noisy front end - Ducati.ms

freezer16801 · Sep 19th, 2009, 11:37 am

has anyone encountered any noise coming from the front end of their bike? I can describe it as a creaking bed sound. My girlfriend seems to think that it is plastic rubbing against something. This sound has gotten progressively worse for the past few months. It started with a single creek during quick suspension action and now is a steady creak as if it was sexy time on an old bed.

I can try to record a video and post it on youtube if it will be helpful.

I am a fairly good DIY guy and generally do all my own maitenance. But, I am at a loss with this issue.

The bike is a standard model 08.

AZ_Scott · Sep 19th, 2009, 1:07 pm

You're just going to have to start removing bodywork and other non-critical parts until the noise goes away, or becomes obvious.

My guess, based upon your description, would be hoses or cables rubbing somewhere. Try bouncing the front end with the bars at different angles and see if the noise disappears at some bar positions...

maloneysforever · Sep 19th, 2009, 1:24 pm

I have heard of noise coming from the front fenders. The fix is removing the bolts and puting in a rubber/nylon washer in to insulate it.

johnchypermotard · Sep 19th, 2009, 3:20 pm

is this noise only heard when the front brakes are applied?

if yes, suggest you look at the pads before you start taking plastic bits off ... imho, a lot faster and easier to inspect and fix than removing body bits and installing washers.

if not when brakes are applied, then start pulling plastic bits

minusone · Sep 19th, 2009, 3:54 pm

My streetrod develops a creaking sound when the steering head bearings become loose. In initial stages it is undetectable by hand rocking the forks.

.... Just put it down more softly when you wheelie!

freezer16801 · Sep 19th, 2009, 7:03 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnchypermotard

is this noise only heard when the front brakes are applied?

if yes, suggest you look at the pads before you start taking plastic bits off ... imho, a lot faster and easier to inspect and fix than removing body bits and installing washers.

if not when brakes are applied, then start pulling plastic bits

it isn't dependant on the brakes. I can hear it as I hit bumps while riding. I can really hear it as I rock the front up and down with the brakes squeezed.

freezer16801 · Sep 19th, 2009, 7:05 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by minusone

My streetrod develops a creaking sound when the steering head bearings become loose. In initial stages it is undetectable by hand rocking the forks.

.... Just put it down more softly when you wheelie!

I thought of the steering head bearings. The bike has less than 5500 miles on it and I don't do that many wheelies.

PedroHM · Sep 20th, 2009, 4:27 am

if its a clunk under breaking and then another clunk when you gas it I bet you $100 that you installed some frame sliders and did not grease the bolt or you have a dry engine bolt.

took a ducati race tech a few goes to suss that one out for me. we were sure it was head bearings too.

freezer16801 · Sep 20th, 2009, 11:02 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by PedroHM

if its a clunk under breaking and then another clunk when you gas it I bet you $100 that you installed some frame sliders and did not grease the bolt or you have a dry engine bolt.

took a ducati race tech a few goes to suss that one out for me. we were sure it was head bearings too.

it isn't really a thump but a a crack. kind of the sound that it would make as if your forks were slipping in the triples.

I took off all of the plastic on the front end with no change.

The sliders make a lot of sense. it does sound like it could be coming from the front fork sliders. I also have engine sliders. I will be greasing them tomorrow to see if that is the culprit. I hope so, because I am taking it to the dealer on tuesday if I can't find the problem.

Antigrav · Sep 20th, 2009, 11:48 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by freezer16801

it isn't really a thump but a a crack. kind of the sound that it would make as if your forks were slipping in the triples.

I took off all of the plastic on the front end with no change.

The sliders make a lot of sense. it does sound like it could be coming from the front fork sliders. I also have engine sliders. I will be greasing them tomorrow to see if that is the culprit. I hope so, because I am taking it to the dealer on tuesday if I can't find the problem.

My front axel bolt was loose. Try that... It was so loose that I could turn it will my fingers. It was making the noise during the ride the week before, a clunk and a small clinky clunk...so I decided to check everything... spent 20 minutes jacking around and still heard a clunk when I turned the bars back and forth... well I finally reach for the axel nut and it turned with my fingers...