history from the triumph dealer here in San Jose.
I am noticing that while moving the bike in the garage there is a more and more pronounce squeaking/creaking noise coming from the front wheel. I made nothing of it initially but I think it is getting worse.
I am uploading a very small audio file (just rename from .pdf to .m4a): that is the noise produced as I move the bike back and forth in the garage (1 meter back and 1 meter forth). I am reading it could be bearing, brakes, speedo wires (?)..
Any ideas welcome. Many thanks..

 

[Spc]

Check the ABS sensor on the front wheel. There is the retaining bolt and a washer, when reassembling the logical sequence is bolt ,washer, sensor BUT the washer is actually a shim that goes between the sensor and the fork to give clearance, if it has been assembled incorrectly the sensor will rub slightly giving the noise you describe.
I know all this because I made the mistake myself !! Don't worry about any damage to the sensor, the contact is so slight it will be fine.
Steve.

 

[Rancidpegwoman]

Hi
I could not view your video.
It might be prudent to check the spoke tension of your wheel spokes, they can go from creaking to collapse in quite a short time.
If you start at the air valve, a quick check is to lift the wheel off the ground then tap each spoke on in turn with a piece of metal (small spanner), they should all produce a bright ringing note, not a dull thud.
If you are satisfied that is not the spokes, then you will be able to look further in confidence.

regards
Peg.

 

[dUb-T120]

I would remove the speed sensor (as described by SPC above) and repeat. Look closely for any zip ties or other small objects that might be contacting the wheel.

If you need a shop to check it out, call Sean at The Undealership The Undealership | Specialize in but, not limited to BMW and Triumph motorcycles in Redwood City.

 

[ltbauzo68]

First off I wanted to thank you all for your replies!
I just went down to the bike today and the noise has gone.
Thinking back I only seem to get the noise after I take the bike out. That must mean something..
In any case I will try out the investigation after my next ride when the noise will probably come back.

 

[Nigel Pinchley]

Sounds like organic pads rubbing the disk and gone away after the brakes cooled down. Maybe the pistons are getting a bit stuck in the calipers due to light corrosion.

 

[tsmgguy]

Just to be of the safe side I'd raise the front wheel off of the floor and check things out. Being careful not to pull the bike off of whatever stand you're using, rotate the front wheel in both directions and listen. Also push and pull on the wheel, and attempt to tilt it. Try to move the wheel and the legs from side to side. There should be no movement. Make sure there's no movement in the steering head.

These are things I do any time I've removed the front wheel, like to have a new tire mounted. Use the torque settings specified in the Haynes manual for your bike.

 

[ltbauzo68]

Hi everyone. I just used the bike again and got the front wheel on a stand. The wheel is moving but not freely, feels as if someone is applying some breaking at all times. Wheel not moving freely..it is not as noisy (or perhaps I am kind of getting used to it). Any ideas?

 

[JimBoy]

I would check the brake pads, make sure the caliper pistons are moving smoothly, not stuck. See if the brake pads are wearing evenly each side. Make sure the fender hardware is tight. Look to see if anything is rubbing down there.

 

[ltbauzo68]

Thanks Jimboy, one of the pads is v low and the fluid looks dark (old). I will replace the pads and the fluid, I suspect rust/dirt and the longer ride because of the lower pad is preventing one or more of the pistons from fully retracting. If anyone has any suggestions on the pads let me know. Cheers..

 

[Rancidpegwoman]

Thanks Jimboy, one of the pads is v low and the fluid looks dark (old). I will replace the pads and the fluid, I suspect rust/dirt and the longer ride because of the lower pad is preventing one or more of the pistons from fully retracting. If anyone has any suggestions on the pads let me know. Cheers..

You will need to pop the pistons out of the caliper and clean the piston/ caliper thoroughly. It might be dirt or it might be corrosion in there. You can replace the seals but I have found that they are usually OK to reuse as long as you don’t damage them removing the pistons.
Just replacing the pads will probably see you back in the same position in 6 months.

If you are happy with the braking feel, then replace with standard, If you want more ‘bite’ to your braking then EBC brand ‘EE’ rated pads are powerful.

good luck
Peg

 

[Nigel Pinchley]

Piston/cylinder corrosion was always the culprit on many of my bike's rear brakes. I usually clean them up after pumping the pistons almost all the way out and apply silicone grease to keep moisture out. Never had a reoccurring problem after doing that.