Creaky Pivots Anyone???

Mountainbikextremist said:

I have an 05 Kona Coiler and when I compress the rear suspension really hard like when I really pump the lip on a jump I get a creak. It did this before I had all the pivot bearings replaced too. Another thing to note, is that it has been particuarly cold around here. I know that it isnt the BB because I cleaned and regreased the threads. I also made sure the cranks were clean, and bolted on tight. I replace all the cable housings, and cleaned the cable tips. I put a thin layer of grease on the bearings before I pressed them in, like Kona recommended. Has anyone had similar experiences??? Thanks!

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Seatpost/seat rails? Tighten your chainring bolts too. Those could cause creaking. On my old bike, I replaced all the bearings, checked everything, it turns out it was just that my chainring bolts weren't tight enough. Also make sure your pedals are tight and the bearings are well-greased.

One thing I found aboout creaks is they transfer, so what you think might be the problem is not.
Did you check the top and bottom of shock?
Also the bushings that is in the shock it self? I know Fox has them and need to be replaced after a while.
Check your seat and seat post?
I am sure you have covered these but that are a few that I thought of.

Good luck

Dawgprimo said:

One thing I found aboout creaks is they transfer, so what you think might be the problem is not.
Did you check the top and bottom of shock?
Also the bushings that is in the shock it self? I know Fox has them and need to be replaced after a while.
Check your seat and seat post?
I am sure you have covered these but that are a few that I thought of.

Good luck

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Im not sure what you mean by the top and bottom of shock. The shock is 7 months old, so i wouldnt think it is the bushings. Seat post I have checked. It will make the creak when I am out of the saddle. It doesnt sound like it is coming from the pedals, as it is only when I really compress the suspension hard. The crank bolts are tight. So many things to rule out, gaa

Mountainbikextremist said:

Im not sure what you mean by the top and bottom of shock. The shock is 7 months old, so i wouldnt think it is the bushings. Seat post I have checked. It will make the creak when I am out of the saddle. It doesnt sound like it is coming from the pedals, as it is only when I really compress the suspension hard. The crank bolts are tight. So many things to rule out, gaa

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Not the crank bolts, the chainring bolts. When you load the suspension, you're putting more pressure on the shocks, and some of that load is transferred to the chainrings. Pull the rings out. Grease them, and torque them evenly around nice and tight. Do it in the same pattern you would tighten a 4 bolt stem. Alternate. Top left, to bottom right, to bottom left, to top right.

Mountainbikextremist said:

Im not sure what you mean by the top and bottom of shock. The shock is 7 months old, so i wouldnt think it is the bushings. :

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Sorry if I was not clear with my explanation..........tired
I was talking about the top and bottom shock bolt mounts. I was thinking the bushing that the shock bolt mount runs through could be a problem. They are not that hard to replace and not all that expensive to replace........ However if they are the problem usually they produce a knocking noise rather then a creaking one........you never know.

Also have you checked the brake hose/rear deraileur cable hose if it is rubbing or binding anywhere and possibly creating a creaking sound?

Sorry that is all I can think of.

Maybe EB will chime in and maybe he has a good idea..........

Good Luck

XSL_WiLL said:

Not the crank bolts, the chainring bolts. When you load the suspension, you're putting more pressure on the shocks, and some of that load is transferred to the chainrings. Pull the rings out. Grease them, and torque them evenly around nice and tight. Do it in the same pattern you would tighten a 4 bolt stem. Alternate. Top left, to bottom right, to bottom left, to top right.

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[email protected] I am sleep deprived... None of that came out right.

When you load the rear suspension, you're pushing down with you legs to preload it, right? Well that pressue is transferred to the cranks, and in turn, to the chainrings. Pull the chainring bolts out. Grease, and torque.