Clutch rattle improvement technique?

[chrissinc]

I read on here that a way to improve your clutch rattle a bit is to re-torque the bolts holding the clutch together up a bit. I'm assuming it's the 4 bolts that are spring loaded. Would replacing the springs also help a bit? I tried to find the original post using search but I couldn't find it. One gentleman here claimed by re-torqueing those bolts back up he got rid of %80 of the noise. Here is a fiche from bikebandit.com

http://houseofmotorcycles.bikebandit.com/partsbandit/oem_schematic_view~mp_id~~mscssid~9GVQN32KG8CU8M60RS7VQUJWQ8UJ9DC7~schem_dept_id~708929~section_dept_id~1~section_dept_name~OEM+%28Stock%29+Parts~dept_type_id~2~model_dept_year~1985~model_dept_mfr~Suzuki~model_dept_id~703237~model_dept_name~GS700ESF.asp

As you can see in the diagram there are the 4 bolts that are spring loaded, could these be the "bolts" that the gentleman tightened? The reason I'm asking is that I may be selling my bike soon and trying to upgrade my GS750EF and look for a GS1150EF in my future(Help!! I can't stop buying GS's!!:-)) and it may be easier to buy a new gasket, get a torque wrench and re-torque the bolts than having to explain that rattleing noise goes away in 3 mins of driving to potential buyers who are not familiar with these bikes.

I think for $7.10 for a new gasket and maybe $8.40 worth of new springs it might be worthwhile to try. What do you guys think? Is this a total waste of time? Or will it offer some improvement? I'm just looking for some modest improvement as it's not that bad as it is.

[ptm]

It certainly wouldn't hurt to make sure the bolts are torqued properly. I've also read that syncing the carbs will smooth out the idle which will significantly reduce the vibration that makes it rattle.

[chrissinc]

You're right syncing my carbs did help it alot. It just would be nice to kill that last little bit of rattle, as mine is better than most for rattling I don't think it couldn't HURT popping in some new clutch springs and seeing if it tightens it up a bit. I imagine with more spring tension the clutch might quiet up a bit. As I said it's pretty good now but any improvement for about $20 and an hour's work is worth it. I'll let you guys know what I do and if it helps a bit. It may be a cheap way to improve the rattle a bit and it wouldn't hurt to take a peek in there and inspect the clutch.

[Don Lobacz]

The 4 bolts on the basket will probably not do much to lessen your noise and they may break if over tightened. The chatter mainly comes from the clutch basket riveted area loosening up and the basket springs weakening over time (not the springs you can get to). No cheap fix there. The sych may help a lot. There may also be cam chain noise that sounds similar. Don't worry too much about it unless you see aluminum floating in your oil change.

[Bolder Biker]

The 4 bolts on the basket will probably not do much to lessen your noise and they may break if over tightened. The chatter mainly comes from the clutch basket riveted area loosening up and the basket springs weakening over time (not the springs you can get to). No cheap fix there. The sych may help a lot. There may also be cam chain noise that sounds similar. Don't worry too much about it unless you see aluminum floating in your oil change.

I believe that Don is right.......and there have been a number of posters who have reported snapping these bolts at quite low torque settings. If you do decide to tighten them, I would suggest being very careful.

BB

[SqDancerLynn1]

I would replace those bolts as the threads streatch over time. Another possible spot for noise is the idler gear for the starter their should be a shim washers on both sides of the gear. Make sure the main nut is tightened good and that it fits tight on the splines, tighten to 70 ft lbs & use a new locking tab washer The springs that make noise are the ones on the back side of the clutch basket item #1 non replacable

[chrissinc]

It's definatly clutch rattle it's coming from the clutch area on the right hand side of the bike and sounds "close" to the surface of the clutch cover. The springs are getting a little weak anyway so while I changed the springs I was going to have a quick poke in there. The clutch is still very good, lots of feel and no slippage what so ever. As I said it's not that bad and goes away in about 3 min of driving but if something can be improved why not give it a shot so to speak.