Brake Help. Please!

[Greg Cothern]

Thats it,, sorry for the miss quote on the name.  It is a super little gem of a tool when it comes to bleeding the brakes!!

[Chokse]

First, thanks to everyone for all the advice so far, and Greg, I had been using speed bleeders, but I will order the MityVac and give it a try, so thanks for the suggestion.  

Some of you had recommended getting a progressive suspension in order to help braking.  Don't really know why this would have any effect, but, as it happens, I have a set of progressive springs that I bought about 2 months ago and never got around to installing.  I have found the links on MOOT that go through the install process, so I will try that in a few days.  But, before I do, I have a couple of questions.  Of course, I will replace the fork seals and dust caps when I install the springs.  But, are there any other parts in the front springs that I should inspect for trouble?  I guess I'm asking if certain parts (maybe like bushings) are more likely to need replacing than other parts.  If anyone can chime in on this it would be great.  I don't want to go through all the work of doing that only to find out I put a defective part back in.  I bought the progressive springs because the front end was diving too much in stops, and because it was making a very low-tone creaking sound when the forks would go up or down.  Figured something must be wrong and assumed it was the springs, but who knows, it could be a guide or bushing that is causing the creaking sound.  Thanks for any advice you might have.

[Greg Cothern]

Well you dont even have to replace the seals or dust caps if they are not leaking or in need.  The progressive spring replacement is a drop in from the top install.
I would check the old fluid for brass particles, as this would be a sign of bushing wear.  If you find golden flakes floating around when you shine a bright line on the fluid then I would suggest bushings, seals, etc the works.
If you dont see anything but fluid, finish the progressive install and enjoy!!!
The reason we mentioned the springs for braking is that it keeps the bike level better under hard braking allowing more rear brake to be used.  Just helps all the way around when the front doesnt dive.

[Chokse]

Any reason my front suspension might be making this low-toned creaking noise any time it goes up or down?  Is this just a sign that the springs need to be replaced?  Also, if I do find metal particles floating in the fork oil, and parts do need to be replaced, what exactly is meant by the "works"?  Outside of seals, dust caps, and the bushing, what else would need replacing?  I already have the fork seals and dust caps so I will be replacing those no matter what I find inside.  Any further explanation on the "works" would be appreciated.