Rattle/knocking coming from front end.

[dazza]

Hello Foccer's,
Have noticed a rattle/knocking noise coming from the front of my bike over the last few weeks.
I've checked my headstock bearings for play and I've made sure there was nothing rattling around under the fairing panels.
Today I gave the front end a shake with the bike on centre stand and it sounded like it was coming from the o/s lower fork leg.
Is there anything inside there that would cause this knocking noise ? More noticeable over bumpy ground, am thinking fork bushes.
Bikes just turned 40k and front forks are well overdue a service.
Any thoughts please or have I just answered my own question ?

[stevierst]

My gen II does that when I go over bumps, a kind of metallic rattle which I've been told is the brake pads rattling around. Not sure if yours is the same or not.
I've probably been no help at all. I might as well told you it was the flux capacitor 

[dazza]

Not at all Stevie, when I gave the front end a shake it did cross my mind that it could be the pads rattling around.
Will put a wooden wedge in them tomorrow and give it another shake, or just pull the front brake up, might be easier. . Cheers anyway.

[tommyteeman]

Could be a front bearing breaking up, they make a fair old rattle when they start to go

[dazza]

You was spot on the money there Stevie, just put an elastic band on the brake lever and gave it another shake.... No rattle at all.
However it is irritating when riding along so does anyone know how to stop them rattling. ?
And don't tell me to take them out.
As for front wheel bearings breaking up, there's no play in the wheel or any nasty noise and as said the knocking/ rattle goes away when the front brake is pulled in  so think I can discount that. Thanks for your input though.

[stevierst]

When did you last service the calipers dazza?
When they're due an overhaul, as we all know the pistons either start sticking, or have dried out a bit, and the seals grip the piston, act like a rubber band and can retract them a bit, hence sometimes the longer lever travel and maybe rattly pads.

Only a theory though.

[dazza]

Well, so far your theory has been pretty accurate. Serviced them last summer when I replaced the pads. Have racked up quite a few miles since then so I may whip them out and re-grease the pistons.

[stevierst]

Let is know how you get on bud.