thencamebronson Posted July 19, 2008 Posted July 19, 2008 I have a 94 R1100RS which has a disconcerting creaking noise coming from the front end. The frustrating thing is I can't isolate it. I replaced the shocks thinking it was the old worn out stock front shock. The lower shock bolt is lubed. I have replaced the handlebar bushings, and the fork seals. The sound is absent when the bike is on centerstand and front wheel is in the air. It occurs both when compressing the forks and when turning the front wheel back and forth. I have also tried spraying WD40 on the critical points and seeing if that helped to isolate the source. You can feel the "creak" in the fork legs and the upper fork "clamp" particularly when turning the handlebars. I am thinking it may be the upper fork bridge mounting bearing thing. I also checked the torque on the clamp bolts. Bike has 136K. Any thoughts?
thencamebronson Posted July 19, 2008 Author Posted July 19, 2008 I should have mentioned, no play in the front end either front to back or side to side.
Anton Largiader Posted July 19, 2008 Posted July 19, 2008 These are exactly the symptoms I found on a bike with bent fork tubes.
thencamebronson Posted July 19, 2008 Author Posted July 19, 2008 Bent fork tubes? Yow. Noise did appear after I replaced the fork seals. I did have a front end collision several years ago but fork tubes were ok. No collision or anything prior to noise starting. I'll check though. I might try loosening then retorquing all the fasteners, what do you think. BTW, I've been to your website and value your opinion.
GordonB Posted July 20, 2008 Posted July 20, 2008 Could've been hidden damage (micro fracture) from your collision and perhaps now it is expanding??? Hope not.
Jeepster Posted July 20, 2008 Posted July 20, 2008 Bent fork tubes? Yow. Noise did appear after I replaced the fork seals. I did have a front end collision several years ago but fork tubes were ok. No collision or anything prior to noise starting. I'll check though. I might try loosening then retorquing all the fasteners, what do you think. BTW, I've been to your website and value your opinion. Prior to torquing the axle pinch bolts, try boucing the front end (compressing the fork a bit), this helps everything align itself. Good hunting.
Anton Largiader Posted July 21, 2008 Posted July 21, 2008 I might try loosening then retorquing all the fasteners, what do you think. Always a good start. Loosen the fork brace bolts, then install the axle (no wheel). Spin the axle as you tighten the end nut, snug the clamp bolts, then tighten the fork brace (aka lower fork bridge). Then reinstall the wheel. ALWAYS spin the axle as you tighten the end bolt. This ensures that the axle doesn't pull the RHS fork leg over with it.
big-t Posted July 21, 2008 Posted July 21, 2008 Ball joint between the fork bridge and the trailing arm is probably dry and transmitting the creaking into the other parts
Matts_12GS Posted July 21, 2008 Posted July 21, 2008 My 96 RT does the same thing, I will try the axle retorquing and see if I can get some lube into the ball joint easily enough to try that.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.