popping in steering head after rc51 swap
 

i just swaped out for a rc51 front end and the 929 upper tripple tree.

i used a new lower bearing for the rc51 and the included race, but didnt have the upper race just the bearing.


so i used the stock upper superhawk ball bearing and it all seemed to go together right no loosness or anything. i tightened it all back up and used the stock lock.

now when i hit a bump there is a popping sound in the front end ( sounds like its coming from the steering head) but the bars dont move and i cant even feel any loosness in the front end at all.

what could be up? im stumped. could it be that bearing?
the forks seem a bit hard but i ride the front very hard so i like it .

Something else loose on the front end? Brake line? Horn?

Get a buddy to hold the bike up with the rear brake held down firmly. Grasp the front wheel and try to roll it backwards. That should tell you if there is any free play in the steering head bearings.

already checked that. lol i dont have a horn on it yet could it be low on fork oil ?

Nah, that would just mess up damping and such, and cavitate the oil. It would handle funky but no odd noises from that.

Is the noise when riding or when pumping the forks in the driveway?

from riding
and only when hitting a sudden pump

steering head bearings. Allballs have been very generous with their time about helping builders get the right sets in their conversions.