Clatter

[Tony]

I'm a 'virgin user', so go easy on me if I don't use the right technical terms - My '02 GS is making what seems to be a 'death rattle' when riding in town, specifically when coming to a standstill at lights / junctions and especially when you hold it in a lower gear between stopping and starting. The noise sounds like the 'clatter' you get on start-up first thing in the morning - only more high pitched and louder - and it seems to be at its worst when the engine is hot. It almost sounds as if there is no oil getting to certain parts of the engine, but oil level is spot on and of good quality. Its currently at 16K miles and the noise seems to be getting worse - even despatch riders turn their heads and raise an eyebrow! It's still under warranty and the dealer says he will look at it at the 18K service, but I have a worry it won't get that far ! I would be grateful for any ideas / suggestions / remedies that I could use to point the dealer in the right direction - I love the bike, but hate the noise. Thanks

 

[andy white]

Tony,

The GS does make a lot of funny noises, some dont sound healthy and it does make you wonder. if it is worrying you I think you should so see you BMW dealer before the service for peace of mind, as without hearing it I wouldn't want to say 'they all do that sir' and then your bike blow up

If you are still unsure come to a GS meet and have a listen

 

[Vern]

Just wear earplugs, cures all rattles instantly. Same for the gearbox, a bit stiff is it, earplugs and bigger boots, there you go, sorted

 

[Greg Masters]

Do you use synthetic oil?



Greg

 

[Tony]

Currently using semi-synthetic, having changed it from mineral to see if it made any difference (nope!) - should add that it does'nt do it all the time, but it is definately getting worse - and louder - even with ear plugs. I've followed a few threads which suggest it could be the cam chain or alternaor belt - but would'nt it do that all the time?

 

[Greg Masters]

Tony

Noises are very hard to diagnose on a bulletin board - suggest that you get your bike along to a dealer or at least to a mechanically minder lister who lives near you.

Greg

 

[Greg Masters]

I've just noticed that you live in Hertfordshire (which is near me), but then I saw from your occupation that you're a sad git!

Send me a PM or e-mail.

Greg

 

[The Mechanic]

Clatter?

Tony the clatter you describe could be the timing chain tensioner backing off and not keeping the chain tensoined sufficiently. This means that the chain can flap around between the guides and tensioner, probably this will mean either just the tensioner replacing, or if the guides are badly worn by the chain flappng against them rather more work.

Do you park your bike in gear, which for some prevents the bike rolling backwards, this can place undue pressure on the tensioner mechanism because the engine is trying to turn against the normal direction of rotation (only slightly but enough). Any self respecting Technician knows that it is frowned upon to rotate an engine (especially one with a timing chain) back against the normal direction of rotation, the usual result is a broken or ditroted tensioner. I'm not suggesting that you should know this just covering myself from other 'experts' comments.

So this could be your problem, unless a tappet has started to open up too much. As already mentioned it is difficult to diagnose at a distance. Hope you get it sorted easily and quickly

 

[Sergeant Pluck]

aaahhhhh - mechanic to the rescue again!!!

i think you may have just diagnosed my own little clattering issue. i haven't been overly worried about it to be honest , i'm pretty used to GS's and their 'character' - but do you think i should be? ie. will the engine blow up if i don't get it sorted right away?!

pr0ne

 

[sjwb]

If it is clattering as much as you say - stop riding it and investigate the fault.
However noisy we say the oilhead is, you should not hear anything othere than the rustle of the valve gear when at idle.
Tensioners are certainly a likely culprit although I suspect not for the reason previously given. You might check the endfloat on the rocker arms because if there isn't any, that is the source of your problem. No endfloat may pinch the rocker assembly and impede valve closeure. Endfloat? 0.1mm or 0.004".
As I said, don't ride it until the problem has been sourced and rectified.

 

[boxer]

specifically when coming to a standstill at lights / junctions and especially when you hold it in a lower gear between stopping and starting

Couldn't be the clutch could it?

Russ.

 

[Silverback Scott]

Just come accross a thread that almost perfectly describes my clattering (slowinng for junctions - low gears etc.) however mine seems worse when cold & usually dissapears when hot. I've come accross the rocker endfloat theory before but I am unsure how adjustment can be obtained? Any help would be much appretiated as I've just done my valve clearences today with the hope of mabye adjusting end float but just ended up just scratching my head & boxing her up again!!??

 

[ktmmark]

My 1100 sounds like the bigend's gone on start up has everyone looking in the pub carparks It is the left tensioner i think which is under the chain & pushed back when low or no oil pressure (ie startup /tickover) there was a new tensioner released but withdrawn so i'm told so i live with it 70''000 & still runs well if not better with the miles

 

[roly]

my poor gs rattles everywere from day one, hot cold start up sounds like its *******, THEY SAID AT THE BM GARAGE WHEN IT BREAKS DOWN , GIVE US A RING. that was 7000 miles ago . think i'mm to used to jap bikes, this ones the only one that has been used daily for a year.all the best.

 

[kedrey]

Hi Tony
Just on the off chance, have you changed your brake pads recently? My 11 makes horrible noises at lower speeds when hot, finally traced it to the aftermarket brake pads rattling about in the calipers. Worth a try aven just to eliminate it, give the lever a wee squeeze and see if the noise disappears.

 

[newman7096]

I,ve justed cured the Cam Chain tensioner mechanical noise by replacing the engine oil with 20w/50 instead of the 10w/40 that was in it.

Its now an approved BMW fix apparently!

 

[nelj]

Tony , its 2006 what was the cause of the 'death rattle', as I am also living with this rattle s on deaceleration stops. Only in 1st gear.

 

[Paul Dilley]

look on www.ibmwr.org

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

Just fitted the new type tensioner, took 15 minutes, and it has had a big impact on the clattering from the lhs. So far, so good.
The one I fitted has the captive spring, and is 5mm or so longer when fully compressed - this might be the secret.
Hope to doG it cures the bloody noise.