Grease on Wheel Hub

[jdpenn]

My 900 now has 600 miles on it. I noticed when cleaning it that there is some grease on the outside of the wheel hubs, were the spokes go in. Not a lot, just some smudges here and there. I attributed it to some extra wheel grease getting thrown off from the hub area. Hopefully it is nothing to worry about, but I thought I'd run it by all of you to see if you experienced the same thing and to calm my concerns, or if it could actually be a problem with the seals.

Also, when riding on the highway, and I pull in the clutch and let it drift, the front end isn't as quiet as I though it would be. I expected the turning wheel to be more quiet than it is. But the slight turning noise could be the disk brake and pad. There are some grease smudges on the rear wheel hub as well.

Thanks

[Classic]

Yeah, I hear a little noise on my 1500 Classic which I attribute to the tires, wind through the fork lowers, over the windshield and so on. We hear all kinds of noises we wouldn't in a car due to the lack of insulation and sheet metal. Don't forget the noise from our wonderful PA roads which seem to get better and better the closer you get to Harrisburg.

[E-J]

When in doubt... It never hurts to ask the dealership to check it out especially if it is under warranty. That way there is a record for you if they say nothing is wrong. I'm not a mechanic and don't play one on TV but there should be no grease leaking from sealed bearings.

[VulcanRev]

Originally Posted by jdpenn

My 900 now has 600 miles on it. I noticed when cleaning it that there is some grease on the outside of the wheel hubs, were the spokes go in. Not a lot, just some smudges here and there. I attributed it to some extra wheel grease getting thrown off from the hub area. Hopefully it is nothing to worry about, but I thought I'd run it by all of you to see if you experienced the same thing and to calm my concerns, or if it could actually be a problem with the seals.

Also, when riding on the highway, and I pull in the clutch and let it drift, the front end isn't as quiet as I though it would be. I expected the turning wheel to be more quiet than it is. But the slight turning noise could be the disk brake and pad. There are some grease smudges on the rear wheel hub as well.

Thanks

Same on mine w/the grease - after my first longer ride at sustained speed I washed the bike and noted the same thing. I jacked it up and checked the play in both wheels - all OK. Just some warmed up greasee that migrated - actually good for me to know that there is grease in there and that it does move when warm.

Noise - holy cow the vulcan 900 makes all kinda' noise from the front, middle and rear - loudest bike (non-exaust) I've ever been on - butr now (4500 mi) those noises are the character of my bike, I know the little low-speed squeak that comes from the belt at low-speed, the brake pads rubbing on LH turns, the whine of the torque going through straight-cut gears, etc. Nothing like it, because it all comes together when I twist the trottle and sprint away from everything - just a view in the mirror!

[Alf]

I have this grease also I do not think it is anything to worry about, but for peace of mind get it checked...

[Spok]

i'd suggest its just the grease migrating as suggested. as far as noises...these vulcan v-twins are noisy beasts. not every noise is normal and after time you will start to know what is and what isn't normal.

my 1500 talks to me all the time, when I don't hear a typical sound coming, I get a bit nervous...then she talks to me and all is well.

good luck, let us know if you find anything out of norm.

[Classic]

> my 1500 talks to me all the time

Is that what it is...talking? Mine must be female because I haven't been listening. You know, when they..er..uh..it makes noise long enough, you just get kinda desensitized. Mine actually "talks" a little less since installing the cam chain tensioner extenders.

[Classic06]

JDPENN, I noticed the same thing on my 1600 with around 200mi. It looked like grease with brake dust. I took it to the dealer and they checked it out. It was a bad rear seal, I losing grease so they replaced the seak and bearings under warranty. If it don't look normal don't ignore it ...have it checked out, especially if you hear noise. Better to be safe then sorry.