[Dr. Steth]

So my 03 Dj1 is creaking pretty bad. Any one had any experience with this as far as sending it back. I'm not looking to trade it in either. Just want it fixed. Yes I have taken a pretty good digger on it but I thought these things were bomber. It started doing it and getting worse just a couple weeks ago. It sounds like it's comming from the steer tube. I'm running a King headset and the frame is 3mo old.
Thanks for any info.

 

[The Rose]

are you sure it's not that your headset is loose? or maybe the head tube is ovalized?

 

[Dr. Steth]

The headset feels good. I removed the fork and tried to move the headset around at the bottom of the head tube and it feels solid. I can't budge it.

 

[Mutt]

This is not an uncommon problem with certain models of Marz. Cross refference the downhill forum and search for fork creaking info, its deffinately there. My friend recently sent back an '02 (I think it was an '02 anyway) with the same issue, and Marz took care of them. So, beyond a shadow of a doubt, you should contact the Marz and ask them to help you out. From what I have been hearing, they have been taking care of people and solving this problem.

 

[TankerX]

A friend of mines has the same fork and has the same exact problem u encountered. He contacted Marzocchi and they said" Yeah the 03 models made the creak noise and if u want if fixed, send it to us BUT THERE WILL BE A CHARGE". I personally don't understand that answer form them, i'll leave that alone and have the creaking noise.

 

[Dr. Steth]

K thanks. It's gotta be fixed, they don't call me dr. stethoscope for nothin...

 

[scurban]

Look under the crown, there are two bolt holes (for a fender), infront of those bolt holes you will probably notice hair line cracks, I've seen 7 or 8 different 03 dirt jumpers do this, It is very common. When they crack the fork will start creaking! Fortunately Zocchi is a good company, and they fix them at no cost, in fact they replace the entire uppers with the 04's.

 

[Dr. Steth]

Nice. I'll check that out.

 

[Dr. Steth]

Steer Tube. They're going to wrnty it. Thanks again for the input. And thank you Marz.

 

[urbanhuckbot]

Yes I have taken a pretty good digger on it but I thought these things were bomber.

i have broken 3 of them, that is why i ride a bmx bike now

 

[ThePriceSeliger]

mine kreeks also... but I take it out, lube it like crazy... and then put it back on very carfully and make sure my headset is nice and tight. I need to do that soon before something bad happens

 

[Dr. Steth]

yeh, we stuck the steer tube in a vice and sure enough, the steer tube would move around as the lowers were tugged on. Again, Marz is hookin it up under wrnty w/ 04 goods.

 

[bmxr]

I sent back my 02 DJ1 twice, traded up to an 03, then sent that one back too. Those things just creak. According to Marz it is not dangerous, but I traded to a DC fork anyway. It was a hassle being without a fork for a couple weeks at a time.

 

[Johnny Wadd]

i just bought a 20004 DJ 3..

 

[Dr. Steth]

So I sent the "creaking fork" to Marz. They hooked it up w/ an 04 blk crown and stanctions. All covered under wrnty. Thanks Brent @ Bike Sport Shop too. Nice bro noice.

 

[drt_jumper]

How long does it take to warranty It? I need to send mine in just wondering how long it usually takes? thanks

 

[Alloy]

It shouldn't take to long. I would think not much longer than the time to ship it. All they do is change out the uppers. Twice I've had problems, but I'm local, so I just drive mine up there and they replace it on the spot.

On another note every single crown with a steel tube I've owned from them has failed. The last one I rode had the new reinforced aluminum steerer and it held up good. No creaking. Maybe it has something to do with the harder steel deforming the aluminum? Anyways, I would ask and see if you can have that one instead. I'm not sure it would work with a dirt jumper though, but never the less worth a try.

An good indicator to tell you if its your fork making the noise and not your headset is that the steering will tighten up around the 3 and 8 oclock posistions. That is when it gets pretty bad. If its not tightening up your headset then personally I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[drt_jumper]

well my steerer is so loose now that you can flip the bike upside down and put your finger on the bottom of the steerer and feel it move independently of the crown. f.y.i. i have the 03 dj 3 with the aluminum steerer and it is bbaaaddd. I am sending it back tuesday, hopefully it wont take too long.

 

[mr.terrible]

How long does it take to warranty It? I need to send mine in just wondering how long it usually takes? thanks

I had those hairline cracks near the fender mounts, a very common problem. I Sent the fork over to Marzocchi about two moths ago and they still havn't sent it back. Talk about customer care, yeah right.... Things might be a little better across the "pond" though.