I've recently noticed an audible clunk when I grab the front brake suddenly or go over decent-sized bumps. I can also feel it in the bars, like something is loose that shouldn't be. I can't reproduce this standing still, I can compress the front forks with no clunk, but a barely audible squeak on rebound. I'm not sure if this has been happening for a while and or if it's something that's gotten progressively worse and I've just noticed it, or if my forks were sabotaged overnight by chupacabras. Recent events that may have affected this are a brake pad change a couple weeks ago, and a lowside that tweaked the forks slightly three or four months ago. Anyone have similar problems or clues to what I should look for before I take the forks apart? Thanks, ~Azamat
Could be the steering head bearing. This tends to make the noise you say it produces. Usually when turning/ coming to a stop/ riding over bump surfaces. Just my 2 cents...
Another thought... It may not bad or need replacement... may just needs to be tightened up. Could have too much play after your low side incident.
Thanks for your input guys. Is there a sure way to check if it's the head bearings prior to disassembly? I thought if the head bearings were going, i'd get some symptoms from steering too, but I can turn it lock to lock and it seems smooth as butter.
You already did...roadtest! Check your repair maual (you do have one right?) May give you some more input about head bearings. But in my opinion, you already checked with a road test. If its making the head bearing clunking sound...I'd say its the head bearing. Its not a hard job to do. If its your 1st time, it may take you slightly longer. Should be able to complete it in 2 hours max. Better to be safe than left with a wrecked bike!!! I'd just change it out with new one. 2 things never skimp on...brakes and steering/suspension
Simple problem, simple fix Turns out, the steering stem nut was loose--so loose, I could turn it by hand. I torqued it down to the 76 ft. lbs recommended by the manual, and no more noise. Loctite, anyone?
Um, lack of washer may be my problem. Thanks for pointing that out! Jagshemash! I am number two television producer in all of Kazakhstan.
This likely explains, to some degree, Pearl's posts regarding the electrical system on his scooter. :wink: Did you kick the drain's butt yet?
I just completed rebuilding the head on my '93 VFR, in addition to the klunking sound I also had a head shake. While it was appart I upgraded to roller bearings and made sure the bearings were set properly on stem. Make sure you have the lock washer in place and that you have a way to tighten the two stearing nuts together, it makes a difference. Before you ride or disassemble, raise the front end off the ground, grab the forks by the front axle and push and pull. If you hear the klunking sound or you can feel movement , you head is loose and possibly your head bearings are not set on the stem properly.
Number 2, you must be very good, have you the Readers Digest version of Borat the movie as performed by Bunnies ? :becky: Borat short Bunny movie Linky: http://www.starz.com/features/bunnyclub/borat/index.html
:rofl: That brings it all back. Have you read the Rolling Stone interview? It's from last year, but I just ran accross it. http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/sacha_baron_cohen_the_real_borat_finally_speaks "We were in front of the White House in the ice cream van with all our camera equipment in the back, and the Secret Service pulled us over," Charles says. "And Sacha stayed in character: He asked them what organization they were from, and they said, 'Secret Service,' and he said, 'Like KGB?' He stays so cool under fire."
Hadn't before, that was an excellent interview of Baron Cohen, initially thought " 6 pages ? " but read the it all.
Yup, I had the same clunking as you. I exposed the upper stearing bearing and put some thick grease and put it back at the right torque. Fixed the problem completely.
