Low humming in rear wheel problem
#1
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 27
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From: Boulder, CO
Low humming in rear wheel problem
Hey all!
Finally went on a little ride given the good weather and while I was riding I noticed a low humming/dragging feeling in the rear wheel...the best way I can describe it is similar to the feeling of the drag/resistance you get from riding on the trainer. I cant hear it or anything but I can feel it with my butt (no jokes please) if that makes sense.
Anyone have any clue to what I'm experiencing??
Finally went on a little ride given the good weather and while I was riding I noticed a low humming/dragging feeling in the rear wheel...the best way I can describe it is similar to the feeling of the drag/resistance you get from riding on the trainer. I cant hear it or anything but I can feel it with my butt (no jokes please) if that makes sense.
Anyone have any clue to what I'm experiencing??
#4
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,900
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A couple of years ago a regular rider in our group was having trouble keeping up. Upon going back to see if he was ok it was observed that the rear brake pad was rubbing against the wheel. It is really hard to pedal with that drag on the wheel.
If not that then is the rear skewer tightened and the wheel centered? As a last thought, wheel bearings shot? How many miles on the wheels?
If not that then is the rear skewer tightened and the wheel centered? As a last thought, wheel bearings shot? How many miles on the wheels?
#5
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Boulder, CO
A couple of years ago a regular rider in our group was having trouble keeping up. Upon going back to see if he was ok it was observed that the rear brake pad was rubbing against the wheel. It is really hard to pedal with that drag on the wheel.
If not that then is the rear skewer tightened and the wheel centered? As a last thought, wheel bearings shot? How many miles on the wheels?
If not that then is the rear skewer tightened and the wheel centered? As a last thought, wheel bearings shot? How many miles on the wheels?
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 785
Likes: 1
From: NW Arkansas
Bikes: Too many to count
Pick the back wheel up off the ground and spin it. Can you hear any thing?
Is there any play in the bearings, side to side wiggle in the wheel with no
weight on it? Does it spin free?
Bent axle? Fishing line in the hub?
Is there any play in the bearings, side to side wiggle in the wheel with no
weight on it? Does it spin free?
Bent axle? Fishing line in the hub?
#9
The space coyote lied.



Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 48,904
Likes: 11,096
From: dusk 'til dawn.
Bikes: everywhere
You can try the poor man's stethescope. With bike in stand (or upside down on the carpet) form a "Hang Loose" salute with your hand. Jam your thumb in your earhole and rest your pinky against the QR. Carefully pedal bike and listen.
It's usually better to have a good identical wheel to compare against, but...
It's usually better to have a good identical wheel to compare against, but...
#10
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 27
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From: Boulder, CO
#11
The "Mechanic"
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 555
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From: East Bay
Bikes: 2013 Tarmac SL4 Pro; 2011 Lynskey Cooper, 2015 BH Quartz Disc, 2014 Yeti SB75
If your in the small cog on the rear cassette, that humming noise is normal. Every bike Ive worked on does it in the 11T or 12T cog. Im guessing it might be due to the tight wrap of the chain on a small cog.
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