Front Forks squeaking

[mlutz9004]

Lately, I have noticed that when I hold in the front brake and push down and compress the front forks that I they squeak. I thought that maybe it could be weather related, since it is cold. I bought the bike last summer. It is an 08 with about 7,300 miles on it. I have never noticed any leaks from the front fork seals either. Is this normal? If not, what is causing it? Any ideas how to fix this?

[twinrat]

first thing i would check is the steel plate that the front guard is mounted to . Check all screws and bolts that are in the area are tight ,this includes caliper mounts and fork clamps.If this dosnt fix your problem then i would check fork oil level.

[adidasguy]

Those things are filled with oil. I can't imagine why they would squeak.

Can you tell which fork is squeaking?

Have you checked ALL triple clamp bolts, fork brace bolts, brake caliper bolts and axle bolts? Could you have a wire or hose running against the fork and making a squeak?

Otherwise.....

My first thought is to open them up (take the cap off, can still be on bike) and see if there is oil in there. No oil is about all I can think of that would make it squeak.

Another possibility could be lots of grit in the dist caps or fork seals. If there is, you should see scratches on the fork tubes.

Otherwise, I would consider the possibility of a catastrophic failure of the inner workings.

[mlutz9004]

Well I found the culprit of the squeaking. It had nothing to do with the forks at all. It is actually the speedometer cable squeaking against the holders. I am not sure how to fix this though. It doesn't really bother me too much now that I know it is nothing critical. Do you think just putting a little bit of grease on the holders where it makes contact with the cable would be my best bet?

[Phil B]

or, fasten it down more firmly so it doesnt squeak?

[twinrat]

bend your cable guides so they give the cable an easyer run