The last few rides my 700EFI has had very annoying squeaks from the front end from every little bump even squeaked when I mounted and dismounted the machine. In the past I would shoot some chain lube up into the strut ball pivot areas and it would help for a short time. I decided a front end inspection was due. Looked like the ball joints were ok, the tie rod ends had some play but not real bad yet. The lower control arms were allowing some movement too, (even new they have some give). Front wheel bearings seemed to be fine and the CV joint/boot were OK, but.....
I don't think I could bear to listen to the front struts on my 04 EFI squeak all during my 10 day riding trip to Taylor Park Colorado in the coming weeks. Tonite I have dissassembled the upper strut mount and removed the ball pivots. numbered 4 and 6 To do this you have to remove the front wheels and elevate the front end. The top of the strut shaft has a lock nut that attaches the shaft to the upper strut mount. You have to use a 3/8ths open end wrench to keep the shaft from rotating while backing off the lock nut.
I used a pair of 8" "wicker-built" vise clamps to compress the springs just enough to allow dissassembly. Before removing the lock nut entirely, I placed a wood block under the front wheel hub area to keep the front end assembly from dropping down too low and possibly pop the axle CV joint apart and /or pinch the rubber CV boot. With the lock nut off the upper ball pivot washer and seal can be removed. You have to lower the strut/front end assembly enough now get the lower ball pivot off the end of the strut shaft. Mine were surely worn and packed with grime probably needed to be replaced but will have to do for now. Cleaned everything up and lubed with EP moly/graphite high pressure grease. Not to bad of a maintenance project just about a hour's work. I can push the front end down now with no squeeks. The steering is a whole bunch easier too. I wish I could think that this will keep it quiet and easy to steer for the 10 day ride but I kind of doubt it....... gotta help though for a while.

I hear you about annoying squeaks Lewy as that is something I can't stand either. I usually do the same as you did and drop the strut enough to get grease up in there a few times a season to prevent this.
I also, with a grease needle attached to the grease gun, slip it under the tierod end boots and pump a bit of grease in there for longer tierod end life plus a few squirts of oil on the steering shaft bushings for a happy squeak free ride.....

A couple of years ago some guy on these forums recommended this stuff called Fluid Film. I use that stuff everywhere on my bike. It stops squeeks and water doesn't wash it off. Canadian Tire and Princess Auto sells it for about 13.00 a can. I kicked WD-40 out of my garage a long time ago.Water washes that stuff off immediately. Have a nice ride.Jamie

I had that problem when I put my EPI Strut springs on last year!
It was annoying as *beep* for a long time, I had to spray WD-40 in there before every ride and it only lasted a short time.

The problem was when I did the spring install I sprayed the ball pivots with WD-40 thinking this was good, but it just ended up attracting dust.
Another thing was one of my rubber bumpers was pinched in there crooked but don't think that was a cause as both sides squeaked.

When I installed my Works Perf. struts recently I cleaned everything good (and dry) with Carb cleaner and so far no squeaks.

Jim

Follow up:
After putting 980 miles in 10 1/2 days in the mountains of Colorado I am happy to report that my struts are just as quiet now as they were after cleaning and lubing them up with the EP Moly graphite high pressure grease. Works wonders!

Glad to hear that Lewy

What do you think my problem was?

Only time will tell with the new struts on, one ride and alls good so far.

Jim

If you have them apart, graphite lube applied to the contacting surfaces seems to last the longest before the squeaks start again.

Thanks for the info Farmr, I'll try that next time Ii have them apart if the squeek comes back...

Jim