[kayac]

first, sorry for my really bad english....I will try to explain a problem with my 2 month old Gemini 600. After a few rides, it developed some kind of little play in the rear suspension. It appears in the first moment of compression. It's difficult to describe. It's like a "clok, clok". First, I thought that was the DU bushing from the shock, but I've changed it and the annoying sound is still there. I've checked the proper torque of the shock and the main pivot bearing, but the play always appear. Could it be a bad main pivot bearing? Maybe the aluminum spacers between the du bushing and the swingarm? I feel that is strange with a brand new bike...
Please, help me, Cannondale gurus!
Thanks

Joaquin

 

[racerzero]

When is the noise occuring?

Do you have it when you ride?

Is it occurring when the bike is un-weighted?

What kind of rear shock do you have?

 

[kayac]

It appears with small bumps. If I am off the bike, and push gently the saddle, it appears again. The shock is a Fox Vanilla R.
Thanks for the answer.
Joaquin

 

[damion]

You need to isolate the noise.

See if you can make it happen while holding on to specific areas. The only areas it can come from are the bushings, the main pivot, or the shock itself.

 

[freeriderB]

sounds fishy for so new...

It appears with small bumps. If I am off the bike, and push gently the saddle, it appears again. The shock is a Fox Vanilla R.
Thanks for the answer.
Joaquin

I blew my Vanilla R on my 2004 Gemini, and that is the exact sound it made. I thought it was the DU bushings, Pivot, Spacers....but it was the shock itself. It started blowing oil in the bike shop.

Major difference...I used mine for about a year before this happened.

It was most noticeable when you stand by the bike and gently lift the saddle upwards. As you pull up, you hear the "clunk"

Watch the shaft of the shock through the coil and see if there is play when you lift the saddle.

See if you can swap the shock out with another just to test it.

 

[kayac]

thanks Damion. Pushing the rear part of the shock while pushing the saddle (pretty difficult to do both things oneself...) seems that reduces the noise, and the "clunk" is more diffcult to hear. This leads me to think that I have to change the rear aluminum spacers, not just the internal bushings.
Just found this heavy duty kit:

http://www.tftunedshox.com/mount_kits.htm

I think that will order it.
Thanks

Joaquin

 

[kayac]

Thanks freeriderB,

will try to isolate the noise and check the shock. It's just incredible how a little play can make me so nervous....
Joaquin

 

[damion]

Do not loo at it like that.

Thanks freeriderB,

will try to isolate the noise and check the shock. It's just incredible how a little play can make me so nervous....
Joaquin

The way I see it, I am literally trusting my equipment with my life. ANY small noises can lead to BIG problems. (I weigh 235lb)

 

[kayac]

Update:
my LBS has confirmed that the noise comes from the pivot bearing. He has talked to Cannondale (Europe) and they prefer to cahnge the whole swingarm...So...a warranty swingarm is traveling from Holland to Spain.