Hey guys, I recently picked up a new Rift Zone Carbon and finally had an opportunity to hit the trails and get some miles on her over the last couple of days. After getting back from yesterday evenings ride I noticed a knocking noise coming from the front of the bike when on the front brakes. I figured the headset loosened up on me but everything was still tight and there wasn’t any noticeable movement at the stem. After further investigating, I noticed that the noise seems to coincided with some play in the front wheel even whilst mashing the front brake (it can rotate back and forth about half an inch whilst I’m braking). After scouring the interwebs, I saw some people stating that the pads will shift inside the calipers whilst braking which can result in front wheel play. After taking a closer look I can definitely tell there is some movement in the pads, however I’m still not sure if that’s what is resulting in this noise. Any input is appreciated!
P.S – Apologies for the excessive breathing. The best way to record was by stickin ma phone in ma mouth.
Front end click & play in front wheel whilst on brakes
byu/Straight_One3743 inbikewrench
by Straight_One3743
9 Comments
Did you check your headset tenshion?
Headset play? Tighten your headset?
Headset.
Anyone mention headset? Might need to be tightened 🤷🏻♂️.
With 6 bolt disc I’ve seen them losses up a little and make this kind of sound e play, don’t know if it is possible with center lock, but in this case you com try to move the disc with your hands and check Id there is movement there, if not try checking every other fastener in the caliper, the pads and go one by one útil you find, and please share with us when you figure it out
Double check brake mounting, I’ve never seen brake pads that slide back and forth.
I just had a very similar problem. My rotor was loose and tightening it solved the issue. It might be hard to see, but when you wiggle it back and forth, does it look like the wheel is spinning slightly while the rotor stays locked to the caliper?
Have you ever changed the brake pads?
Put your fingers on the base of the steerershaft and the head tube and feel if there is play there. Do the same for where the fork meets the bottom of the head tube. Both spots should feel rock solid, if they feel like there is play, loosen your stem, tighten your stemcap and retighten you stem. If you still feel play it’s your headset bearings that need replacement.