rear wheel bearing?

[bluelespaul]

so the other day i took the GS out like normal but as im riding i hear this funny ticking sound anytime i shift. i pulled over and my chain had about 3 inches of travel! i went home really quick and tightened it to normal and now theres a funny noise comming from the back of my bike. it sounds sort of like a scrapping or griding but in rhythm to the back wheel. it does it with the motor on and off, in any gear, with the clutch engaged or disengaged and the frequency of the 'griding' is speed, not RPM related. 

does this sound like it could have something to do with the wheel bearing? i only really think it is becuase a few days ago my chain was properly tensioned and it didnt make any noise. the whole thing seemed rather sudden.

any input would be great 

[beRto]

so the other day i took the GS out like normal but as im riding i hear this funny ticking sound anytime i shift. i pulled over and my chain had about 3 inches of travel! i went home really quick and tightened it to normal and now theres a funny noise comming from the back of my bike. it sounds sort of like a scrapping or griding but in rhythm to the back wheel. it does it with the motor on and off, in any gear, with the clutch engaged or disengaged and the frequency of the 'griding' is speed, not RPM related. 

does this sound like it could have something to do with the wheel bearing? i only really think it is becuase a few days ago my chain was properly tensioned and it didnt make any noise. the whole thing seemed rather sudden.

any input would be great 

Sounds like your chain is going:

Does it have any tight spots?
Are any o-rings missing?
How much mileage is on it?
How well maintained is it?

[ben2go]

Mine was doing the same thing and the chain had tight spots.I pulled it off and some links couldn't be straightened out.Replaced the chain and so far everything is OK.Used an RK 520 O-ring chain with 110 links.

[bluelespaul]

ahhhhhhhhh thats probly it. the chain and sprockets have over 16,000 on them. probly time for some new ones.

thanks guys. 

[ben2go]

You're welcome.

[ohgood]

you may want to check your rear wheels alignment with teh string method. if the alignment is ok, check your brake pads.

17,000 miles isn't too bad for a chain, i got 23,500 out of mine, and it was only a little tight, but i wiped and oiled it every 200-300 miles or so. ymmv depending on maintenance.

good luck

[bluelespaul]

whats the string method for checking alignment? ive only used the little markers on the swing arm.

its not the brakes, that was last years grinding sound. the pads were down to bear metal haha.

[ohgood]

whats the string method for checking alignment? ive only used the little markers on the swing arm.

its not the brakes, that was last years grinding sound. the pads were down to bear metal haha.

http://www.ex-500.com/index.php/topic,148.0.html <-- another forum, but a good howto. there is prolly one or two around here, but i can't find them.

[ben2go]

whats the string method for checking alignment? ive only used the little markers on the swing arm.

its not the brakes, that was last years grinding sound. the pads were down to bear metal haha.

I dunno what the string method is.Don't rely on the swing arm marks.Mine are 3/16th of an inch off.I haven't checked the replacement.I know my frame is straight, so I measure from the center of the pivot bolt to the center of the axle bolt.So far this has worked well for me.Also use a straight edge to check the sprocket alignment.I check the top from sprocket to sprocket.I know my sprockets will be off,because I have a 4.5 inch wheel with a 160-60-17 tire.