Rumbling noise when clutch released and then....

[Candyman]

It started as a gentle rumble down below in gearbox area only when clutch released, more prominant when accelerating. The noise went away when the clutch was pulled in (this can never be good!) The noise became worse the more mileage I did. On a long ride home coming off the motorway the noise just stopped, I noticed the gears clunking a bit more, when I got home to open my gate, I almost crashed into my jeep as I pulled off as there was no clutch, it just went straight into drive. I tried again with more room this time, but bike just stalls now. I have had no clutch slippage. Bike has only done 92k, very dissapointed now Never had the clutch or slave replaced before....

I have done some searches, could it be the clutch slave and/or input/output bearing?

Do I need to get the gearbox off, anyone have the same experience?

 

[Wegby]

Pump...

If you pump the clutch lever a few times, do you get the clutch back at all - if only for a minute?

Friend of mine with an 1150 had something similar - needed a new slave unit (the one behind the rear shock).

I also experienced something similar (no clutch, but without the rumbling); fortunately this was only down to a corroded banjo washer.

In both cases, there was fluid that leaked from the clutch system - do / did you have a puddle...? (I'm referring to the bike...)

 

[Candyman]

Thanks, I will try pumping the clutch when I get home. I can't see any leaks but I think my first course of action will be to check the condition of the slave unit and also to pull the starter motor and check the clutch plate.

 

[Grizzly]

Gearbox Input Bearing?

Sounds a bit like the gearbox to me? I think the clutch problem is possibly a result of the rumbling bearings in the gearbox? I had to strip my gearbox about 18 months ago - I put the bike off the road as soon as rumbling noticeable as I didn't fancy total destruction of the box and/or a lock-up at speed!

Cheers .............. Grizzly

 

[Candyman]

Thanks for feedback Grizzly. I think bike will be off road for some time while I investigate. Only problem is I have to catch the train to work now