Suspension Bearings

[AlanD]

Hi All,

 

I have developed a squeaking sound that i thought was a loose bolt by one of the pivots but its not that.

 

I think i have pin pointed it to be one of the rear pivots and think it might be a bearing which got me thinking about the service/replacement of all the pivot bearings.

 

They were done about a year ago (all replaced), so how often should they be replaced or serviced? Can they be serviced?

 

What tools will i need to remove and replace them and where is the best place to get new bearings?

 

Is there a special type of grease needed? My bike is aluminium.

 

Thanks

[Rock Guy]

Check your seatpost first. Speaking from experience, you would be rather bleak after replacing all your bearings only to find the squeak is still there. The frame can sometimes make it sound like the noise is coming from a completely different place than it actually is.

 

Pull out the seatpost, clean it properly. Clean the inside of the seat tube as best you can. Then put a bit of anti seize copper grease on the post and re-insert.

[Spoke101]

How often? Depends on how much you ride and in what conditions. Once a year is not uncommon if you ride a lot or in the mud.

 

I wouldn't bother servicing them as they will be worn already and in taking them out you can damage them further.

 

Tools, Well there is the DIY way with a steel rod, a hammer and a few sockets and then there is the proper way with blind bearing pullers and bearing presses etc.

 

Bearings get your LBS to order from Rushsports as Enduro do specific MAX (full complement) bearings that are designed to take the strains of suspension only rotating the bearings at acute angles.

 

Grease, nothing special needed as all your bearings should be sealed thus you only going to grease the outside of the bearing and its location in the frame. I prefer to use marine grease when installing them as it tends to keep the dirt out the bearings for longer.

 

[AlanD]

Check your seatpost first. Speaking from experience, you would be rather bleak after replacing all your bearings only to find the squeak is still there. The frame can sometimes make it sound like the noise is coming from a completely different place than it actually is.

 

Pull out the seatpost, clean it properly. Clean the inside of the seat tube as best you can. Then put a bit of anti seize copper grease on the post and re-insert.

Thanks. Will be sure to check that out before doing any bearings.

[AlanD]

How often? Depends on how much you ride and in what conditions. Once a year is not uncommon if you ride a lot or in the mud.

I wouldn't bother servicing them as they will be worn already and in taking them out you can damage them further.

Tools, Well there is the DIY way with a steel rod, a hammer and a few sockets and then there is the proper way with blind bearing pullers and bearing presses etc.

Bearings get your LBS to order from Rushsports as Enduro do specific MAX (full complement) bearings that are designed to take the strains of suspension only rotating the bearings at acute angles.

Grease, nothing special needed as all your bearings should be sealed thus you only going to grease the outside of the bearing and its location in the frame. I prefer to use marine grease when installing them as it tends to keep the dirt out the bearings for longer.

Ride every weekend but nothing seriously long, mainly trail riding.

 

Ridden in some muddy conditions about 2-3 times but not heavy mud at all. Mostly dry conditions.

 

Will try the seat post to see no squeek coming from there before doing the bearings and perhaps some wd40 on the pivot points (is this a good idea?) after a good clean.

 

How will i know for sure that my bearings will need to be replaced other than physical inspection?

[Spoke101]

Ride every weekend but nothing seriously long, mainly trail riding.

 

Ridden in some muddy conditions about 2-3 times but not heavy mud at all. Mostly dry conditions.

 

Will try the seat post to see no squeek coming from there before doing the bearings and perhaps some wd40 on the pivot points (is this a good idea?) after a good clean.

 

How will i know for sure that my bearings will need to be replaced other than physical inspection?

 

If there is lateral play in the bearings they are toast, so hold the seat tube and try move the rear triangle. The bearings will also tend to make a loud high pitch popping/clicking sound when they wear out.

[AlanD]

Ok, checked the seatpost and its definitely not that as took it out and squeek still there.

 

There seems to be no lateral play so i think the bearings are fine.

 

I sprayed some lube on each pivot one at a time to see if i could pin point the cause and on the rear shock pivots.

 

Still the squeak remains and it seems likes ot coming from around the rear shock but cant be sure.

 

Any ideas what else i can try?

[Rocket-Boy]

Ok, checked the seatpost and its definitely not that as took it out and squeek still there.

 

There seems to be no lateral play so i think the bearings are fine.

 

I sprayed some lube on each pivot one at a time to see if i could pin point the cause and on the rear shock pivots.

 

Still the squeak remains and it seems likes ot coming from around the rear shock but cant be sure.

 

Any ideas what else i can try?

You sure its not coming from the BB?

[AlanD]

You sure its not coming from the BB?

I dont think so as i also sprayed some lube there.

 

Might need to take the bb out and check. The squeek happens when i push down on the saddle, compressing the shock.

 

Could the shock itself make any squeeks or creeks?

 

This has only started happening since i have been riding the bike slighly harder and trying out some jumps on the trails.

[BigToe]

Do you have a lock out on your bike?

[AlanD]

Do you have a lock out on your bike?

Yes, its a fox rp23

[Bizkit031]

Check the bb they can give you grey hairs and remember that lube will only work for a short while also remember to check your pedals.

[Spoke101]

If it happens only when you push down on the saddle make sure it's not a squeaky saddle rail at the join.

[AlanD]

Check the bb they can give you grey hairs and remember that lube will only work for a short while also remember to check your pedals.

At my wits end with this squeek. Will remove the bb and check and the pedals too.

 

Just a process of elimination i guess.

[AlanD]

If it happens only when you push down on the saddle make sure it's not a squeaky saddle rail at the join.

I did remove the entire post and clamp and stood on the pedals, compressing the suspension and still get the squeek.

[V12man]

I did remove the entire post and clamp and stood on the pedals, compressing the suspension and still get the squeek.

grease the rear axle - copperslip.