Rear axle is squeeking. Do I need to lube the rear axle?

[FL Vulcan Rider]

Has anyone ever had this problem with their rear axle? I've never cleaned the inside of the axel or the inner part of the rear wheel before, but I've noticed a squeek coming from the rear wheel axle while the bike is moving. The brakes are not applied and I notice it the most when I am doing 20 M.P.H. and slower while coasting. Do I need to oil or lubricate the rear axle? Thank you.

[FL Vulcan Rider]

I was googling and found this out. I only have 4500 miles on my bike but the rear axle squeeks like a mother. What are your suggestions folks?

Rear axle This one is much easier. Support the bike with the rear tire off the ground. Pull the axle. You are going to have to get your finger dirty here. Rub a lot of axle grease on the axle. Put some in the hole where the axle goes, spin the axle while inserting so the grease gets all over the bearings. When you tighten your axle, it is best to get the torque specs from your dealer. My axle bolt is 45 ft lbs. Under tightening may result in losing the tire. Over tightening will damage the bearings. Some bikes have a zerc so you don't have to pull the axle.

[killyourchopper]

well yeah. couldnt hurt, could it. is it a constant squeek of when you hit bumps. maybe lather up the ole swingarm pivot as well.

[CarGuy]

If you're talking about your 2008 I would be shocked if your rear axle needs servicing at 4500 miles. If it does then I think you have a bigger issue than some lubrication and would take the bike in under warranty. More likely it's the rear brake squealing, especially if you've been riding in humid weather. Brake dust will accumulate causing the squealing. It would need to be blown out air pressure. I'm not a mechanic, and I know someone else with more knowledge than me will kick in before long.

[NCDave]

I'd be wondering more about bearings or even belt squeek than the axle itself.

[killyourchopper]

i forgot those things were belt drive. ive heard they chirp a bit.

[FL Vulcan Rider]

Originally Posted by CarGuy

If you're talking about your 2008 I would be shocked if your rear axle needs servicing at 4500 miles. If it does then I think you have a bigger issue than some lubrication and would take the bike in under warranty. More likely it's the rear brake squealing, especially if you've been riding in humid weather. Brake dust will accumulate causing the squealing. It would need to be blown out air pressure. I'm not a mechanic, and I know someone else with more knowledge than me will kick in before long.

It has nothing to do with the brakes whatsoever. I have applied the brakes and not applied the brake and even pumped the brakes. The noise is the same and is coming directly from the axle. Thanks tho.

[FL Vulcan Rider]

Originally Posted by killyourchopper

i forgot those things were belt drive. ive heard they chirp a bit.

It's coming directly from the axel. I know for an absolute fact it's the axle but I just don't know what to think about it.

[FL Vulcan Rider]

Originally Posted by NCDave

I'd be wondering more about bearings or even belt squeek than the axle itself.

About the bearings.... tell me more. It has so do with the axel, bearings, the wheel, and the inside parts. This is what is squeeking. I don't know how to fix it.

[NCDave]

bearings are probably pressed into the rear wheel. I'm not sure. Don't know the 900 that well. From what others say, are you sure it's not the belt? if the tire isn't lined up right, I believe the belt rubs on the pulley. Generally hear it mentioned in relation to the scootworks pulley.

[RichLockyer]

Nothing spins directly on the axle. The bearings are pressed into the wheel hub. The bearings' inner races are "locked" against the various spacers on the outside of the hub and inside the hub between the bearings.

IF something is spinning on the axle itself, then the axle is not properly torqued.

I know you don't want to hear it again, but I'm going to +1 the belt. Double check the belt tension... the dealers had a habit of getting it too tight back in '06 and '07. No way in hell your bearings are shot at 4500 miles.