My forks are making a clicking noise, any ideas?

henreque

Hi,
I have a Specialized Hardrock Pro Disk 07, and it currently has Marzocchi MZ Race fork on it. I have been using it for XC and some freeride and general recreational cycling. But havn't misused it or been using it for jumping etc.

(I am planning on upgrading to either Marzocchi Drop Offs or All Mountain 3s in the near future)

Recently, the forks have started making a clicking sort of noise, and it happens when i compress the fork, and certainly when it rebounds and is annoying when i am standing while pedalling. It doesn't sound too healthy either. I'm pretty certain it's coming from the stanchions, and not from anything else on the bike.

I have no idea what the problem might be, anyone with any ideas? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

supersonic

This is a notoriously poor fork I am afraid, and has no rebound damping which can cause a clunk on rebound as it tops out. Clicking likely to be the springs rubbing on the inside of the stanchions, nothing really to worry about. You could remove the springs, put a wrap of inner tube around them in the middle, and refit.

henreque

Thanks, yeah it can be pretty harsh on the rebound. I'm going to have a look at that, thanks for the tip, or if i can't fix it, my bike could do with a service anyway. But I'm going to upgrade/get a better fork as soon as possible, and have ideas on which i would get. In your opinion, which would be better:

A Mazocchi Drop Off 2007 at £149.99
(http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=19128)
or
A Mazocchi All Mountain 3 2006 at £199.99
(http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=8342)

(i've also looked at some Rockshox and Manitou forks too) I would quite like to get an all mountain fork of somesort, what fork would be best? I have quite a tight budget though - i'm only 17

Thanks again

supersonic

None of them would be my choice, they are the wrong type of fork for the type of bike. You need something more XC/trail based like an RS Recon or Marzocchi XC500

*Pez*

Merlin have a great deal on Reba SL's with poplock - would suit the Spesh Hardtail very well.

Ultra reliable fit and forget fork, with all the adjustment you need.

royboy11

If your fork's stanchions are held by clamps at the crown then make sure they're tight. I have Marzocchi Z1's and they click at the clamps. After tightening them they still click there but a lot less.

henreque

Ok, thanks. And no they're not clamps, a friend also suggested that.

I think i need to look into getting a new fork, thanks for the tips - i will keep them in mind for the future. I had been thinking of the Rockshox Recon also. I want a better fork more than anything really.

Thanks again.

Docgeoffyjones

This may sound a bit out there, but it could just be the brake hose. If it is cable tied quite tight down to the stantions it can cause a clicking sound. Just double check you hose routing. make sure the hose is'nt too tight across the fork. its worth a try at least.

Docgeoffyjones

Also check your stem bolts are all tight. the noise could be originating from the handlebars.