Clunking Front Forks

[squirrel_hunter]

Let me prefix this with, yes I do know that "They all do that Sir". However me forks are going clunkety clunk...

Its a '99 Curvy running presumed progressive front springs, unknown oil weight. When it hits a bump, 'manhole' sized, it feels like the suspension stops suspending almost as if the forks are bottoming out; I get a nice sounding clunk and the force is transfered up into me. Tis not nice. I know the forks are not bottoming out as I'm sure I can bounce them down further, but when I do you can feel a little something coming back through the bars. I don't get the cluck when transferring from a higher surface to a lower, but always get it transferring from a lower surface to a higher. Speedwise anything above 10mph and it appears and doesn't sound healthy. I cannot replicate it under heavy braking.

So thats the symptoms, what do we reckon?

[dizzyblonde]

does it feel like it is falling over on itself when you do slow manoevres, like u turns or coming out of tight junctions?

[yorkie_chris]

Head bearings?

think you need to get them opened up and see whats in there-that way you know what your starting with.

[squirrel_hunter]

I wouldn't say falling over its self, but it does turn very quick, I'm still getting used to it as it has new boots on and works a little bit better than me old SV so I don't have a valid comparison. But what you thinking?

As for head bearings, how will I know?

Don't fancy opening them up just yet as I only have one trolley jack so wouldn't be able to do a true sid by side compare. Besides I have a warranty at the moment so I wouldn't be doing it, I'm just trying to get ideas.

Anyone else out there with progressives on, how would you describe the ride?

[dizzyblonde]

I know my headbearings are on there way out because

the handlebars, when you turn them from side to side, are loose, instead of a firm smooth movement

every pothole goes clunk, off curbs slowly-clunk well anything really

turning in slow movements, u turns etc feel like the front end is well trying to fall in on itself or too sharp, it almost feels unstable

and they've been looked at before and niped up a bit, but its got worse over the year progressively

someone else will give you a more technical explanation i'm sure

For head bearings, get the front end off the floor and shake the front wheel, side-to-side (not turning the wheel though) and also try movin it back to front. There should be no movement but the steering should move side to side easily and smoothly. If there's any play, grinding or notchiness then the bearings need lookin at.

I'd just change the fork oil first, its a nice easy job.

Originally Posted by phil24_7

For head bearings, get the front end off the floor and shake the front wheel, side-to-side (not turning the wheel though) and also try movin it back to front. There should be no movement but the steering should move side to side easily and smoothly. If there's any play, grinding or notchiness then the bearings need lookin at.

You need the bike off the stand with weight on the front of the bike to check for bearing notchiness really. I use two large coffee tin lids with grease between them to put the wheel on so it turns easily. If you raise the front the weight of the forks and wheel release any upwards pressure on the headstock and can disguise a notchy bearing.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Lozzo

You need the bike off the stand with weight on the front of the bike to check for bearing notchiness really. I use two large coffee tin lids with grease between them to put the wheel on so it turns easily. If you raise the front the weight of the forks and wheel release any upwards pressure on the headstock and can disguise a notchy bearing.

I see your point about looking for a notchy bearing but to see if they're loose you'll need the front end off the deck as described by Phil. If you're short of tools a mate can lift the bike onto the rear wheel and side stand by grabbing hold of the frame on the right side of the bike and pulling it towards them on the left.

Provided all is well with tyre pressures and bearings I'd say it sounds a bit like harsh damping. If the oil is an unknown this could be a bit heavy for what you were after.

Jambo