Clutch noises - slippage maybe?

Geek_Law · Sep 10, 2008

Hi Guys:

I've only had my R3 for 2 months, its got just under 8K on it (2K of which is mine). Anyway, yesterday the bike began making this strange noise, sometimes an strong squeak, other times a lower scraping sound, but not grinding.

I'm pretty sure that I have it narrowed down to the clutch, since it does it commonly when accelerating, and if I maintain a certain RPM for a bit. It's not specific to any particular RPM though, and happens in all the gears, but seems most common in 2nd and 3rd.

Anyway, I'm sure others have worn through a clutch on this bike. Normally, I'm used to a clutch just slipping, and the RPMs mysteriously rising, but I haven't had them make noises.

Has anybody else experienced similar symptoms? Is 8,000 miles acceptable for a clutch to begin slipping?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

-SKH

140cubicinches · Sep 10, 2008

I did 30000 + miles and 5 metzeler tire on my 05 never had any problem with the clutch

But They did switch my sping clutch on my 08 when they did the infamous upgrade kit
Now the clutch lever is much harder to squeeze
http://www.r3owners.com/viewtopic.php?t ... t=infamous

redrum said:
Copied the packing list for the upgade kit today.
"Dealers are requested to carry out the following items"
a) replace the camshaft drive chain tentioner blades and crankshaft sprocket
b) replace clutch pressure springs
c) replace alternator bolt and washer
d) replace torsional damper shaft bearings and shaft outer cover
e) replace output shaft second gear and splined dog ring
replace output shaft third and fourth gear splined bushes and two splined washers with the shoulder splined bushes
replace the input shaft Bellville washers and thrust washer and insert a new shim adjacent to fifth gear and new output shaft nut
f) replace the detent arm
replace the gear position shaft
g) replace oil tank sealing washers
h) replace the fuel tank level sender and bracket
i) replace spark plugs and HT coils
j) modify the instrument harness and main harness
k) modify the ignition switch harness and main harness connector
l) all eals , gaskets and fixings included in kit

Geek_Law · Sep 10, 2008

Yeah, I'm more accustomed to "slippage" than any kind of a noise.

Good call on checking the clutch cable adjustment, its feasible that the way it is adjusted is effectively "riding" the clutch (e.g., not fully engaged), which could make a noise like that.

The story about the spring towers makes me nervous though. I can just picture a sea of metal shavings swimming in my oil pan.

I'll check the clutch adjustment tonight. If that doesn't solve it, I'll have to give serious thought to opening her up and replacing the plates, bolts and springs.

RiderRocketman · Sep 10, 2008

Do check cable adjustment as that could be a problem but for the squeaking/grinding kind of noises I would expect other parts of the clutch to be out of wack, not weak springs, unless your friction plates are so worn down that you're running metal on metal (doubt it cuz you would have severe slippage and noise).

Check this thread on possible problems with the clutch lifter parts...

Geek_Law · Sep 10, 2008

Hi RiderRocketMan:

Just read the whole thread that you recommended. Sounds like a clutch problem is quite feasible on my '05 rocket, despite the low miles.

I'll start with the clutch adjustment just to rule that out for sure. Otherwise, I'm gonna have to look into Nev's clutch, the '06 replacement parts/hack, and the other system recommended.

Somebody else mentioned the squealing, which is a good descriptive term for what I am experiencing.

I'm still open to input, but all signs are pointing to bum clutch parts.

Geek_Law · Sep 11, 2008

Hi DavidsonB:

Holy cow! You live just 40 miles from me. Anyway, what you are describing sounds exactly like my problem. I rode over 80 miles today, and the problem got worse than yesterday, but then stabilized, at a disturbing level, but no longer getting worse.

I'm convinced that it is a clutch problem, but hearing your story, I'm questioning myself.

Anyway, I did try the clutch adjustment as recommended by Rocket, but that's definitely not the problem. I think I'm going to get all new clutch parts, or get an after market clutch (anyone know where to find Nev's? I searched, but could not find it) take it apart and install those, just to verify for sure that I don't, or do, have a clutch problem.

Stay tuned ... I'll post more when I know more.

I'm still interested in various suggestions and theories. On the way home tonight, I decided the sound is similar to a robotic beaver chewing on bolts ... if that helps :? Yeah ... that doesn't help much, does it?

-SKH

RiderRocketman · Sep 11, 2008

geek and david, hate to tell ya but some people have intermittent squealing noises which turned out to be a disintegrating torsional dampener bearing. I wouldn't be taking long trips before getting it checked, which requires at least a partial teardown. Good luck!

Geek_Law · Sep 11, 2008

RiderRocketman said:
geek and david, hate to tell ya but some people have intermittent squealing noises which turned out to be a disintegrating torsional dampener bearing. I wouldn't be taking long trips before getting it checked, which requires at least a partial teardown. Good luck!

Arrrggg!!! Not good news. :?

Geek_Law · Sep 21, 2008

davidsonb said:
Hey, Geek, was wondering if you've found out for sure what the problem is...davidsonb

Funny you ask. I was gonna post a follow up. I spent literally 6 hours today taking apart the bike (radiator, then water pump, then clutch cover, ugh). Inspected the clutch, plates, springs, separator thingy (whatever its called), and so forth. And then of course, the joys of putting it back together having accomplished absolutely nothing.

In any case, I can now say that it is NOT the clutch. So I don't know what the problem is. Maybe its the "torsional dampener bearing" like Rocket said. I wouldn't even know where to begin with such a problem, I've exhausted the extent of my know how.

I called the dealer. I'm taking the bike in next week and leaving it with them. Who knows if I'll ever see it again. I suppose that will depend on the extent of the damage.

I was very excited about my new rocket, and now, at least for the time being, I've drifted into the group of very unhappy rocket owners :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Yes, those are tears.

Geek_Law · Oct 3, 2008

Geek_Law said:
RiderRocketman said:

geek and david, hate to tell ya but some people have intermittent squealing noises which turned out to be a disintegrating torsional dampener bearing. I wouldn't be taking long trips before getting it checked, which requires at least a partial teardown. Good luck!

Click to expand...

Arrrggg!!! Not good news. :?

RiderRocketMan:

Well, I am impressed. I heard back from the dealer yesterday. They said that they think the problem is the front torsional dampener bearing. You called it! I never mentioned this theory to them either, only telling them that I was fairly confident that it was not a problem with the clutch, in accordance with my inspection.

I told them that other people have had this problem, and that I would expect Triumph to step up and make good on this issue.

They are seeing what they can do. It looks like the parts cost about $500.00 and the labor will be about 8 hours, so around $700.00.

We'll see what progresses.

-SKH

Clutch noises - slippage maybe?

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