Creaking...that old chestnut

ExeterSimon
ExeterSimon Posts: 830
edited June 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
Got some serious creaking going on.

I've stripped the headset, cleaned and regreased.

I've stripped BB, cleaned and regreased.

I've tightened every nut, bolt, star....yet she still creaks. It feels like it's coming from the headset but only happens when I pedal.

However...after about an hours riding it stops...and everything runs smoothly.

Any ideas?
Whyte 905 (2009)
Trek 1.5 (2009)
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp (2007)

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    so where is it creaking? and during what riding?

    seated, standing......

    http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=98
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • ExeterSimon
    ExeterSimon Posts: 830
    Sounds like it's coming from the headset....but only creaks when I pedal in both standing and seated positions.

    The weird thing is that it stops about an hour into the ride...like something needs warming up.

    I'm convinced it's the BB but she is well maintained...although nearly a year old.
    Whyte 905 (2009)
    Trek 1.5 (2009)
    Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp (2007)
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    brake levers touching the gear pods.
    bars dry in the stem.
    headset not correctly adjusted/fitted.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • ExeterSimon
    ExeterSimon Posts: 830
    cheers...i'll give those a go.
    Whyte 905 (2009)
    Trek 1.5 (2009)
    Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Comp (2007)
  • tjm
    tjm Posts: 190
    ignore where you think the sound is coming from.....

    I was convinced my bars were creaking - I could hear then, right in front of my nose! So I greased them, reset them etc, no change. I have now changed the bars and stem (for unrelated reasons) - still creaks.
    Last time out I realised it only creaked when I was sitting down and after a quick tighten of the saddle clamp it all went silent :oops: :roll:
  • Chucky212
    Chucky212 Posts: 73
    Searching for creaks is a great way to get to know your bike.
  • mr mangos
    mr mangos Posts: 174
    Checked your rear QR? Try loosening it and putting load on the pedals (not when riding the bike obviously). If it doesn't creak then the QR needs a tiny bit of grease where it contacts the dropout, then tighten.

Categories