Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Squeaking rear axle noise

There is a squeaking sound (like rubber rubbing against metal) coming from my rear axle at walking speed. It seems to be from the chain side. Looking at the axle I notice the axle meets the wheel with a big rubber washer (I think it's called the spacer in the tech manual). It could be that. Should i worry? Does it need lubing? What lube should I use?

Thanks

What I think you're looking at are the spacers between the swing arm and the rear hub. The rubber washers you're talking about are the seals that keep dirt/grit out of your bearings and the grease in. The spacers press against the bearings inside the hub and the seals ride on these spacers. Mine squeeks just a bit sometimes but nothing really loud...I notice it mostly when I'm pushing it for point a to point b.

Well you could pull the wheel and grease everything up if it bothers you that much. I use Bel-Ray Waterproof Grease that comes in a tub about the size of a pint of sour cream. Costs about $5 and should last you a long time. Since I pull my own wheels when getting new tires installed, I clean everything up and apply new grease everytime I have them off.

I lifet the bike and the sound goes away as spin the wheel faster. I will wait and see if it gets worse maybe I will pull it off and grease it.

Not quite weekly, but definitely too often from all the nails I've found in my tires. Good thing I'm able to get a road hazard warranty on the new ones or I'd be taking out a 2nd mortgage just to buy tires. It's another benefit of owning a Speedmaster...well, that and it's faster than the Americas.