I have a 2009 Champion IRS trike kit with about 12.2K miles on it. Until 3 weeks ago the kit has been great. Then, I noticed a slight rubbing sound from the right rear tire area. The rubbing sound has become more aggressive in a couple of short rides since I first heard the sound. This rubbing sound ONLY occurs when I am turning and the weight shifts more to the right rear. It does not seem to occur on straight-aways. Then this past week I started hearing a similar sound from the left rear tire area when turning left. The sound is not a whine like a wheel bearing but more of a rubbing sound.
Today I pulled the right rear tire and carefully examined the tire and the trike kit shell for any rub marks (thinking I have a broken shock) but there are no obvious rub marks on either the shell or tire. All of the CV boots look clean without leaks and are not torn. The shock does not appear broken and there are no leaks. BTW, I have greased the U-joint at 5K and 10K.
I did notice that the right rear brake rotor is floating on the spindle and moves upwards of ½ inch in and out on the spindle with the tire off the trike. The only thing holding the rotor in place with the wheel removed seems to be the disc calipers. The brake pads look fine and there is no scoring of the rotor itself. Is this rotor movement normal or should the brake rotor be bolted to the carrier kit?
If the rotor is normal, do you have any ideas on what the rubbing sound might be so I can tell my Champion dealer/repair shop (Apex Motors in Colorado Springs) where to start looking?