Squeaking that goes away

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  • LoftCol
    XSive
    • Jul 2025
    • 72
    • UK

    #1

    Squeaking that goes away

    I have looked through the maintenance section and can't seem to find an answer.

    The forks needed new seals so I took the front end part, replaced the seals,oil etc and put it back together. I tie wrapped a block of wood between the grip and break lever to stop accidental operation. It all went back together ok, with one exception. The discs and pads are squeaking when riding but it goes away when braking. It didn't do it before I took the wheel out. The wheel wasn't laid down or dropped, it is in the correct way round. I didn't remove the disks.The pads were not swapped. I wiped the disks with IMS , before reassembly.
    I am at a loss, any suggestions.

    Thanks
  • DiverRay
    Moderator
    • Nov 2004
    • 7819
    • Star, IDAHO

    #2
    You need to look at the front wheel while you spin it. Easy way is put the bike on the center stand and then put a small jack on the front frame cross bar to lift the front end so the tire clears the ground. Measure the clearance between the outside of the caliper and the rotor on each side. You can also spin the wheel slowly and watch the clearance to see what is happening. I've found you sometimes need to spread the bottom of the forks about 1 or 2mm so everything lines up. These ARE 45+ year old bikes and some things just don't work like they did when first built.
    Ray Matteis
    KE6NHG
    XS1100 E '78 (winter project)
    XS1100 SF Bob Jones worked on it!

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    • LoftCol
      XSive
      • Jul 2025
      • 72
      • UK

      #3
      Thanks Ray. I wouldn't have thought about spreading the forks a little. I am wondering now if I tightened the axle nut to a wrong torque setting. Cheers

      Comment

      • Schming
        XS-XJ Guru
        • Jul 2009
        • 2098
        • Pittsburgh,PA

        #4
        While you have the bike in that position, it would be a good time to check the steering bearings and polish the wheel
        1980 XS1100G "Dolly G" Full Dresser (with a coat of many colors )
        1979 XS1100SF (stock-euro mods planned)
        1984 XV700L Virago (to be hot-modded)
        1983 XJ750MK Midnight Maxim (semi-restored DD)
        1977 XS650D ( patiently awaiting resto)

        Sometimes it takes a whole tank of gas before you can think straight.

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