head tube play?

[john r b]

Hoping someone can shed some light on Why is there movement (back and forth) While grabbing the lower fork tubes?
I've tried gradually tightening the lock nut to the point the steering doesn't move.However there is still movement? I've loosen all fork pinch points,binding
maybe? Still excessive movement.Head tube tear down is next. Any thoughts?
Thanks.

John

'12 xc 250e smartcarb/alumsub.
'12 xc 200 alumsub.

 

[Hawkeye]

My similar experience? Wound up being the fork bushings worn out and allowing play between the lower slider and upper tubes. Had to rebuild the fork. See if the play decreases if the fork is more compressed. Another good test is to put your hand right on the seal area and feel for play in the fork.

 

[PEB]

SOme movement is normal in the forks legs, how to quantify how much is normal you ask? I don't know.

 

[john r b]

My similar experience? Wound up being the fork bushings worn out and allowing play between the lower slider and upper tubes. Had to rebuild the fork. See if the play decreases if the fork is more compressed. Another good test is to put your hand right on the seal area and feel for play in the fork.

Thanks Hawkeye, The bike has 13.5 hrs on the meter.hoping it's bearing related.

 

[john r b]

SOme movement is normal in the forks legs, how to quantify how much is normal you ask? I don't know.

Great question!

 

[hamilton]

If you haven't disassembled and greased steering head bearings yet I suggest you do. while apart make sure bearing races and bearings are completely seated. Mine loosened up because race wasn't completely seated.

 

[Jakobi]

All forks will do this to varying extents. Its most noticable at full extension, however when compressed doesn't rock back and forwards. As suggested, it can be a sign that the bushings are wearing out, but I know for certain that even with new bushings in my Sachs they have this play and have since day one, over 300hrs ago. If there was no play at all there would be loads of friction when compressing and even more under flex.

 

[Hawkeye]

With that low of hours, I don't think it is is the fork bushings. I agree with Hamilton, if you haven't greased the steering head bearings, do so. Dry suspension bearings will definitely contribute to play in the linkage. The same could be happening here. Greasing the headset bearings will result in long life and will let you adjust the play correctly. If that doesn't fix it, I'll be surprised.

 

[twowheels]

Compress the forks about 4" with a tiedown, the elevate the wheel and check. If it's gone its fork bushings.

PlusOnePerformance

 

[Front Royalty]

Had the same issue with mine. Bike felt dangerous in corners on the front brake. Ended up being the lower of the two nuts had worked loose. Ive become a pro at steering head maintenance since owning that 300.

 

[john r b]

So Thur nite i tore it down,only to find a fully greased set of bearings making sure the races were set. reassembled the front end, and the play is definitely
in the forks.Not too happy right now.

John

 

[Jakobi]

So Thur nite i tore it down,only to find a fully greased set of bearings making sure the races were set. reassembled the front end, and the play is definitely
in the forks.Not too happy right now.

John

How much play are you talking about John? Is it right through the stroke or only at full extension? As stated a few times now.. a bit of play at full extension is common and acceptable, and won't result in any damage. If its what you consider to be excessive, get some new bushings and give it a going over. If still sloppy you might have to consider shimming behind the bushing to reduce the tolerance a bit more.

 

[john r b]

Thanks Jakobi,
The play back & forth i'd say is around 2-3mm.At full extension. Looks as though a set of bushings are in order? Strangely my '12 250e has no were near the play.

 

[swazi_matt]

Am guessing that your 12 has marzochis?

Sachs seem pretty jiggly at full extension

 

[john r b]

Matt, Yes both are '12 race3 models w/ 48's & 888

 

[hamilton]

John, I tossed all my bikes on the stand and checked forks. WP and the husky 50mm zokes have no noticable play, the GG has alot? My tuner just had mine apart three times and no mention of bushing wear. I'll give him a call next week and see whats up.

 

[john r b]

Great thanks Ed.

 

[Jakobi]

2-3mm (movement at the axel) at full extension is acceptable. Do some searches.. Basically at full extension the play thats required between the bushing and the tube is magnified. Also much more noticable on forks that only run a single bushing compared to the ones with twin setup. Considering the hours on your bike I also doubt it will be the bushings and all will be well. Tighter tolerances can result in binding/stiction/increased wear under flexion. Try and compress the forks a bit and you should notice the play decrease substantially.

Like Matt said, the Sachs have a decent amount of slop. I've got over 300hrs on mine and all is well.