XT660X weird sound from front of bike (wheel?)
 

So I've been hearing a weird sound at low speed son the front section of my XT660X. The best way to describe the noise is that it sounds like there's some twigs stuck in the spokes, constantly knocking when I ride. It sounds like a noise the chain would make but I am certain it's from the front part of the bike.

I've checked and everything seems fine, nothing seems loose. Bit worried it's something worse.

Does anybody have any ideas before I go to the garage with it?

Could it be from the engine? I don't hear it when I am wheeling the bike.

Are the front wheel bearings OK? Are the brake disc bobbins seized?

Get the front wheel off the ground and give it a spin. See if you notice anything amiss?

Thanks for the reply.

I am not very mechanically minded. How would I go about checking about the brake disc bobbins? The front brake works fine if that means they are fine.

Wheel bearings doesn't sound good haha. The noise I can hear all the time now. It's like a scratchy metal noise. I don't think it's an engine noise as I can't hear it when stationery.

I'd put money on front wheel bearings from what your saying.

There is a method using a trolley jack or similar under the engine and then lifting the front that way.

If your unable to check the front yourself I'd suggest taking the bike to a mechanic.

Is this quite a serious thing? Should I immediately stop using the bike until I can get it repaired? It has been a while since I first heard the noise...

As Simon says, more than likely wheel bearings are shot. The 'scratchy metal noise' is the giveaway.

Personally I would not ride the back if the bearings are that bad. Have you managed to get the front wheel of the ground to check for play and the noise?

But hey dont be too scared as wheel bearings are not too expensive nor difficult to change. A decent bike mechanic can change the front wheel bearings in less than an hour. Just make sure he has sone in stock and then ride there gently.....

Certainly stop riding it until you can get the wheel bearing checked.

They can be very dangerous if they go at speed, I've had a rear collapse In my early days of riding and luckily didn't come off. But in the short distance it took to stop it did a fair bit of damage.

Thanks guys

I've started noticing a squeak when I am willing the bike. Does this confirm it's the front wheel bearing?

A squeak could be pads binding or abosulte worst case the bearing has play on it and is allowing the wheel to go off centre and forcing the disc onto the pads.

Thanks for the reply.

The mechanic also mentioned brake pads. What does binding mean? I have a new set I am going to try change tomorrow. If they are binding, would a suit set of brake pads be the way to fix it?

In a word - no! New pads will probably make the problem worse. Binding brakes (when the pads are not fully releasing from the disc and continually rubbing) are either caused by sticky/corroded piston(s) or seized sliding pins in the caliper. If the pads were binding the disc would get a lot hotter than normal, the bike would likely be hard to push along, and the wheel would be difficult to rotate by hand. It also tends to make a screeching sound, rather than a metallic grinding.

Thanks.

So in your opinion it sounds more like a bearing issue? I have not noticed the wheel getting harder to turn. The noise is also not always 100% of the time.

Bit difficult to be 100% without seeing the bike, but yes - I'm pretty sure the wheel bearings are the most likely culprit based on your description of the symptoms.

Like I said, get the wheel off the ground and give it a spin - You'll soon know for sure then.

Thanks for the help.

I will see what I can do. Will look at the pads tomorrow. Are they fairly easy to do? I've Googled it but could only see info on the rear pads. Mechanic will check if he has some bearings. Will ride it gently to him on Saturday. I would say the noise begun over a month ago so I assume one last ride would be ok!

One thing Yamaha got right was the calipers.

If they are binding I'd look at the pins and sliders, not had a issue yet with the pistons. Always seems to be the sliders on these calipers. Both front and rear on the R are nice and easy to strip down with no need for special tools.