Creaky old Cali II

[Kiwi_Roy]

My California II at 110k miles has started to creak in the front end.
Nothing seems to be lose but I do notice some weapage at the fork seals.
Im at a bit of a loss as to what's causing this noise, any ideas?
Thanks in advance
Roy

[pete roper]

The seals in the sebac dampers have broken up and blocked the damping ports in the piston and got jammed up beside the piston. Pull the legs out and bounce 'em. They'll be as stiff as a 14 year old with a copy of Penthouse.

Pete

[Kiwi_Roy]

OMG Pete, that sounds serious.

[pete roper]

Nah, the Sebac a person were always shite, now they are 35YO shite. The 35mm forks are a doddle to rebuild, just buy a set of FAC dampers, new seals and be methodical. You might need new springs as well by now.

Back in 2004 we rebuilt the forks on my 'Vert, which were knackered, and rebuilt the forks in Wayne Orwig's garage in about two hours from roll-in, roll-out!

Pete

[Kiwi_Roy]

Like these
http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=197_199&products_id=2165&zenid=f61d4a95c43a7ebd4fcceafe0aa3a153

Thanks Pete, I will get them on order with seals and springs, time I spent some cash on the old girl.

[Kiwi_Roy]

Now I know what's wrong I realize the fork is banging pretty bad under compression.
I'm tempted to let out some of the oil to ease the banging until I get the parts, does that make sense?
Actually bouncing on the front seems to create a fair bit of fork travel, 3 - 4" using the front brake
The knocking noise goes away if I apply some weight on the tank so I will try a but of rubber under there

The fork overhaul will have to wait until I return from John Day, hope the old girl makes it.