Final drive or wheel bearing

[Moogus]

Hi all,

Fired the beast up today and whilst on tick over, on the centre stand, put it into 1st gear. Was initially alarmed by all the Ktrac warnings that came up on the dash but then noticed (heard) a faint knock/grinding sound coming from the back of the bike.

I've never run the bike, in gear on the main stand before, let alone in the garage, so have never heard the wheel just rotating with no load. I shut the bike off and rotated the rear wheel. I heard a very slight 'knock' coming from the wheel but couldn't determine whether it was coming from the final drive or the wheel itself.

I drained the shaft oil (filthy black/grey) and renewed, the same sound was still there...along with the usual brake pad rub.

Can anyone suggest what this might be? either final drive starting to grind (32000 miles, 2011) or rear wheel bearing needing replacing? ....or something else?

Bike has not been ridden since October so contemplating giving it a run and seeing if noise goes away.

What do you think?

Many thanks

[Lonewolf]

I think this is to do with the splines which need greasing? Its a good few years since I've owned a GTR but that seems to ring a bell.

[Lonewolf]

If I'm right, have a look at this thread. 

https://www.gtr1400.co.uk/forums/index.php/topic,4264.msg58751.html#msg58751

[O.C.]

 Moly grease is suitable for splines, and shouldn't be over used. 

[flatfour]

I had the same noise on my GTR a few years ago, although wheel rotated by hand only. The dealer said that the drive shaft splines needed lubricating (7,500 miles from new) however, on dismantling it was found that the bearings within the drive shaft were spinning in their housing and a new shaft was needed.

Fortunately it was replaced under warranty, as even then (2014) the assembly cost some £2,200 plus fitting.

The dealer did say that Kawasaki had only reported two similar failures in the European market in the past, so quite rare at least!

[Moogus]

I'll be taking the rear wheel off next week so, perhaps, I'll go a bit further and do the splines.

Having looked at Kwiks photos...is it not possible to squeeze moly in there without having to remove the shaft?

[BigAlan]

Not that I can remember, I used to remove the rear wheel annually and pop the diff off to lube everything, it's not to big a job but get the right grease, and change the dif oil regularly, I used to change all the fluids every 4k

[Boomer]

You need to use 60% moly, not just regular moly grease as that will end up spattered all over the rear wheel. The 60% stuff is much thicker, but also pricey.
Don't forget that shaft mechanisms always have some slop in them and that can lead to unexpected noises when running it with no load on the rear wheel.

[O.C.]

You need to use 60% moly, not just regular moly grease as that will end up spattered all over the rear wheel. The 60% stuff is much thicker, but also pricey.
Don't forget that shaft mechanisms always have some slop in them and that can lead to unexpected noises when running it with no load on the rear wheel.

 

I think that Honda supply such grease which as George correctly points out is expensive

[Lonewolf]

I think that Honda supply such grease which as George correctly points out is expensive

Many years ago after Asif regreased his splines I purchased some Honda Moly paste fully intending to grease up my shaft. 

I never got round to it and I have a funny feeling that only earlier this year I chucked the stuff away while having a garage clear out. I'll have a look tomorrow, if I find it you can certainly have it.

[O.C.]

Coincidentally some years ago I was given some Honda Moly Paste (from 2Kwacks I think)

I don't have it anymore otherwise you could have had it

Unfortunately this isn't helping Moogus, but I guess its  providing some degree of entertainment,
along with Steve greasing his shaft (the mind boggles)      

[Nitty Gritty]

I use Loctite Moly paste, did the splines amongst all the major service items, changed hoses, plugs etc. Had a short shake down ride today, can't stop grinning, it's what's been missing.

[Lonewolf]

I use Loctite Moly paste, did the splines amongst all the major service items, changed hoses, plugs etc. Had a short shake down ride today, can't stop grinning, it's what's been missing.

I've been pondering whether it would be okay to go for a ride to blow the cobwebs off for the last few days but we've had a mixture of heavy rain and today, very high winds which I think we're going to have tomorrow too. I desperately need to go for a ride, it doesn't even need to be far. Fingers crossed on Monday Boris will relax some restrictions that might allow me to for a ride without fear of feeling guilty or worse still, being fined by some over enthusiastic plod.

[O.C.]

I think a few of us are awaiting Boris' announcement tomorrow, I know I am     

[Tynesidebob]

BMW stopped recommending the molly60, they replaced it with Castrol Optimol T.