Author Topic: Clunking noise from front sprocket area.  (Read 1739 times)

Offline Bradders

  • SOHC Member
  • Posts: 215
    • View Profile
Clunking noise from front sprocket area.
« on: April 21, 2019, 11:21:25 PM »
Evening all. Have just pushed my bike into the garage after riding home from work and have noticed a clunking noise that appears to come from the front sprocket area. When I push it backwards it doesn’t make the noise at all.  Any ideas what it might be? ( hope it’s not bad news🙁)

Offline Clem2112

  • Midlife
  • SOHC Expert
  • Posts: 282
  • CB400F1 1976 R1200GS 2016 Matchless G80 1955
    • View Profile
Re: Clunking noise from front sprocket area.
« Reply #1 on: April 21, 2019, 11:25:18 PM »
Chain hitting the swingarm at the front?
Check the free play in the lower run.

Offline Bradders

  • SOHC Member
  • Posts: 215
    • View Profile
Re: Clunking noise from front sprocket area.
« Reply #2 on: April 21, 2019, 11:59:41 PM »
Have checked the free play Clem2112 and seems about right at 20 mm at the tightest point.

Offline taysidedragon

  • SOHC Master
  • Posts: 1318
    • View Profile
Re: Clunking noise from front sprocket area.
« Reply #3 on: April 22, 2019, 12:40:12 AM »
Check the front sprocket plate and bolts. The bolts may be loose. 😯
Gareth

1977 CB400F
1965 T100SS

Offline Clem2112

  • Midlife
  • SOHC Expert
  • Posts: 282
  • CB400F1 1976 R1200GS 2016 Matchless G80 1955
    • View Profile
Re: Clunking noise from front sprocket area.
« Reply #4 on: April 22, 2019, 06:59:20 AM »
Rear sprocket also floats slightly on the rubber dampers, is there excessive play here?
Also look at the front/rear alignment of the sprockets.
Were all three items renewed as a set, a worn sprocket might make more noise on a new chain.

Offline Rob62

  • SOHC Pro
  • Posts: 889
  • ZZR1100D9, CB750K4, RD250F, NSR250MC21, RD350YPVS
    • View Profile
Re: Clunking noise from front sprocket area.
« Reply #5 on: April 22, 2019, 07:27:52 AM »
Check everything out as above, but it may just be a normal sound of the chain on the sprocket, some bikes do.... maybe a bit of chain lube will help

Offline Bradders

  • SOHC Member
  • Posts: 215
    • View Profile
Re: Clunking noise from front sprocket area.
« Reply #6 on: April 22, 2019, 09:31:10 AM »
Thanks for your replies guys. Is the front sprocket easy to access so I can check?  I’m not much of a mechanic!

Offline mike the bike

  • SOHC Jedi
  • Posts: 2652
  • CB400F, Royal Enfield Interceptor.
    • View Profile
Re: Clunking noise from front sprocket area.
« Reply #7 on: April 22, 2019, 10:14:39 AM »
Remove the gear change linkage (10mm spanner), Remove 4 x screws,  pull off cover et voila, there's the sprocket.   Check it's not worn.
Where's that 10mm socket got to?

Offline Bradders

  • SOHC Member
  • Posts: 215
    • View Profile
Re: Clunking noise from front sprocket area.
« Reply #8 on: April 22, 2019, 10:23:02 AM »
Thanks very much. Shall have a look when I get home from work tonight.

Offline hairygit

  • SOHC Jedi
  • Posts: 2708
    • View Profile
Re: Clunking noise from front sprocket area.
« Reply #9 on: April 22, 2019, 10:51:55 AM »
Also check the entire chain length for a stiff or seized link, it makes an awful sound if you have one. I had an "O" ring chain seize a link on my 750F1 many years ago, took ages to finally find what the problem was. Have never used an "O" ring chain since!
If it's got tits or wheels, it's hassle, if it's got both, RUN!!!

Offline Bradders

  • SOHC Member
  • Posts: 215
    • View Profile
Re: Clunking noise from front sprocket area.
« Reply #10 on: April 22, 2019, 11:40:08 AM »
Have just oiled the chain and seems quite a bit better but will check the sprocket tonight. Thanks for your advice.

Offline Nurse Julie

  • 1977 CB550/4 Mongrel Brat. 1974 UK 500/4 K1. Honda CD250u.
  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 8206
    • View Profile
Re: Clunking noise from front sprocket area.
« Reply #11 on: April 22, 2019, 12:39:13 PM »
Sounds like typical seized/ dry links, check the whole chain to make sure all links are free and use plenty if good quality chain lube. It may even be a bit of grit or gravel causing it to not bend properly around the sprocket.
LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give 10% discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

LINK TO MY CB400/4 ENGINE STRIP / ASSESSMENT AND REBUILD...NOW COMPLETE
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14049.msg112691/topicseen.html#new

Offline billywingnut

  • SOHC Associate
  • Posts: 56
    • View Profile
Re: Clunking noise from front sprocket area.
« Reply #12 on: April 22, 2019, 07:42:47 PM »
Is your chain catching the chainguard?

Offline Bradders

  • SOHC Member
  • Posts: 215
    • View Profile
Re: Clunking noise from front sprocket area.
« Reply #13 on: April 24, 2019, 09:09:00 PM »
Evening. Checked the front and rear sprockets and all seemed fine ( to my untrained eye). Also gave the chain a good oil. Seems quite a bit better, maybe will completely stop the noise when the oil works it’s way in more. Anyway thanks for all your advice.

Offline Trigger

  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 8434
  • Engines built on reputation, not advertising.
    • View Profile
Re: Clunking noise from front sprocket area.
« Reply #14 on: April 24, 2019, 10:04:34 PM »
Check that the sprocket bolts are not too long and that it is not a o ring or x ring chain  ;)

 

SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal