Transmission issues, squealing on take off

[fabrizio.clorofilla]

Hi guys,
I recently bought a second hand Downtown 300i '2009 with less than 9000 miles on it.
Overall I'm pleased with the scooter, but the transmission is taking the pi** with me.
When I bought it I knew I had to put my hands on the clutch as on a test drive I could feel the scooter shattering on take off.
What I did then was opening up the transmission carter, taking off the bell from the clutch, cleaning both the clutch pads and the bell with soft grain sand paper and wiping both with brake cleaner. When I opened the transmission compartment I notice the belt was a bit loose, but decided not to replace it as it's not easy to find spare parts here in the United Kingdom, and I needed to order it back home (Italy) and get it shipped. I've put everything back and test driven the scooter: absolutely PERFECT! Loved it....... until couple of days after... when a horrible noise started coming from the transmission, I'd define it a squeal... not very noticeable at the beginning, but predominant after a few days. Seeking advices from two of my workmates they told me the culprit was the belt, same diagnosis came from a mechanic I briefly spoke with and let him hear the noise. Ordered belt and rollers (since I had to take the variator off the transmission, I though I'd replace it), got them delivered and ready to put them on. This morning together with a workmate with 30+ years of experience in services his bikes, we got the belt and rollers replaced, the whole transmission compartment cleaned with brake cleaner (no brake cleaner on bearings, was very careful), clutch cleaned once again like below. Bolt back in place with a torque wrench. I was so looking forward to riding my scooter without hearing that horrible noise.................. but, well, that noise did not go away, at all...
What, if not the belt, could be responsible for such a noise? That noise was not there before I cleaned the clutch for the first time, I'm pretty sure. I'm attaching a link to a dropbox folder where you can find an audio and a video showing the noise, and a video of the transmission idling without cover.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mi6al8k5kywjm6g/AAC8W_GyYH088ME764HyJ3eka?dl=0

I'd be very happy to hear from you, I've been reading your forum for a while to seek advices, but now I don't know what to do.

[boo]

The name on the drive belt. Sometimes when people want to move a scoot and it needs a drive belt, they will go cheap and slap on a Gates.
Some of the Gates belts do not fit the sheeves good.
A possibility?.

If your clutch pads have plenty of meat on them and you de glazed and cleaned everything, it just about has to be the belt.
Might be a good idea to check the rear wheel bearing. While on center stand, check side to side wobble.
If you decide to replace the drive belt, buy Kymco OEM.

[CROSSBOLT]

I vote the squealing is from that little roller bearing inside the clutch assembly nearest the gear box. Takes just a dab of high temp grease on the end of the finger to do it.

Karl

[fabrizio.clorofilla]

The name on the drive belt.

I fitted a genuine Mitsuboshi (genuine OEM Kymco drive belt) this morning.

[fabrizio.clorofilla]

I vote the squealing is from that little roller bearing inside the clutch assembly nearest the gear box. Takes just a dab of high temp grease on the end of the finger to do it.

Karl

Hi Karl, I'm not 100% sure but I think I saw my mate sticking some grease on the part you mentioned. I'll ask him confirmation tomorrow as soon as I get to the office and let you know. Thanks for your comment

[boo]

I fitted a genuine Mitsuboshi (genuine OEM Kymco drive belt) this morning.

Have you had a chance to ride the scoot yet?. What was the result?.

[fabrizio.clorofilla]

Have you had a chance to ride the scoot yet?. What was the result?.

The video and audio I attached, were taken after fitting the new belt.
The noise, therefor, did not go away, at all.
It remained exactly the same after fitting the new genuine belt.
Don't really know what could be wrong in there...

[mousejunks]

What about the v-shaped drives faces on the variator and clutch that grip the belt? Also, make sure that your transmission filter is still there or dirt can be sucked into the transmission area and cause problems. There is also a ball bearing that sits on the clutch axle which rolls inside the metal transmission cover. Make sure it is still lubed and intact.