Squeaky front forks

[danny01975]

82 gs 1100 GK. Just replaced the stock front springs with progressive springs. All went well and no issues.

The new ones are much better than the old ones. No more diving! However, now when I compress the front suspension it squeaks.

Of note.. I didn’t have access to fork oil at my local auto parts store but the service manual says to use #15 fork oil OR 1:1 10-W30:ATF. Which is what I used. The service manual also called for 255 ml of fluid. Which is a little less than what I drained out.

that would be the only deviation from the manual. If you want to call it that.

Any ideas?

[Brendan W]

The specified volume is really a guide.
There may not be much of a difference but you would have to consider the possibility that the new springs take up a different amount of space than the old.
Could the squeaking be dry sliding between the fork legs and the seals?
I have used a tiny amount of silicone grease on there to eliminate a squeak on my R1100R.
I used 2:1 10W40 and ATF with no issues on my 850. The thinner oil has a disproportionate effect on the viscosity of the brew.

[danny01975]

Could the squeaking be dry sliding between the fork legs and the seals?

Could be dry sliding. Weird that it would start now but it’s possible. Will check that out.

Also good to know you didn’t have any issues with the oil/ATF blend. I’d never seen that before I read it in the manual.

[Grimly]

Also good to know you didn’t have any issues with the oil/ATF blend. I’d never seen that before I read it in the manual.

Thank your luck the original factory oil was long gone. The factory used fish oil, which stunk to high heaven when drained after a few years use.

[Rijko]

Thank your luck the original factory oil was long gone. The factory used fish oil, which stunk to high heaven when drained after a few years use.

I still come across bikes that have the original fish oil in the front fork ... the stench .....

[danny01975]

I tried lubing the forks around the seals but it's still the same. I think it's something internal squeaking. Maybe the damper rod?? I ordered some actual 15wt fork oil. I'll try swapping out my ATF blend for regular fork oil. Maybe the 1:1 just isn't the right viscosity or lubricity. If that doesn't work I'l either have to rebuild them, or just ignore it!

[Cipher]

82 gs 1100 GK. Just replaced the stock front springs with progressive springs. All went well and no issues.

The new ones are much better than the old ones. No more diving! However, now when I compress the front suspension it squeaks.

Of note.. I didn’t have access to fork oil at my local auto parts store but the service manual says to use #15 fork oil OR 1:1 10-W30:ATF. Which is what I used. The service manual also called for 255 ml of fluid. Which is a little less than what I drained out.

that would be the only deviation from the manual. If you want to call it that.

Any ideas?

The extra was likely moisture. Was the oil grey?
I've used the Suzuki recipe. Its far better than old oil.

[Grimly]

Very odd, the parts which are moving relative to each other are covered in oil.