Rear suspension says "thonk!" Advice wanted!

joostlobe

Hi everyone,
First of all, I hope this is the right place in the forum for this.

I have had a Rockrider 6.3 (2010) for about a year now and ive been very happy with it.

However since last week my rear suspension has started making a very odd sound, whenever I ride it I keep hearing a "thonk" sound as if there is a piece of metal going up and down a metal pipe at irregular intervals. It also happens when I'm pusing the bike up and down, but not nearly as much as when Im riding it.
It doesn't seem to be affecting anything, but its quite annoying as its pretty loud.

Im not all that experienced with technical lingo so excuse me for being a bit inaccurate with explaining.

Ive tested locking and unlocking my front suspension and it also does it when standing on the paddles but neither helps. (if that in case its usefull to know)
Does anyone know what this could be and if it could somehow be repaired without having to pay for it?

Any helps is much appreciated!

thel33ter

Welcome

Take the shock out, and move the bike through it's travel, that will tell you if its the shock or frame bearngs. Also check if the shock bushings are worn.

If it's the bearings or bushings, contact decathlon.

If it the shock, it needs a service, but to me sounds like a bearing or bushing that's dead.

joostlobe

I took the shock off and it didn't make any noise without it so I was immediately like "oh damn" as my nearest Decathlon is a good 2 hour drive away.

I screwed it back on again and the whole problem seems to be gone! Thank you very very much for helping!

Now theres somehow a sound of a little bit of air releasing every time I push the suspension down but I'll repeat the process in case I didnt screw something on properly. And otherwise I'll go down my local shop for a service

Thanks very much again!

mattv

Quite possibly a loose shock mount which you have tightened as you re-refitted it. A loose bolt is most likely.

thel33ter

joostlobe wrote:

Now theres somehow a sound of a little bit of air releasing every time I push the suspension down but I'll repeat the process in case I didnt screw something on properly. And otherwise I'll go down my local shop for a service

Thanks very much again!

Doubt that air is leaking out after taking it off. Probably just the oil moving around in the shock, although it's easy to check if it is leaking.

Sounds like a bushing was either a bit loose (most likely), or (unlikely after a year) worn, and you've just moved it a bit. Best bet is to get a shop to take a look, and tell you if they need replacing. If they do give Decathlon a ring, I'm sure they'll sell the correct spares.

bellys

the rear shock on your bike is a APRO Tough stock FD spring/oil and its cover for 2years with decathlon. check for oil under the shock.....also check the spring has not backed off this will make the back end of the bike very soft. i have seen this happen before with them.......if your not happy take it back they will sort it for you...

if the shock or bushes are worn they will repalce for free as its covered for 2 years on parts and frame is covered for 5years

info on your shock http://www.apro-tek.com/ss/WEB/images/FD.htm

Wappygixer

joostlobe wrote:

I took the shock off and it didn't make any noise without it so I was immediately like "oh damn" as my nearest Decathlon is a good 2 hour drive away.

I screwed it back on again and the whole problem seems to be gone! Thank you very very much for helping!

Now theres somehow a sound of a little bit of air releasing every time I push the suspension down but I'll repeat the process in case I didnt screw something on properly. And otherwise I'll go down my local shop for a service

Thanks very much again!

The air you may be able to hear could well be the oil moving through the shock.As these shocks are sealed they contain no air in them.
Have you jetwashed the bike at all?If so this can remove all the grease from the pivots making them dry.A bit of grease could cure it.

If it is worn bushes then these would most likely be chargable as its a wear part, but they are not very expensive if I rememeber correctly.
Which is your nearest Decathlon store?If its Stockport drop it in if your nearby and I'll happily take a look.