A Chirping Noise Harley Evo Discuss A Chirping Noise in the Motorcycles forums; I have a 1993 Electra Glide Classic and starting last fall I noticed a chirp sound everytime I backed off on the throttle while running down the the road. It ...

[rcd]

I have a 1993 Electra Glide Classic and starting last fall I noticed a chirp sound everytime I backed off on the throttle while running down the the road. It doesn't sound like the engine, I thought it was the clutch. Anyway I had new plates so they got changed, but the chirp is still there. Could it be the bearing? It has never gotten worse, but I hate waiting for something to break! Has anyone ever had anything like this?!!

[HarleyCruiser]

Originally Posted by rcd

I have a 1993 Electra Glide Classic and starting last fall I noticed a chirp sound everytime I backed off on the throttle while running down the the road. It doesn't sound like the engine, I thought it was the clutch. Anyway I had new plates so they got changed, but the chirp is still there. Could it be the bearing? It has never gotten worse, but I hate waiting for something to break! Has anyone ever had anything like this?!!

Hum belt or chain? If it is belt, try spraying spray silicone on the rear drive belt. If it goes away check your belt tension, and the pulleys for wear.

[rcd]

Hey thanks...I never thought of that! I'll go out get some spray and give it a try. I'll post whatever happens. Thanks again!

[evoKENevo]

Might wanna check your wheel/pulley & belt align'mt while you're at it, too...

I experienced this same problem. Only difference was mine was a chirp only while ON the throttle. Bottom line is the front belt pulley had gotten some asphalt between the pulley and belt. The inside of the belt was being chewed up. Old belt removed, pulley cleaned, new belt installed and chirp was gone.

With baggers another common chirp comes from the muffler hangers located under the saddle bag supports. Shoot some silicone or graphite into the rubber. Chirp goes away.

LORDSRIDER

[rcd]

I'm going out tomorrow and get a case of silicone spray. I'm going to soak her down from the transmission back! Hey you guys, really, thanks a lot for your help!

[Shed]

belt tension nneds to be checked.

[rcd]

Today, I made sure the the belt was tight and aligned and gave it a shot of silicone. I also shot some on the rubbers in the muffler hangers and the chirp is gone! I'm not exactly sure where the problem was, but that annoying chirp is history...I hope! Once again let me say thanks for the help!

[HarleyCruiser]

Originally Posted by rcd

Today, I made sure the the belt was tight and aligned and gave it a shot of silicone. I also shot some on the rubbers in the muffler hangers and the chirp is gone! I'm not exactly sure where the problem was, but that annoying chirp is history...I hope! Once again let me say thanks for the help!

Ok this does not get rid of your squeak just helps you identify where it is. If or when it comes back just spry the pulley/belt.
You also need to inspect your pulley to see if the chrome is all wore off.
When the pulley gets wore. It gets smaller so do the teeth on it. The belt stays the same, so it is always slipping as the belt goes around it.
The pulleys don’t last forever. If the bike has a lot of miles on it, if you ride a lot in sand, dirt roads, if you run the belt too tight you will wear out the pulley prematurely.
Like everyone said check for alignment and make sure it is not too tight. If you don’t have a belt gauge get one.
To check if the alignment is causing the squeak spray some silicone on your finger and put it just on the outside of the belt.
The belt should ride out on the pulley going forward in backing up.
If it does not change directions then it is out of alignment and rubbing to much on the outside.
I do not align my bike by factory specs.
I align it by the belt and the tire wear.
This gets pretty involved to explain so if anyone is interested, let me know, and I will go into it.
A small squeak is pretty normal nothing to worry about other than it is annoying.
I ride a lot on dirt roads so I wear my pulleys out in about forty/fifty k miles.
I buy them on E-bay as take offs, and get them cheap, like twenty bucks, almost new. I keep an extra, and am due next tire change.
There is also a company that offers pulleys with the white plastic stuff, got a brain far....can t remember the name of the white stuff. They are supposed to last almost forever, I had the link but don’t see it if anyone is interested, I will look.
They ain't cheap.

[rcd]

I've aligned the belt according to the shop manual, what's the difference doing it your way and is it better...faster? I'm always looking for a better way!