Modern Buddy

I ride my Stella Auto to and from work everyday. On the way home today it began to make a squeaking noise and felt like it was rattling, seemingly from the front tire area. I couldn't exactly locate where it was coming from. When I stopped I couldn't recreate the rattle noise. I went at a slow pace to get home and the engine was unaffected.

Probably unrelated, but I seem to have shook loose the screw along the right side of the wheel cover.

Sorry, I lack technical terminology. Grateful for any input.

Can you take pic of said area might spark some idea's

Here's a link to video where you can hear the sound: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZZkmguGvc8Nyx4YL9

Check the allen head bolts that hold the brake disk on. They have a tendency to loosen up on the Stella if they are installed without threadlocker. This would make the heads of the bolts scrape/squeak against the caliper, and the disk itself could be rattling around.

Thanks @stanza for the tip. I will check them out immediately to see if that is the issue. I will update with results.

In the image you can see where a screw is missing.

A little Blue Loctite won't hurt. Clean the brake dust out of the hole first with some brake cleaner and a cotton swab (or a handful of them).

That missing screw fastens the fender to the fork. There are three bolts at the top of the fender and one on the side. The screw/bolt missing is the one on the side.

You’ll need a small bolt, a couple of washers and a lock washer.

I checked and they weren't loose.

I can only re-create the sound at higher speeds and then once the squeaking and rattling/knocking starts it will continue somewhat as I slow down. The brake seems unaffected.

Clearly a novice and would appreciate any help.

On this phone it sounds like something slapping about on it but not as a regular beat more like odd times loose cable I really can't tell, sorry I cant be more helpful. One other thing have pulled, pushed and twisted everything on front end see if nothing is free to move about at speed.

I discovered the source (I believe).

The coils on the suspension are rubbing against the fender... or at least that is part of the sound. I tried reattaching the fender to the suspension but it was too tight and only made it worse. I need a way to attach it and I assume there was some sort of bushing/spacer to create some separation between the suspension and fender.

If anyone could share a picture of how it's attached or a link to the part, that would be very helpful.

Thanks. [/quote]

Any hardware store should be able to help you out. There’s no spacer. If it’s too close you could try using a washer.

There’s not much of a gap.

To fully get a feel for the sound, I uploaded a video:

https://youtu.be/-ugACQq6VNs

I cannot recreate the sound. It happened today only after a few minutes of riding and even then, once it stopped, it did not automatically start back up.

Thank you for your patience.

Jeff

It almost sounds like a pivot squeak, like the suspension linkage itself it squeaking. Honestly have never heard that before though.

Stanza,

If I understand, it makes sense that it would have to do with the suspension. But what is a pivot squeak?

Also, thank you for the pictures, 2003stellaDave. I just wish I could see the very top of the underside of the fender to compare.

Jeff