Progressive Spring Noise?

[GolfVenture]

I recently installed progressive springs and all seems to be fine with myself as a single rider. A bit stiff but expected.

Yesterday my wife and I went for a ride and the ride definitely was smoother.

I did hear what I thought was spring noise when taking off from a dead stop after a decent descending stop. I think the coils probably compressed about ½ inch to maybe an inch. My wife and & together riding gear and with some stuff maybe pushing around 350 lbs if that makes any difference.

 

When I say spring noise it sounded like something was grinding lightly or rubbing against the springs as it was expanding. But I can’t imagine a ½ to 1 inch movement could make that much noise. The sound lasted about 1 full second. I did not hear anything during the breaking as the springs were compressing.

I’ve heard that one is supposed to install the tight coils first which for that helps with spring noise, which I did.

What does spring noise sound like. The OEM springs made no noise.

Is what I’m hearing normal?

 

Is there a breakin period?

[Snaggletooth]

From what I understand it makes no difference on which way the springs are installed, tighter winds up or down, as long as both sides are the same.

 

I've never heard of a complaint about spring noise with a Progressive change.

 

The only thing I can think of is if the rebound springs were left off the dampers that might make a knocking noise when the forks fully expands and tops out.

 

Other than that you got me.

 

Mike

Edited April 8, 2012 by Snaggletooth

[mlew]

I had a similar problem with mine. I used the washers that came with the springs and the PVC spacer. The washers that came with the springs did not have a centering button, it caused the spring to get off center and rub against the fork tube. I put the OEM washers back in and no more sound.

[GolfVenture]

mlew, thanks I'll use the OEM washer and place the collar inside the spring. This will make it my 4th time in taking the 4 way flasher apart. I think I'll try to get if off in 30 seconds or less this time.

[twigg]

From what I understand it makes no difference on which way the springs are installed, tighter winds up or down, as long as both sides are the same.

 

I've never heard of a complaint about spring noise with a Progressive change.

 

The only thing I can think of is if the rebound springs were left off the dampers that might make a knocking noise when the forks fully expands and tops out.

 

Other than that you got me.

 

Mike

 

Heh ... I don't even think they both have to be the same Although I can't think why anyone would install one one way and the other opposite.

 

What it does affect is the amount of oil needed to achieve the correct level. If the tight coils are to the bottom, it needs less.

 

One very good reason to measure fork oil from the top of the tube, and not by volume.

[GolfVenture]

Your not going to believe this. The OEM collar washer would not fit into the spring. I have a 91 VR. So I tried to file it and I could see that this is going to take forever. So I started my grinder up and grounded the outside of the the collar so it would fit inside the spring. Sure hopes this stops the noise.

[KIC]

So did it work ?

[GolfVenture]

I'll give it a test ride this weekend. And what timing the son is coming out again. That 2 weekends in a row.

[GolfVenture]

So did it work ?

 

 

No more sprine noise.

 

Plus I put about 10 lbs in the front air then back it down some. It would not go below 7 lbs on the center stand.

 

The performance of the springs seemed to improve. Ride seemed to be smoother over bumps.