Knock knock

[Big Al]

I've just noticed a quiet knock coming from the rear of my T5 Classic when pushing it with the engine off after it's been ridden - doesn't seem to occur when cold. Any thoughts as to why this could be, before I take a look at it?

It's been extremely low on gearbox oil for the past few weeks (only noticed this a few days ago when I spotted a small puddle beneath the engine - this has now been sorted - and yes, i'm a muppet) so I don't know if this may be a factor...

[Big Al]

Update - had a quick look at it earlier - all back wheelnuts have come loose and one looks as though it's worn through the metal of the wheel, almost tearing through to the inside edge of the rim!?! Anyone seen anything like this before?

[bryno]

Ooops! once they start to come lose the studs will eat away at the holes in the rim making them larger..

It can be more of an issue on poor fitting non genuine rims and hubs.

I'd replace rim & hub and ensure you have spring washers on the nuts...

[dunworking]

I had a problem with my rear wheelnuts coming loose every week on my sprint earlier in the year. I had bought a "packaged" set of stainless steel nuts & washers of a well known auction site turns out the thread form was very poor. Bought a new set from my local nut & bolt stockist and they have been nice and tight ever since So when you replace the rim and hub make sure you have decent nuts as well - easily overlooked items!

[Big Al]

Update: THIS is what happens if you're a mechanical newbie who doesn't read the Haynes manual properly, thus neglecting to use spring washers when attaching his rear wheel...



...seriously worn down threads - amazed none of them snapped whilst riding...



...and rim nearly torn through in places!

So all-in-all a lesson learned the hard way (although it could have been worse) - new nuts, washers and rear hub being purchased tomorrow.