Replies

1. 
   YesMaam27577 | Dec 03, 2009 07:40pm | #1

   What kind of sound is it?

   A hum or buzz indicates a motor or electrical problem.

   A squeal hints at a belt slipping.

   Rattling or metal-to-metal grinding means a bigger problem.

   I won't be laughing at the lies when I'm gone,
   And I can't question how or when or why when I'm gone;
   I can't live proud enough to die when I'm gone,
   So I guess I'll have to do it while I'm here. (Phil Ochs)

1. 
   LakelandDave | Dec 03, 2009 08:55pm | #3

   Sorry I didn't describe the problem better. The comments about the type and location of the noise prompted me to explore a little further. Definitely not a buzz or hum - nor a squeal or grinding. More like a hand-truck running through a pile of metal ductwork. I have a hearing problem, but on further review I think it's coming from the belt area. After allowing it to start and run smoothly, I tried shifting into the high-speed range, and the noise returned with a vengeance. That makes me wonder if it could relate to the speed control mechanism.

1. 
   davcefai | Dec 03, 2009 10:44pm | #4

   It could be a bearing.

1. 
   LakelandDave | Dec 03, 2009 11:11pm | #5

   Perhaps a bearing. Would it not be unusual for a bearing to cease it's noise-making after reaching full speed?

1. 
   Tinkerer3 | Dec 04, 2009 05:04am | #8

   "Would it not be unusual for a bearing to cease its noise after reaching full speed." 

   Not so unusual.  If it is a flat ball in a ball bearing, I think they might turn on their side and cease its noise.  You might also look for a loose pulley, shaft, bearing.....

2. 
   mike4244 | Dec 04, 2009 02:46am | #6

   Remove the belt,no noise no motor problem. Check the pulleys ,the keys and setscrews, and the belt. The noise you describe does not sound like a bearing. Usually a bad bearing makes the spindle harder to turn than usual. The sound you describe makes me think pulley and belt .

   mike

1. 
   LakelandDave | Dec 04, 2009 04:37am | #7

   Thanks Mike - Will check that out tomorrow.

2. 
   Tinkerer3 | Dec 03, 2009 08:34pm | #2

   You didn't say where the noise was coming from.  My RAS made a noise and hesitated like that.  The problem was corrected by replacing a bad condenser in the motor.  Of course, with a RAS about the only thing that could cause a noise at startup is the motor.