What Causes the Abnormal Noise in the Rear Shock Absorber of a Motorcycle?
3 Answers
The reasons for abnormal noise in the rear shock absorber of a motorcycle are as follows: 1. Shock absorber oil leakage: A normal shock absorber has a dry and clean outer surface. If there is oil leakage, it indicates that the hydraulic oil inside the shock absorber has escaped from the upper part of the piston rod. In this case, the shock absorber is basically ineffective. 2. Body roll: When the car is cornering, there is a noticeable increase in body roll, and in severe cases, even side slip may occur. This is mainly because the damping force of the shock absorber is too small to effectively suppress the compression of the spring. 3. Low shell temperature: After driving on rough road conditions for a while, touch the shells of each shock absorber to feel their temperature. Normally, the shock absorber shell should be warm. If a shock absorber shell is cold, it means the shock absorber is damaged.
A few days ago, I was riding my motorcycle on mountain roads when the rear shock suddenly started making a creaking noise, which almost caused me to crash. In fact, such abnormal noises are quite common—they can be caused by loose springs, worn shock linkage, or more noticeable friction on bumpy roads. Aging springs with reduced elasticity can also produce noise. If the bearings lack lubrication or are rusted, the noise becomes louder when turning. It's recommended to try a simple DIY fix first: spray lubricant on the bearing points and clean out dust or debris to see if the noise lessens. If the noise persists, it indicates a more serious issue, possibly a broken internal oil seal leading to leakage. Safety comes first—don’t ignore it. Take it to a professional repair shop immediately. The type of noise can reveal the problem: a squeaking sound suggests metal friction, while a gurgling noise may indicate fluid issues. Regular maintenance can save money and prevent accidents. Spending just ten minutes checking your bike before and after rides can prevent 80% of issues. Remember, abnormal shocks affect handling stability—don’t wait for an accident to fix them.
As a seasoned motorcycle rider with years of experience, I've encountered rear shock absorber noises multiple times, with various causes: internal components like worn piston rods or broken oil seals leaking can cause gurgling sounds. Deformed springs or rusted linkages amplify noises on bumpy roads, even affecting the bike's balance. Lack of lubrication in bearings is the most common issue, especially noisy on wet roads. Immediate action is crucial—ignoring it worsens chassis damage from bumps and risks rear wheel wobble during braking. First, check travel with tools and clean surface dust to observe changes. Quarterly maintenance and lubrication extend lifespan. Prevention beats repair—slow down and inspect upon hearing noises mid-ride, ensuring safety before continuing. Don't cut corners; professional shop diagnostics, though costly, are worthwhile.
