Forks need rebuild??

[Firefighter]

I have had a problem with my 2000 IS for a year or so. I have asked here and we have discussed about a little front end wiggle while turning in the driveway or parking lot. Have also told how at a stand still I can shake the handlebars and the bike will continue  to wiggle afterwards for a second or so. Have changed head bearings, rear shocks with new bushings, and checked swing arm bearings which seem  ok.

Today I removed the front wheel as I plan to change the front tire. I took a hold of the front forks and I can feel movement in especially the left side. It is not the fork loose in the clamp. If I hold the fork slider and fork tube I can wiggle the two, and it seems to be enough to cause my problem.

I had progressive springs installed along with new sliders, bushings, seals and oil by a mechanic that says he knows what he is doing, about 17,000 miles ago.

question : Are all the parts the same, could I have ordered the wrong bushings?
               Has any one noticed this play or movement in their front forks?

Thanks for any input  Firefighter

[N8171S]

The sliders,bushings and seals are the same on all valks.

[Michvalk]

Your bushings could be worn out again. Not impossible

[Ramie]

Also if you replace the head bearing you need to re-torque it after a few miles.

[Momz]

Your front tire may also contribute to the headshake.
A worn tire or low air pressure will effect your stability at speed and while turning.

Voice of experience

[Karen]

Make sure the 4 bolts holding the forks in place on the axle are tightened in sequence (follow the manual). SOBs left mine loose, and yes, I did have to rebuild my forks...

[Firefighter]

I talked with a repair shop today ( I started another thread where the repair shop got upset about my CT), anyway he also said before he erupted that the bushings could have wore out already. He made it sound like 16,000 miles is a lot??

He also talked down about inverted forks saying if they don't leak, best leave them alone.

He also stated that the aluminum fork housing could be wore where the bushings seat, did not want to help, especially after I told him that I run a CT.

Thanks for the responses, yes I have re-torqued the head bearings a couple of times, changed front tire and use the Honda manual to torque the bolts.  Thanks again

[Steve-L]

Please let us know if you solve the problem what it turns out to be.

[longrider]

firefighter

I think I responded to you earlier this year.   What brand of tire are you running on the front?  I did have a similar issue waa...y back with an E3.  I've run Cobras for a number of years now.

[Firefighter]

Longrider, I have talked about this problem before, and I am not too fast about making changes to the bike, so time gets by.

I think when I first noticed this I was on my worn Avon front and back. I went to a Yokohama Envigor CT rear and soon after changed the front to a Metzler ME880 Marathon. Still had same problem. My Metzler is out of round, so I am currently changing it back to a new Avon. While I have it off I have noticed again the left fork problem. The Metzler was out of round since new.

One of these days I will get to the bottom of this!