Why Does the Rear Wheel Make Abnormal Noise When the Motorcycle Carries Two People?
2 Answers
Abnormal noise from the rear wheel when the motorcycle carries two people may be caused by insufficient lubrication of the wheel hub bearings, unstable tire pressure, or aging of the shock absorber bushings. Pay attention to tire pressure: Pressure is the lifeblood of a tire. Both too high and too low pressure will shorten its service life. If the pressure is too low, the tire body deformation increases, cracks are prone to appear on the tire side, and flexing motion occurs, leading to excessive heat generation, promoting rubber aging, fatigue of the cord layer, and cord breakage. Low pressure also increases the tire's contact area, accelerating wear on the tire shoulder. Excessive pressure causes the tire cords to be overstretched and deformed, reducing the tire body's elasticity and increasing the load the vehicle bears while driving. Regularly check front wheel alignment: Front wheel alignment significantly affects tire lifespan, with toe-in and camber being the main factors. Camber mainly accelerates shoulder wear, i.e., uneven wear, while incorrect toe-in (too large or too small) primarily accelerates wear on the inner and outer sides of the tire.
I've chatted with some veteran riders, and it's quite common for motorcycles to make strange noises from the rear wheel when carrying two people. Mostly, it's due to the doubled weight putting pressure on the rear suspension—like aging shock absorber springs or oil leaks causing squeaks under pressure. Or, if the chain tension isn't right, the added weight can make it rub against the chain guide plate, producing a metal grinding sound. If the wheel hub bearings are worn out, they're more likely to squeak under heavy load. Also, insufficient tire pressure can cause tread deformation and friction against the rim. I recommend checking tire pressure and chain tension before every ride—don't wait until the noise gets worse to address it, or long-distance rides could become dangerously risky. A failed bearing leading to wheel slippage would be disastrous. Regular suspension system checks can save you from major headaches too.
