Loud creaking from the front somewhere

[carrera2]

Before I start either stripping the front down or paying someone to look at it....is this a common problem? Seems to happen after being on the go for a minute or so and is a fairly loud creaking. Any bump or acceleration/deceleration really gets it going.

Apologies for such a stupid question - I haven't the foggiest where to start looking and wondered if anyone else had this.

 

[Aidan1150]

Are you sure that it's in the front?

I had a creaking noise, kind of like a creaking door in a horror film, and it was the paralever bearings that needed adjusted. Once done there was no more noise.

 

[robc]

Arthritis in your elbows?

Rob C

 

[carrera2]

Are you sure that it's in the front?

I had a creaking noise, kind of like a creaking door in a horror film, and it was the paralever bearings that needed adjusted. Once done there was no more noise.

That sounds like the noise mine makes, good description!
It's a bastard to actually locate the source to be honest! I'll definitely be checking those though - cheers!

 

[Wrigsby1]

That sounds like the noise mine makes, good description!
It's a bastard to actually locate the source to be honest! I'll definitely be checking those though - cheers!

To check the paralever bearings repeatedly push the back end down via the seat and let it return under control. You will hear them OK if that is where the creaking is from.

As for checking the front you have to get around the telelever action and it's natural anti-dive. To do this you have to bounce the front end without the front brake on which is a bit more difficult. Push down on the bars or get someone to hold it upright while you get the front to work up and down. Likely suspects are the front pivot bearings but I have never heard of them being so bad. Perhaps another case of OCD pressure washing

Good luck

 

[topcat2006]

I diagnosed my paralever bearings had failed by grabbing the rear wheel at 09.00 and 03.00 and rocking it backwards and forwards (rather than clockwise/anticlockwise.) I could feel the joint moving and in fact could see it moving. It is also worth trying this at 12.00 and 6.00 too.

Hope this helps!

Tom

 

[Stewart H]

I removed my rear wheel and shock the other day, it took ten minutes, while it was off I was able to have a good feel of the paralever/swingarm bearings, move them all the way through their travel and feel for roughness.
Stewart

 

[Wrigsby1]

I removed my rear wheel and shock the other day, it took ten minutes, while it was off I was able to have a good feel of the paralever/swingarm bearings, move them all the way through their travel and feel for roughness.
Stewart

That's it as fecked bearings don't always give play. It's the roughness and dryness that makes 'em squeak... It's hard to believe that the whole tractor of a GS pivots through two pissy little bearings like that