How do you know if you broke your suspension on mountain bike?

Question

my bike suspension is loose on my bike

Answer 1

If you are referring to rear suspensions and by loose you mean rattling, then you have worn a bushing out or bearing and should take the bike to the bike shop so that they can give you the replacement part or order it for you.

If you are referring to your fork, make sure your headset is not loose, (squeeze the front brake and push the bike forward and back, if it rattles when doing this your headset is loose and should be taken to a bike shop for further diagnosis) but if it is a coil fork and you have wobbling or play in the stanchions replace the fork as any repair will cost more than a used coil fork.  If it is an air fork send it back to the manufacturer for a rebuild.

Answer 2

Loose is never a good sign.  However, it doesn't mean something is broken.  You may just need something tightened up or adjusted.  Before you ride again, you need to carefully examine your bike to find what is wrong and fix it or take it to a bike shop for a good once over and repairs.

For safety sake, never ride a bike when something is loose.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

It sounds to me like you need to take your bike to the bike shop. Most suspension systems have strict torque specifications and you can cause damage if you just start cranking down bolts. It sound to me like you have: 1: loose bolts on your swing-arm; or 2: low air pressure in your shock (if you have an air sprung bike).

Answer 4

Depending on what kind of suspension it is, there are a few options.  If it is a front shock, it could need more air or oil in it.  This wil make it stiffer.  If it is a back shock, it could either need air if it is a air shock, or maybe new coils if it is a coil-over type shock.