Having some issues with my bike

[secondhandloser]

Couple funky things are happening with my bike, just curious as to whether y'all can shed any light on anything.

Numero uno: When adjusting the rear wheel back to tighten the chain, the left side goes back fine, but adjustment on the right side just loosens the bracket- what's up with that?

Numero dos: Bike seems to have a steady, serious drift to the left. It's major. Can't figure out what is up with that. Any ideas on what to check?

Numero tres: Lately (last couple days) the bike has been really unsettled during turns, getting worse the greater the lean angle is. I presume this is related to whatever is causing the drift.

Numero quatro: Squeal from back brake- I hear this is relatively common- any fixes?

Any help or advice is much appreciated.

SHL

[GI_JO_NATHAN]

Sounds to me like they're all the same problem. Your rear wheel is probably not centered. What method are you using to center it?

[secondhandloser]

Sounds to me like they're all the same problem. Your rear wheel is probably not centered. What method are you using to center it?

What method should I be using?

[commuterdude]

new bike, warranty, DEALER PROBLEM.

[sveach]

My back brake squeals too...and my wheel is straight as an arrow.

If your bracket is loosening on one side when you try to adjust, turn the other way. I did the same thing, and it just loosened. Gotta turn the other direction. It reverses when you flip sides like that. It's confusing because you're wanting to move the wheel in the same direction on both sides.

The drift to the left can easily be caused by a wheel off balance. Check for play in the steering head too, try and rock the forks forward and back.

Unsettled in turns, well, fix the wheel problem first, then see how it turns. Mines smooth as glass in the corners.

[ben2go]

Check the measurements between the center of the swing arm pivot bolt and the wheel axle bolt.It should be the same on both sides.Never trust the swing arm marks.Only 3 reasons for brake squeal.1)pressure build up.Fix this by removing the master cap and pump the pedal a couple times.2)Rear wheel out of alignment.3)Pads glazed over from misuse.

[secondhandloser]

If your bracket is loosening on one side when you try to adjust, turn the other way. I did the same thing, and it just loosened. Gotta turn the other direction. It reverses when you flip sides like that. It's confusing because you're wanting to move the wheel in the same direction on both sides.

If I turn the other way, it moves the wheel forward, not the direction I want to go.

Check the measurements between the center of the swing arm pivot bolt and the wheel axle bolt.It should be the same on both sides.Never trust the swing arm marks.Only 3 reasons for brake squeal.1)pressure build up.Fix this by removing the master cap and pump the pedal a couple times.2)Rear wheel out of alignment.3)Pads glazed over from misuse.

Appreciate the tip on measuring- I'd just been relying on the markings. Hopefully this fixes the problem.

[Mdow]

ya sounds like your rear wheel isn't centered up

and no i don't know how to center it

[secondhandloser]

Anybody with advice on how to center the rear wheel?

[beRto]

Anybody with advice on how to center the rear wheel?

Do you have a shop manual?

As stated above, you will need to align your rear wheel. To do this, you loosen the adjuster plates and push the wheel forward. Then you tighten the adjusters evenly to pull the wheel back and obtain the correct chain slack. Before tightening the axle, wheel alignment must be verified. This can be done in any of the ways described above:
-swingarm adjustment marks
-measuring from swing arm pivot to wheel axle bolt
-counting exposed screw threads on each adjuster bolt
-etc.

Once the wheel is aligned, the rear axle should be tightened to torque spec. Proper axle torque ensures that no stress is carried in the adjuster bolts (otherwise, the adjuster plates are prone to failure).

[ben2go]

Anybody with advice on how to center the rear wheel?

Read my post above.That is the proper way to center a wheel.

[ohgood]

Anybody with advice on how to center the rear wheel?

Do you have a shop manual?

As stated above, you will need to align your rear wheel. To do this, you loosen the adjuster plates and push the wheel forward. Then you tighten the adjusters evenly to pull the wheel back and obtain the correct chain slack. Before tightening the axle, wheel alignment must be verified. This can be done in any of the ways described above:
-swingarm adjustment marks
-measuring from swing arm pivot to wheel axle bolt
-counting exposed screw threads on each adjuster bolt
-etc.

Once the wheel is aligned, the rear axle should be tightened to torque spec. Proper axle torque ensures that no stress is carried in the adjuster bolts (otherwise, the adjuster plates are prone to failure).

As always, bertO has great advice, and fast. I'm just going to add the string method, and a link, since it's a pretty easy way to make sure:

the rear wheel is aligned with the FRONT wheel
the front and rear wheels are not terribly out of discourse (bent frame would do it)

Also, you want to check your tire pressure before each ride. A slight mis-alignment will cause nasty turn-in and leans that don't feel natural. A under inflated tire will magnify it.

So here we go:

http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/sportryderswheelalignmentmethod.shtml

notice that this method uses both tires instead of relying on the frame, swingarm, or anything else that can vary depending on manufacturing, wrecks, 'fixes' from wrecks, etc.



HINT:

if you check/set your alignment without worrying of adjusting the chain tension until AFTER the alignment, it's much much easier. Post alignment chain tension means only having to turn the adjusters the same number of turns (or 1/4 turns the way I do it) to keep everything aligned from then on.

Check alignment one last time after torquing the axle to be sure nothing moved. The adjusters are -not- to be considered what holds the wheel in place.

[beRto]

As always, bertO has great advice, and fast.

 

[secondhandloser]

Appreciate the help guys. Hopefully  this will fix the problems.

[secondhandloser]

OK, so went ahead and adjusted it. I think it fixed it. I still feel like something isn't quite right, but it's probably just my imagination.

Anywho, I did notice the left bracket in front of the adjustment screw is bent. How big of an issue is this, and any ideas what could have caused this? Something the dealer could have messed up putting it together?

[the mole]

The left hand adjuster gets bent when the axle bolt isn't torqued enough. The adjusters are there to set the wheel at the right place but those plates are not strong enough to hold it there against the tension in the chain when you power on in first gear. The axle bolt should be tightened enough to lock the axle in place. Just undo the adjuster, take the plate off, gently beat it back to shape with a blunt instrument and reassemble.

I just eyeball my wheel alignment, very carefully. With a good dose of patience and a bit of practice you can eyeball along the sides of the tyres near the bottom, get the front wheel straight and then eyeball front to back. The tyres are different widths but I find I can still do it by estimating how much back tyre I can see either side of the front. I think its as accurate as a string line or straight edge if you take your time.