clicking/creaking 854 fork

[jockotobling]

I have an 854 with the original fork and new elastomers.  It makes a creaking or clicking sound when I pedal.  The fork also has some slack that causes it to drop a fraction of an inch when the front wheel goes airborne.  The guys at the bike shop just scratch their head, and say get a better bike.  I like this bike for spiritednstreet and trail riding around town.  Anyone have any ideas?

[Simon]

Are you sure the noise is from the forks clicking and creaking noises are usually (though not always) associated with cranks and b/b sometimes with pedals,I'd check these first if the noise takes place whilst pedalling,
if your still sure its from the fork area check all the pivots are correctly lubricated and that any bearings are fully tightened,check that the stem/bars are correctly fitted and tightened,is the front wheel fully secured in the dropouts,is your headset correctly preloaded (not overtightened) are the bearings ok and well lubed
as for the forks going slack when raising the front wheel I wouldn't be to concerned about that,have you set the elastomer preload correctly
I know some of these seem obvious but worth a double check.
Simon.  

[kiwi]

clicking and creaking also originates from the stem where it clamps the steerer.Do you have a threadless system??Make sure the stem is tight and all surfaces are clean and greased..The 854 would have had a one peice elastomer originally.Make sure that the (presumably two peice with intermediate spacer washer are the same lengthIi am not sure how you determine what the correct length is.....I had the same problem with my elastomer rear shock and didnt figure out what was causing it.The only thing that had changed over the time was the old MCU's hardening.I think they shrink as well,possibly during the "resoftening" processes.Mr risse fixed that but you dont haave that option

[jockotobling]

Thanks for the hints, guys.  Some of them are elementary, but my complicated mind needs to be reminded of the basics from time to time.
What do you guys suggest to lubricate the moving parts of the fork?

[kiwi]

i just use whatever grease is available,but i guess a synthetic which is plastic freindly would be best.I found that greasing my old vector fork up drastically reduced stiction for a while especially if you have the original black seals in there.

[Paul_Harhen]

I had a similar noise on my 856. The Girvin dropout had a little crack!!!! I was going out to ride at the ski area when I decided I really wanted to know what that noise was before careening downhill at big speed. I am sure it would have broken with terrible consequences if I had not found it.

[kiwi]

uhhh ohhhh,where was the crack Paul?.Was it radiating from the axle or up where the dropout changes the fork section from round to flat?Do my descriptions make sense???

[Simon]

When I ordered my 856 frameset in 96 I speced it with carbon fork legs,after awhile I enquired why it was taking so long, I was informed they where havin g problems with the carbon legs failing and where awaiting to see if any improved ones would become available,I respeced it with aluminium legs,I wonder if this could be related to your problem
Simon.

[Paul_Harhen]

I just looked at it (why do I keep this crap?). The crack is about a half inch above the drop out running on a 45° angle. It goes just below the weld on the flat piece of aluminum. Scares me just to look at it.

[kiwi]

sheesh i am gonna look at mine right now!