Whirring noise from wheel

[Inertia]

I think ive found my next step on bike maintenance, while cycling the last couple of rides Ive noticed a whirring noise from the front wheel, it gets louder while cornering. Am I correct in asuming this is something to do with the mythical 'bearings' of which I have never seen, or some other problem?

Thanks for any help

 

[gavintc]

It should not be hard work out the problem. The bearings, if loose, will allow a bit of play; left to right. The wheel may well hit the brake blocks if you move it back and forward. The other potential source of noise is that your brakes are not set with the same space each side and you may be getting some touching from the wheel rim on one side. But this is unlikely to cause a whirring noise. I suggest that the problem is more likely the bearing. However, it is more normal for the rear wheel bearing to need adjustment before the front. You might like to look at the rear wheel as well - this may need a bit of an adjustment or new bearings.

 

[Inertia]

Well I lifted the front of the bike and gave the wheel a bit of a wiggle and it didnt seem to move much. I have just installed new disc brakes so maybe I need to check them again but I dont think its that as Ive grown to recognise that sound unless organic brakes make a different sound to normal.

 

[Cubist]

Well I lifted the front of the bike and gave the wheel a bit of a wiggle and it didnt seem to move much. I have just installed new disc brakes so maybe I need to check them again but I dont think its that as Ive grown to recognise that sound unless organic brakes make a different sound to normal.

Use a torch and check that the brake caliper is centred properly, and that you haven't got anything fouling the brake rotor, such as a cale or hose end. Whirring does tend to suggest the rotor is fouling on something. Are you sure you inserted the pads properly?

 

[2Loose]

Use a torch and check that the brake caliper is centred properly, and that you haven't got anything fouling the brake rotor, such as a cale or hose end. Whirring does tend to suggest the rotor is fouling on something. Are you sure you inserted the pads properly?

Or that the wheel is not tight enough and is 'tilting' mid corner fractionally and rubbing the disk against the caliper maybe.

 

[Inertia]

Use a torch and check that the brake caliper is centred properly, and that you haven't got anything fouling the brake rotor, such as a cale or hose end. Whirring does tend to suggest the rotor is fouling on something. Are you sure you inserted the pads properly?

Im pretty sure I've done it right but I will check that again, if its off it seems to make a scraping noie (to my ears) but I dont want to assume Ive done it right.

Or that the wheel is not tight enough and is 'tilting' mid corner fractionally and rubbing the disk against the caliper maybe.

This COULD be it, I undid the quick release and Im missing a spring on one side it must have gone missing in a roadside repair, are they easy to replace does anyone know?

 

[Inertia]

Im looking at new skewer as im missing a screw on one of mine but I didnt realise there are different sizes. I was looking at these and ditching the quick release for security.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/H.../5360042439/?referid=froogusa&source=googleps

My bike is a Specalised hardrock comp disc 2009

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/hardrock-comp-2009-mountain-bike-ec016013

can anyone give me an idea of whcih size I should get?

Thanks

 

[Inertia]

ok, Im an idiot, I found the problem, the spoke reflector was loose and the vibrating was the noise

 

[Cubist]

:

ok, Im an idiot, I found the problem, the spoke reflector was loose and the vibrating was the noise

 

[2Loose]

Thankfully something harmless.

Last time I had a mystery noise, I stripped off everything non-essential, even the bell and especially the reflectors... in my case it wasn't them, turned out to be a ferrule in a cable guide creaking - but it is something to learn about every bike, they all make different noises when something is not right.

Glad you found the cause!

 

[Inertia]

I'm resurrecting this thread as now my bearings ARE going the rear wheel has started to shift from left to right. The Problem is. I have never changed bearings and I want to try and learn things as I go along.

From my bikes original specs I have a "Specialized Hi Lo disc cassette 32 hole hub with CNC flanges and disc mount. Polished races and an alloy quick release."

The general consensus is that rear hubs take 1/4", is there anyway to be sure, I cant find any info on the specialized site.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Globalti]

"Polished races" tells me you have traditional cup & cone bearings. Buy a set of cone spanners and sit down with a cup of tea and the wheel on your lap and get adjusting. It's a simple but sometimes frustrating job because the bearings will often go out of adjustment as you tighten the locknut.

 

[Cubist]

"Polished races" tells me you have traditional cup & cone bearings. Buy a set of cone spanners and sit down with a cup of tea and the wheel on your lap and get adjusting. It's a simple but sometimes frustrating job because the bearings will often go out of adjustment as you tighten the locknut.

That's because you need a third hand, sometimes wielding a spanner or pair of grips to hold the axle tight, else the whole bloody lot tightens up as you tighten the locknut. .. most frustrating job in the world, but such a pleasure to get it absolutely bang-on.

 

[Inertia]

"Polished races" tells me you have traditional cup & cone bearings. Buy a set of cone spanners and sit down with a cup of tea and the wheel on your lap and get adjusting. It's a simple but sometimes frustrating job because the bearings will often go out of adjustment as you tighten the locknut.

I'll get on wiggle and look for some, does this mean you think its NOT the bearings? Surely I will be right one day!

 

[4F]

ok, Im an idiot, I found the problem, the spoke reflector was loose and the vibrating was the noise

LOL