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Quick question, if there's pretty noticeable rocking in some forks, that you've isolated to the stanchions/lowers (not headset/brakes/hubs), are they goosed, or could a service sort it? Or is it an unknown? They don't appear excessively worn, but they are 8 years old.
I'm a total amateur in these matters and don't want to spend time/money on servicing a set of forks that may be shot.
Ta.
I'd reckon that would be the bushing gone which are a replaceable part, so yes a service should sort it. If the rocking is in the area of the stanchion/lowers interface then I can't think what else it would be, though someone more knowledgeable may have more insight. May sound obvious but this play hasn't started since a particular crash/big hit? Just in case something has actually been deformed. Again stripping the forks down and having a look should rule this out.
Definitely sounds like bushings worn, a professional job to sort cos it needs specialist tools to remove and fit new bushings. Like any moving part this is normal wear and tear that needs periodic replacement
Cheers; replacing bushings looks a bit spendy for a cheap bike. Arse.
May sound obvious but this play hasn't started since a particular crash/big hit?
The bike has just been posted to me, and didn't have the rocking before by all accounts (and I believe the seller before anyone doubts!). If a knock has caused it in transit, what could have been damaged? (I.e fixable!)
Thanks again.
Turn the bike upside down for a minute, and then try again. Could just be oil isn't anywhere near the bushings, so they're just dry.
If not, service.
Or use until they die and replace.
Most people don't pay attention to things that are wrong with their bikes, hence the seller probably not noticing.
what forks are they fella? Might be cheaper to sort than you think
Hola Al! 🙂
2008 Fox RLC 32s. My first thought was you, but wasn't sure how much exploratory time it would be to diagnose the problem.
Rich
(..and thanks Rickon)
If it's upper bushings (most likely culprit if not Rickon's suggestion which is sound) we can do that in house. I do you good price!
The bike has just been posted to me, and didn't have the rocking before by all accounts (and I believe the seller before anyone doubts!). If a knock has caused it in transit, what could have been damaged? (I.e fixable!)
I would doubt if anything in transit would do it, I was thinking along the extreme lines that the stanchions/bushings/bushing seats may have been deformed. If any part of the chassis is damaged then it will likely be more economical to replace the forks. Having said all this, it's far more likely that the bushings are just worn and need replacing/oiling etc.
Continuing with the theme of bushing replacement, I thought it was something you could typically do with a suitable screwdriver/tyre lever to prise the old ones out, and then an appropriate size socket/similar to knock in the new ones.
I've got the day off tomorrow awaiting delivery of much plasterboard, so I shall be over after that to put it in your capable hands.
I'll even bring some fine homemade jam & cake 🙂
(Thanks all again, and Rickon's trick has rule out lack of oil)
Edit: You may be right nytmadn, but my glaringly obvious lack of "where the hell to start" knowledge means it may be more viable for Al to diagnose/fix, than for me arse about spending money on bits, that may be in vain.