Bicycle Mechanics - Creaky frame ... need help finding solution.

So I have a 03 Stumpjumper FSR Comp:

http://www.jamesfong.com/img/random/fsr04.jpg

And I have a creak in the frame somewhere but I have no idea where it's coming from. Here are the things that I've noticed:

- The creaking only occurs when the movement in the rear suspension is small. When I bounce on the big there is no creaking.
- I only get creaking when my weight is on the rear of the bike. This means going uphill while standing up and sitting down. I guess this concludes that it's not the seat/seatpost.
- It's not the bottom bracket because I can get the bike to creak without any weight on the pedals

So now I'm assuming it's one of the joints for the rear suspension. How can I find out which one and what can I do to remedy it? Is a bolt too tight? Bushing needs oil (I don't even know if those parts are oiiled or if there are bushings in there)? Anyone have experience with Specialized dual suspension bikes? I'd like this thing fixed and it'd be cool if I could do it myself so I can learn about it. I'm getting tired of riding around having my bike sound like it's gonna fall apart.

Thanks!

Creaking frame noises usually come from the handlebar stem.

The first thing to check is the connection of the stem to the bars.

Next, check the stem mounting in the steering tube/headset mounting. Grease the stem and inside the steering tube and tighten. Make sure your stem is deep enough.

Looks like the rear shock is hydraulic, is the seal well lubed? I usually do my front seals every week. I don't have full suspension, but the problem could be similar.

Really? what if I have minimal force on the stem like when I'm going uphill? The noise oscillates when I'm chugging uphill and flexing the rear suspension a little. It doesn't creak with huge motions of travel in the rear suspension.

Really? what if I have minimal force on the stem like when I'm going uphill? The noise oscillates when I'm chugging uphill and flexing the rear suspension a little. It doesn't creak with huge motions of travel in the rear suspension.

Many creaks also come from the seat post. Before you go nuts try a few things to isolate the pesky noise: stand beside your bike and lean it over while holding by the end of the bars, then push sideways on the BB and check for creaks. Also try just going over the suspension pivots and making sure that everything is snug.

If that doesn't work you may have a dry bushing or worn bearing in there somewhere. I'm not sure how long you've had your bike but I usually totaly disassemble all the suspension pivots once a year for service.

Good luck, hope that helps.

How do I take about the frame? Can I just unbolt all those bolts? Is there a proper order to do things? My bike is about a year old and has about 700 miles on it. I'd be nice to be able to find torque specs and proper procedure to take about the suspension. I don't want anything under load to blow up in my face.

Don't want to scare you, but I rode my bike for 2-3 mos w/ an annoying creak that sounds similar. I tried many different things (suggested above) to isolate and solve the problem. Then, one day I was riding and went around a corner and the bike gave a bit -- looked back, no flat tire, no apparent problems. Looked down -- severed down tube. The creak -- a gradually widening stress fracture. I would actually be surprised if this is your problem esp after only 700 miles and with your suspension system, but examine your entire frame very carefully.

If you're the orginal owner, check the LBS where you bought it. I remember a recall on this frame at the local Specialized dealer.

I'll have to check up on that recall. Maybe the Specialized site will have something on it.

The most likely source is the pivots of the rear shock. There are aluminum bushings that wear out and elongate a bit after use. However, only 700 miles seems premature. I'd take it back to the shop and have them go over it.

L8R

Ya I think my best bet will be to take it in. I hope it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I'm always worried that they won't use good equipment to replace anything that needs to be replaced.