Squeaking clutch

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Nov 1, 2015
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Hello together,
I am brand new here and sorry for my poor english, my home is in europe.

I have lot of problems with my Norton 961. (2013)
Some I have fixed and some not.

One of the unsolved problems is the squeaking clutch.
We have changed all the plates and checked the baskets, more than one time
The oil was changed several times also to different specifications.
The Parts are OK, but the clutch is squeaking like the one in my racing Ducati.
When I put the first gear inside and I release the clutch -> the ugly squeak.

The Norton 961 of my friend is quite

Have someone an idea how to fix this problem.
No answer from Norton

Panetone
 
You may have a spun bearing. Contact the factory if its still under warranty. You must have the old clutch design.
 
Check the fit of the bearing ID to the shaft next time you take the basket off. I sent you the manual for removing the basket. While you're at it, inspect ALL your bolts that attach the ring gear to the basket.

I would put money on a spun bearing. It happened to a another bike we know.
 
I was in contact with Norton and they told me nothing from a new clutch basket.
Last year we changed the complete clutch without a success

Can you please explain me the different of the baskets?
This will be very helpfully
 
What is the duration of the squeak ? And may I ask again if the word squeak describes the sound properly ? You said it makes the noise when you put the bike in gear or when you release the clutch and take off ? Please be very specific if you can , this will help to diagnose it. Are there any other signs of clutch or transmission problems when you are driving ?
 
I notice a similar noise than described by Panetone on my 2012 CR. It is not always but often appearing. When it is squeaking, it comes by releasing the clutch lever and when driving off. The sound is like metal is rubbing on metal...
 
If you changed the whole basket then it's not the bearings unless the diameter of the shaft is slightly undersized. Take the clutch basket off and inspect the shaft with a tenth micrometer. Look for wear. A bearing should not wear the shaft but if there are rub marks around the diameter then perhaps it is undersized from the previous clutch basket bearings wearing it. Mic it and tell Simon the size. He will know right away if its the shaft. If it is then no matter what clutch basket you use it will squeek. It may be something completely different but your explanation sounds like a bearing spun and wore down the shaft diameter. If you need a new shaft it's a lot of work. But don't get stressed out thinking thats what it is until you mic and inspect the shaft. While you're at it measure the length of ALL your clutch spring lengths and make sure they are the same length.

Good luck
 
Hello Panetone , Is it possible the number of plates or the order Friction / Steel that they were installed is wrong ? According to the manual there are 7 friction plates and 6 steel plates . The installation must be friction first (in first to the back of basket) then steel . Alternate all the way out and finish with friction. Friction must be FIRST and LAST in the basket !! If there is any doubt about the condition of the plates they should be replaced with new.
 
Next week I will dismount the complete clutch and check everything.
After this I will inform you what was the result.
 
Here is a precisely explain of the noise:

When sharply (quickly) setting off, the clutch makes a loud squealing noise!
When the is idling (in neutral) there is a thudding noise to be heard (metal scraping sound??), coming from
the bottom end (primary or gearbox)
When the clutch is engaged the noise disappears.
From my experience the noise is similar to that of a Ducati clutch when overheated.
The problem is also common on some TRX850 Yamahas.


Just seen the new James Bond film spectre.
Are MI5 is also working on that problem? As I got a haze view of 2 Nortons in Q`s workshop. Maybe they can fix the other engine noises while they are at it. Probably in order of her majesty :D
 
What you said about the noise going away when the clutch is pulled in is normal on the 961. The squeal may be the plates or their order. You should think about replacing all of the plates both friction and steel when you reassemble.
 
This happened to my dads bike and we thought it was a one off situation. Well, looks like it's not (at least the squeaking noise anyways). We have designed a tool to check this and also something to fix this and will be sending it out to Ollie in Germany for testing. If this indeed fixes his clutch then we will make this tool available to everyone. Likely more of a dealer tool and fix because once cured, this problem will never happen again.

I will update everyone, and Ollie will too on this situation.
 
Hello Richard , Can you be more clear what you are referring to ? The squealing noise that you fixed on your dads bike ; What was it ?
 
It was the spacer between the bearings of the clutch basket. Spacer was a little too thin so this spacer could spin. We are making a tool to make it easy to check this. More of a dealer tool with shims to correct it. I should be making a manual on it this week. Its getting made now. Then I will make the manual. Then ship it to Germany.
 
This happened to my dads bike and we thought it was a one off situation. Well, looks like it's not (at least the squeaking noise anyways). We have designed a tool to check this and also something to fix this and will be sending it out to Ollie in Germany for testing. If this indeed fixes his clutch then we will make this tool available to everyone. Likely more of a dealer tool and fix because once cured, this problem will never happen again.

I will update everyone, and Ollie will too on this situation.
Hello Richard
Just found this post about squealing clutch on take off I have this problem and have checked the clutch plates all seems ok, you mention a spacer and a tool for replacing athe spacer can you elaborate and was it successfull.
 
Hello Richard
Just found this post about squealing clutch on take off I have this problem and have checked the clutch plates all seems ok, you mention a spacer and a tool for replacing athe spacer can you elaborate and was it successfull.
Hi Dodgy , I won't speak for Richard-7 and when he replies that will be great. But , I have had a conversation with David C. and he explained to me what was happening with these clutch issues. First these issues are separate (not the same problem). As I understood it , with the change from billet clutch to cast clutch was the start of the clutch bearing spacer issue . This occurs with the cast (late) clutch with the internal circlip and spacer. The distances weren't correct and when the clutch nut is torqued up the bearings get too side loaded. The other and different problem was the squeaking clutch on take off. this is caused when the basket slides slightly on its rivets during take off. According to David , the clutch bearings would be toast within the first couple thousand miles of driving if you had the spacer issue. The squeaking issue is only fixed with a re-riveting of the clutch basket , and can be driven this way for a long time . Now if I remember you have a late model 961 and the clutch spacer issue is most likely NOT your problem. You should email Ollie Thiel and get his perspective and It wouldn't surprise me if he can fix it for you ! Send him the clutch and he sends it back repaired.
 
I also had a clutch 'squawk' pulling away not every time but most times. My spacer was an incredibly rough thing so I made a nice new one, filled in the splines where the clutch basket is riding on them and replaced the clutch plates with EBC race sintered plates and slightly uprated springs. My squawk disappeared. Unfortunately I changed a few things so it's difficult to know exactly what resolved it.....
 
I also had a clutch 'squawk' pulling away not every time but most times. My spacer was an incredibly rough thing so I made a nice new one, filled in the splines where the clutch basket is riding on them and replaced the clutch plates with EBC race sintered plates and slightly uprated springs. My squawk disappeared. Unfortunately changed a few things so it's difficult to know exactly what resolved it.....

Hello Clive , That is great news. Maybe others experiencing a "squawk" should follow your advice. The only thing I would ask is can you explain the "filled in the splines" and the other work you did with the spacer. I can also vouch for the EBC clutch plates both steel and friction plates . The EBC part numbers may not be well known they are :

EBC Spring Set : CSK126
EBC Friction Plate Set : CK2255
EBC Complete Clutch Set (Steel Plates , Friction Plates , Springs) : SRK51
 
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