Play in bushings = new bike?

Miggins

In the past year of owning my XC hardtail (2010 Trek 6300), I haven't done any more than an estimated 500 miles. I've detected some play in the forks which, according to my research, suggests that the bushings need replacing. They've never been serviced in any way since new.

Apart from the XC stuff, I do like to ride down steep rock steps and fast down rock gardens. The forks I have are not what you'd call the best quality (RockShox Tora SL) but I've been happy with them so far. Am I riding them too hard? Would I be better suited to a bike that's less XC and more AM? Or would a better quality fork be the solution? I just thought I wouldn't have to be replacing bushings so soon.

cooldad

Where is the play? Sure it's not just a loose headset?

nicklouse

service time. the forks are fine for what you want to do in fact more than fine. bushes do wear out and most forks use the same ones.

Miggins

cooldad wrote:

Where is the play? Sure it's not just a loose headset?

Thanks CoolDad. This was my first thought having just serviced the headset. However, jamming my thumb in between the fork brace and the stancion whilst rocking the bike back and forth with the front brake applied confirms my fears as I can feel the movement in the forks accompanied by a faint knocking.

nicklouse wrote:

service time....bushes do wear out....

Thanks Nicklouse. Looks like I'll need to find another excuse to justify a full-sus steed, then! Is it easy enough for a beginner to do? Looks like some special tools are needed but at £75 to get them serviced when I can buy a new replacement pair of forks for £95, a service can only really be justified if I do it myself.

supersonic

Very rare for modern RS fork bushings to wear - I'd contact the retailer to see if they can do anything for you.

Sometimes a slight compression of the spring as you rock the bike causes a similar feeling. Can you see any play? Wind on the preload fully and try it again, with your hand cupped around the seal.

Miggins

supersonic wrote:

Sometimes a slight compression of the spring as you rock the bike causes a similar feeling. Can you see any play? Wind on the preload fully and try it again, with your hand cupped around the seal.

Thanks SuperSonic. I've tried to keep the rocking as horizontal as possible with the preload fully wound. I can't see any play and what I can detect is the minutest amount. I've also checked the headset again, just to make sure. At this stage I'd normally go out and give it a test-ride but on turning the bike onto its back* I've discovered that one of brake mount washers is in half so I won't be riding again until that's replaced. I'm thinking that to make the correct diagnosis and avoid any unnecessary hassle/expense, once that brake washer is replaced I might just let the problem develop so that it's easier to establish exactly what it is.

*I had the bike on its back to grasp the forks and rock them. Soild as a rock. But is that because there's not enough leverage doing it that way?

tenfoot

I have a similar problem with my 98 Judy T2's. The movement is very minimal but noticeable.

I'm thinking of changing bikes next year, so my question is, is it safe to ride like this for the time being? I admit, I know nothing about the inner workings of forks.

Thanks