Intermittent crunching sound?????

Hi Everyone!

I apologize for the lengthy diatribe to follow.. i am trying to get to the bottom of this crunching sound!!

I have a '99 with 14K on it. I am noticing a crunching sound eminating from the front of the bike.... it happens every now and again when I am coming to a stop. It doesn't seem to be related to engine temperature.

I pushed a bunch on the bars and I cannot replicate it, so I don't think it is the front suspension.

Sometimes it happens when the bike is not rolling, so i don't think its the wheel bearings or front calipers.

I am always in 1st with the clutch in. If I am holding the clutch lever flush with the left grip, i don't hear it as often... so it makes me think it is clutch related. If the clutch lever is slightly out, but the clutch isn't engaging yet, i hear it every now and again.

As I said, it isn't consistent at all. I haven't been able to replicate it by holding my clutch lever slightly out.

I flushed the clutch master cylinder and bled the line.

The problem seems to happen less now, but it could be wishful thinking.

Any ideas?


Thanks a ton!

 

Clutch release bearing?

 

clutch release bearing

Thanks for the lead. I'll have to pull out the shop manual and jump into the bike.

I am the third owner of the bike, and i am pretty certain the first two did NOT treat the lady very well.... but what would cause the clutch release bearing to go out some soon (14K miles) on the bike? Can it be abused?

Thanks again for the lead!

If any others spring to mind, I would love to hear them!

 

Does it sound like small bolts rattling in a can?

 

bolts in a can

Nope. It sounds like a crunch, crunch, crunch.

No rattling sound at all.

 

Then I'm gonna go with clutch related too. Besides the bearing, it could be warped plates or burnt discs (abuse from PO's trying to do burnouts on a linked brake bike).

 

burnouts.... clutch damage

Crap.
I had never thought about that before.

I like to do my own work on all of my bikes, but I have yet to dive into the VFR clutch before. Could you pass on any obvious tips?

As well as any leads on where to get replacement clutch parts on the cheaper side?

Thanks again!!

 

Well get a manual if don't all ready. It will tell you how to check the plates for warping and thickness. If the plates are blued or blacked, that's an obvious visual sign of abuse.

Don't forget the gasket.

I'd wait for any other suggestions before buying parts. Trying to solve a noise over the internet is very difficult.

 

clutch tips

Thanks again!

I'll definitely dive into the bike before buying anything.


I usually use BikeBandit, but am always looking for new leads.

 

worrying about damage?

I understand that sounds are tough to diagnose over the web... but i am pretty conifident in your ideas guys.

i have a sinking feeling that the PO's did burn the clutch quite a bit.

so the question that remains is, what inside the clutch would be making a crunchy sound? in my mind crunchy sounds mean a lot of damage... should i be taking this lady off the road asap?? i guess a better way to put it is, if it is a clutch release bearing failure, am i risking damaging my bike a bunch by riding it? Or can i limp it along awhile without too much worry?

I want to fix this asap, but i know i have a ton on my plate that my postpone me doing so as soon as i would like.

thanks!

 

I wouldn't limp it along for too long. If the clutch basket or bearing or steel plates are chewing themselves up, you are putting metal in the engine. The filter should catch it, but not before it has traveled through the trans and engine. As stated above, troubleshooting a noise over the web is a little tough.
I use www.mrcycles.com for most genuine Honda parts. They have great prices and great service.

 

Good advice and thanks for the lead on parts!!

 

I think I know what it is.

If the bike is running, it's your PAIR valves flapping. Sounds very much like a CRUNCH or gnashing sound.

Normal.

 

PAIR valves?

Hi Chris,

Sorry if i sound like a rookie here, but what are PAIR valves?

I rode another 99 Interceptor for 14K miles before I bought this one, and i never heard anything like this...

Maybe i've started paying more attention to the noises of the bike, but i doubt I would have missed this sound on the other bike. This crunching is pretty loud, and only happens every now and again... for example, i haven't heard it in the last 200 miles of riding or so.

Thanks for your help!

 

I have '83 and '07 ceptors, and neither one of them "crunches". If they did, I would be concerned too.

 

If it is clutch related, you should be able to put your ear next to the right side engine cover and determine if it's coming from there. Put the front wheel against a wall and have an experienced rider sit on the bike and slowly but not completely release the clutch lever while you listen. Or on the centerstand but that won't put much load on the drive train.

servicehonda.com has good prices. ronayers.com has a great online parts fiche system that servicehonda doesn't.

 

I have heard the same sound on my 2001. It does not seem to be clutch related to me as it can be heard occasionally no matter what I am doing with the clutch at that moment. I tend to lean toward Chris in VA's explanation.

 

I just found this thread, and some advice from someone named Partpower....

"check to see if your variable air intake valve is cycling. it's on top of your air cleaner where the diaphram is with one hose going to it. it should be closed below 5500 rpm and open above that. let me know what you find......... good luck...russ"

Is this the PAIR valve that Chris from VA is talking about?

Here is the thread..
http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanics-garage/1020-98-sound-when-clutch-pulled-released.html

Thanks again everyone!