[swoodbrn]

That's the noise I hear coming from the rear of my 2005 Trance3, whenever I hit a mildly large (4-8"), sudden bump. Or, maybe it's a KAANKK sound. Bike is still very new, less than 100mi of medium duty use - no big hits, maybe 10-15mi in wet conditions. I think I've had the noise the whole time I've had it, just now, it's starting to bug/worry me. I'm 6'3", about 185lbs, and have had the shock at anywhere from 150-190psi - I still seem to get the noise and, I don't think it's coincident with bottoming out as I think there's still 5-10mm of play left on the shock column (unless the bottom is higher than I think it is). No looseness or other noises detected from the rear.

Anyone experienced this?

 

[AndrewTO]

That's the noise I hear coming from the rear of my 2005 Trance3, whenever I hit a mildly large (4-8"), sudden bump. Or, maybe it's a KAANKK sound. Bike is still very new, less than 100mi of medium duty use - no big hits, maybe 10-15mi in wet conditions. I think I've had the noise the whole time I've had it, just now, it's starting to bug/worry me. I'm 6'3", about 185lbs, and have had the shock at anywhere from 150-190psi - I still seem to get the noise and, I don't think it's coincident with bottoming out as I think there's still 5-10mm of play left on the shock column (unless the bottom is higher than I think it is). No looseness or other noises detected from the rear.

Anyone experienced this?

No experience with it, but I can give you a few tips?

1) pull the shock off the bike and check the motion of the suspension to see if it's a bushing/bearing

2) while the shock is off the bike put an o-ring on the "column" of the shock to keep an eye on your shock stroke (this wouldn't work very well if you're using a coil-over)

3) while you've got the shock out (or even while it's still in place) check for any paint chips or area's where something doesn't look right as this would indicate a bigger problem. Who know's, you might even find a rock hiding somewhere causing all of this.

If you're not at all mechanically inclined then take the bike to your LBS and tell them to check it out.

Oh, you've already ruled out "chain slap", right???????????????

 

[en are es]

Chain slap makes more of a slapping noise Kidding, but it sounds to me like the problem is either your seatpost not fitting correctly, but thats unlikely. Your shock *may* be bottoming out, its possible. How much space exactly is left? Do as Andrew said and check if its not a bushing/bearing issue. It very well may be.

 

[LyNx]

Oh, you've already ruled out "chain slap", right???????????????

LOL god avice there Andrew, but as you said you don't have a Trance so you've never experienced this. I on the other hand have and it sounds like the bike is bottoming out or there's some metal to metal contact. Yeh it happens Swoodbm as you stated on the stuff you hit if you're flying. I haven't noticed it since I tore the whole rear end down and reassembled it. It's definitely not any part of the rear swingarm hitting the seattube - I know I check as I thought that's what was happening. I haven't figured what it is/was but as I said haven't heard it since I did the whole rear end service thing.

Best thing as advised if you're not mechanically inclined (and it really doesn't take a whole lot more than some good common sense) is to get the shop you bought the bike from to check it, of course unless they tear the rear end down and re-assemble they won't find the problem as you have to be doing some speed and hit a sharp bump or hole. The shock on the Trance leaves about 5mm of what seems to un-used travel, but once you let all the air out of the shock and fully compress the rear you'll see that in actuallity the shock is using all it's 'sposed to.

Good Luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[swoodbrn]

No, I don't really think it's chain slap. Sounds too substantial and I actually just shortened my chain a couple links to accommodate a derailleur change - it's now pretty tight. Don't think the derailleur change is the reason either, as I'd heard the noise prior. I'll definitely try to first, confirm that it's not just bottoming out - there's already a collar to determine sag. Thx.

 

[swoodbrn]

No confidence in the LBS where I got it. I'll first empty the shock of air and determine the true range, so that I can confirm/deny bottoming-out potential. What did you actually find when you tore down the rear, anything? Thx.

 

[LyNx]

No confidence in the LBS where I got it. I'll first empty the shock of air and determine the true range, so that I can confirm/deny bottoming-out potential. What did you actually find when you tore down the rear, anything? Thx.

I found that some of the bearings seemed a bit on the hard/tight side (something GIANT messed up on specing the bearings, Enduro Seals offers a proper kit for the Maestros') and just took off the dust covers and regreased them and the whole suspension. What pressure are you running the shock at and what weight are you? I find I need to run my shock over my body weight by around 20lbs. Also the sound you mention I only ever got on the road while bombing a really rough section at night and couldn't see well and hit some nice sized pot holes.