Bike Noise

A_Sober_Paddy

So just back from a spin, and It was just an awful spin...

There was a creaking noise coming form the bike and was wondering if the bike wheel was on too tight might that cause the creaking noise? I tightened my saddle and it didn't seem to make any difference.

Cheers in advance

SpartanBaz

Wow it's like I wrote this myself! I had the exact same problem riding in this morning, lots of creaking when I put pressure on the pedals to drive off. I suspect either the seatpost, crank or bearings in the frame need replaced... I hope it's just the seatpost needing some oil...

Raam

Creaking usually means that something is rubbing off something else. Dip your bike in a vat of grease. Repeat cycle and dipping until noise is gone.

A_Sober_Paddy

SpartanBaz wrote: »

Wow it's like I wrote this myself! I had the exact same problem riding in this morning, lots of creaking when I put pressure on the pedals to drive off. I suspect either the seatpost, crank or bearings in the frame need replaced... I hope it's just the seatpost needing some oil...

There is no give from the crank, so its very unlikely to be the crank(bottom bracket), might just give the pedals a spray.

Is it possible for the stem to need a look, where it meets the handle bars?

Indricotherium

Turn up your ipod

petethedrummer

Could you spell the noise phonetically please? Or give this a read.

seamus

Ah, the eternal creaking problem.

There literally about 40 places on your bike that the creaking could be coming from. Usually it's one of the points that are under some form of stress - the bottom bracket, the pedals, the seat (either the seat itself, or the clamp, or the seatpost where it enters the frame), the stem (at either end) and the headset. But it could also be something as annoyingly small as a cable outer twisting in the guide.

First thing you have to do is make sure you know exactly where it's coming from. If you suspect of the handlebars/stem, then while standing over the bike, push up and down on the bars. If it creaks there, you can rule out the saddle and the cranks.
If it doesn't, then onto the backend. While standing on the pedals with your hands off the bars (maybe get a mate to hold it steady), apply pressure and check for creaks.
If not, then sit on the saddle, feet up onto the top tube and bounce up and down on the saddle.

If you can't recreate the creak when you're not cycling, then you may be doomed to live with it forever. My stem creaks and has done since I got the bike. I've resigned myself to the fact that it will not be silent no matter how hard I try and will remain creaky until I replace it.

Flandria

Raam wrote: »

Creaking usually means that something is rubbing off something else. Dip your bike in a vat of grease. Repeat cycle and dipping until noise is gone.

:)

And then fix the bottom bracket...;)

A_Sober_Paddy

Seems to be the seep/handlebars, so tightened the bolts on the stem...still a little bit of noise but at least I know its not from the crank or anything too serious.

Thanks to seamus for his help and advice

uberwolf

seamus wrote: »

until I replace it.

tomorrow then?

i really need to get searching for the causes of the various creaks from my machine. Bugging me. That and the buzz from the Ksyriums.

stas

My recent creaking was a spot-on in the BB. I think I just guessed it right. Went to get the BB tool. Got the part out. One of the bearing was definitely dodgy due to rust. Went to the LBS (Hollingsworth out in Kilmacud), they said "yeah, the part is dodgy, the only replacement part you can get is ninety quid". I said "ok, let me think about" (to them), and "the 90 quid!!! ffs" (to myself). They also said that they source the part from the one and only supplier and the part is likely to going to cost the same everywhere else. And that it's completely sealed and beyond repair and greasing. Oh well...

So went back home. Ordered the BB from Wiggle for 41 quid with free shipping (!!). Still being curious and knowing that I almost got the replacement, successfully got the faulty bearing out (hammered out - no hassle there) and *unsealed* it with a knife in no time. Regreased it, went for a spin. Result: no creaking, just a slight hum from the obviously damaged by rust bearing, but *nowhere near* the annoying and shameful creek-crack noise on every pedal turn. Bike is now very rideable and enjoyingly so. Waiting for the new BB to arrive.

Just thought I'd share my Saturday endeavours, cause I enjoyed them very much (apart from fuming at my LBS cheekiness!).

SpartanBaz

I applied a big dose of WD40 to my crank last night and this seems to have gotten rid of my creak (for the time being at least, I know WD40 has some 'drying out' properties that might come back to haunt me).

A_Sober_Paddy wrote: »

Seems to be the seep/handlebars, so tightened the bolts on the stem...still a little bit of noise but at least I know its not from the crank or anything too serious.

Glad to hear it's nothing serious on yours either Paddy

Holyboy

SpartanBaz wrote: »

I applied a big dose of WD40 to my crank last night and this seems to have gotten rid of my creak (for the time being at least, I know WD40 has some 'drying out' properties that might come back to haunt me).



Glad to hear it's nothing serious on yours either Paddy

I wouldnt be suprised if your crank falls off soon, its not a good idea to spray anything around that area!

Holyboy

stas wrote: »

My recent creaking was a spot-on in the BB. I think I just guessed it right. Went to get the BB tool. Got the part out. One of the bearing was definitely dodgy due to rust. Went to the LBS (Hollingsworth out in Kilmacud), they said "yeah, the part is dodgy, the only replacement part you can get is ninety quid". I said "ok, let me think about" (to them), and "the 90 quid!!! ffs" (to myself). They also said that they source the part from the one and only supplier and the part is likely to going to cost the same everywhere else. And that it's completely sealed and beyond repair and greasing. Oh well...

So went back home. Ordered the BB from Weegle for 41 quid with free shipping (!!). Still being curious and knowing that I almost got the replacement, successfully got the faulty bearing out (hammered out - no hassle there) and *unsealed* it with a knife in no time. Regreased it, went for a spin. Result: no creaking, just a slight hum from the obviously damaged by rust bearing, but *nowhere near* the annoying and shameful creek-crack noise on every pedal turn. Bike is now very rideable and enjoyingly so. Waiting for the new BB to arrive.

Just thought I'd share my Saturday endeavours, cause I enjoyed them very much (apart from fuming at my LBS cheekiness!).

What kind of BB is it? 90 or even 40 euro is very steep for any type of BB.

stas

Holyboy wrote: »

What kind of BB is it? 90 or even 40 euro is very steep for any type of BB.

FSA BB-4000. LBS said they are a lot more expensive than Shimano. But I'm still happy with 55% saving.

I could have sourced the actual bearing for a lot cheaper, I think, but I didn't know I can get to it. Next time I probably will.

thehamo

Had the mystery creek my self a few weeks back. Tried everything, so ended up taking off the crank set ( tiagra) and pedals, cassette,etc. Greased and lubed everything up to the max and reapplied and whaddaya know, creak gone. Done the meath tour not a noise in sight. Happy Days I thought, but no! It comes back. Tho, quick tightening of the bolts on the crank arm and seems to have dissappeared. For good this time hopefully!