Noisey Squeeky Rear Suspension

[Trad]

I have a 2002 GL 1800 Champion Trike. Last year everything was great. I took the trike out this year for the first ride and the rear suspension is making a squeaking rubber rubbing noise. I have looked under trike and cannot see anything loose or broken. It doesn't make this noise when cornering but just when going over bumps . Any suggestions as to what might be causing this noise ?<img src="images/smilies/confused.gif" border="0" alt="" title="huh??" class="inlineimg" />

 

[Rick Kay]

With all the plastic on our trikes, it's often difficult to trace the path to the noise. I had one noise on my trike, and I tracked it down to the heat shield on the exhaust. Be methodical and you'll find it.

 

[Gold Rush]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Trad</strong>
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<div class="message">I have a 2002 GL 1800 Champion Trike. Last year everything was great. I took the trike out this year for the first ride and the rear suspension is making a squeaking rubber rubbing noise. I have looked under trike and cannot see anything loose or broken. It doesn't make this noise when cornering but just when going over bumps . Any suggestions as to what might be causing this noise ?<img src="images/smilies/confused.gif" border="0" alt="" title="huh??" class="inlineimg" /></div>

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</div>Go buy a can of Liquid Wrench silicone spray lube and give all the rubber bushings a squirt. I expect the sway bar and shock absorber bushings have dried out some.<br />
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Any silicone lube will help but I found the Liquid Wrench brand to be more dense so it does a better job. I give mine a shot every time I have the trike on jacks ( have to get underneath to access the offending bushings ).<img src="images/smilies/poof.gif" border="0" alt="" title="poof" class="inlineimg" /><img src="images/smilies/poof.gif" border="0" alt="" title="poof" class="inlineimg" />

 

[FRR]

Does your Trike use a monoshock suspenstion system?

 

[Papa Zook]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Trad</strong><br />
<a href="showthread.php?p=226260#post226260" rel="nofollow"><img class="inlineimg" src="images/buttons/viewpost-right.png" alt="View Post" /></a><br />
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<div class="message">I have a 2002 GL 1800 Champion Trike. Last year everything was great. I took the trike out this year for the first ride and the rear suspension is making a squeaking rubber rubbing noise. I have looked under trike and cannot see anything loose or broken. It doesn't make this noise when cornering but just when going over bumps . Any suggestions as to what might be causing this noise ?<img src="images/smilies/confused.gif" border="0" alt="" title="huh??" class="inlineimg" /></div><br />
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Check your rear tire air pressures, actually all tire three pressures for that matter and set the rear tires to 22-24 LBS (what feels best to you) and front tire to whatever the max recommended PSI as stated on the side of the tire, which is most likely 41 LBS. Tires can lose pressure from sitting over the winter and should always be checked and adjusted each spring and several times throughout the year. <br /><br />
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Always check them cold as you will over inflate them if checking them hot. If they are under inflated, they will "squat" and are more likely to rub the inside of your body, especially considering they are also much more easly compressed by bumps due to low air pressure.<br /><br />
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From the little info given, I'm making an educated guess that your GL1800 Champion is a solid axle kit and I think you might have a tire scrubbing the inside of the fender when you hit a decent sized bump.<br />
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If it were an IRS kit, you would likely hear scrubbing in turns as well as bumps.<br /><br />
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First thing I'd do is squat on either side of your trike and slide your hand between the upper part of the tire and the fender, comparing the clearance left and right side.

If the body was aligned properly when it was installed, there should be an equal amount of space on each side. <br /><br />
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If however there is a noticeable difference, you will need to loosen the six body bolts located <a href="http://championtrikes.us/image/data/instructions/Honda/Trike_Kit_Honda_GL1800_Solid_Axle_Rev_10.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a> in Champion's install manual. See section 7.10 "Install Body To Mounting Frame" which includes photos and diagrams as well as instructions. <br /><br />
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Then if the mounting holes in the body allow it, adjust the body until the space matches and re-tighten. If the holes do not allow that much shifting, you may have to remove the mounting bolts and enlarge the holes a bit then repeat the process. I've had to do this on occasion and use a step bit and drill to accomplish this.<br /><br />
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Second, you will need to check your rear coil over shocks settings. I would also bet they are in the softest or near softest setting and if they are, then adjust the pre-load to a firmer setting. A tool is provided with the original kit or you can find them at most auto parts stores. <br /><br />
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Without seeing your trike or hearing the noise, this is my best guess and may or may not be your problem.<br />
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Let me know what you find.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Zook

 

[Trad]

Thanks for all the tips on this problem. I did what Gold Rush suggested and it stopped the squeak. <br />
Thanks again for the tips on fixing the problem.

 

[Gold Rush]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Trad</strong>
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<div class="message">Thanks for all the tips on this problem. I did what Gold Rush suggested and it stopped the squeak. <br />
Thanks again for the tips on fixing the problem.</div>

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</div>Glad you quieted the squeaks Pete. Noises like that bug the hell out of me..... <br />
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Remember to squirt those bushings a couple times a year and you will be good. <img src="images/smilies/poof.gif" border="0" alt="" title="poof" class="inlineimg" /> <img src="images/smilies/poof.gif" border="0" alt="" title="poof" class="inlineimg" />

 

[Papa Zook]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Trad</strong>
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<div class="message">Thanks for all the tips on this problem. I did what Gold Rush suggested and it stopped the squeak. <br />
Thanks again for the tips on fixing the problem.</div>

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</div>Good call Gold Rush. That was a nice easy fix... <img src="images/smilies/thumbup.gif" border="0" alt="" title="ThumbUp" class="inlineimg" />

 

[Calgary]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Gold Rush</strong>
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<div class="message">Go buy a can of Liquid Wrench silicone spray lube and give all the rubber bushings a squirt. I expect the sway bar and shock absorber bushings have dried out some.<br />
<br />
Any silicone lube will help but I found the Liquid Wrench brand to be more dense so it does a better job. I give mine a shot every time I have the trike on jacks ( have to get underneath to access the offending bushings ).<img src="images/smilies/poof.gif" border="0" alt="" title="poof" class="inlineimg" /><img src="images/smilies/poof.gif" border="0" alt="" title="poof" class="inlineimg" /></div>

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</div>Thanx for this Gold Rush - I'll be picking up some Liquid Wrench!<br />
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[JaysGone]

So the secret to squeaky bushings is Liquid Wrench.......
Ive been using WD40 and it doesn't last long at all.
A few days at most.

Very helpful again as usual Jerry

 

[Gold Rush]

So the secret to squeaky bushings is Liquid Wrench.......
Ive been using WD40 and it doesn't last long at all.
A few days at most.

Very helpful again as usual Jerry

Jay make sure you get the spray silicone lube and not the Liquid Wrench penetrating oil. Oil is NOT good for rubber!!!! :xszpv: :xszpv:

Another neat thing about spray silicone is that it does not attract dirt and dust. Once the liquid component dries it's just silicone lube. WD40 leaves a micro film of oil.....

 

[JaysGone]

I though they looked like urethane on my MT trike.
That was why no matter what I used they would squeak again so soon.
Silicon it is.

 

[Trad]

Yes about the silicone spray its works. I had a can of CARQUEST Heavy Duty Silicone spray and it stopped the squeaking noise. Thanks again Gold Rush and I will be giving the bushing a spray every so often , those squeaks drive me crazy also. ThumbUp