Noisy Cranks

Super-Manual
Super-Manual Posts: 37
edited July 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi,
Just remembered another thing on my bike that needs sorting tomorrow.
When i put a lot of pressure on my left crank, like pulling away from a start gate or angry driving car, it makes a series of "cracking" sounds. Not cracking like coming apart in two, but sounding like its struggling.
Cranks? Pedals? BB?
Any experiences/solutions of this?
Thanks, Ben
We used to live to ride, but then we gave up living. We ride

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    read the finding noises on park tools. linky can be found in the MTB FAQ's

    cranks, bb. pedals seat post bars etc yes.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Dazzza
    Dazzza Posts: 2,364
    What crank/bb do you use?

    You would be surprised how well spd's transmit noises giving you the idea something is amiss.

    Ive just fitted an xtr crank which is running sweet as yet the spd's still make it feel like something is wrong even though there isn't, i do use sole protectors on my sidi's mind which makes them a bit slippy anyway.

    Check your crank bolts and if using ht2/x-type check the spacing from bb to crank and if any bolts are loose.
    The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it.
    Giant Anthem X
  • Super-Manual
    Super-Manual Posts: 37
    Ive got FSA cranks square taper and as for the BB i dont have a clue! Strong light thing taken from a Coiler. Theyve always worked well until this morning. I tightned them up at work exp and did the pedals greased everything yet it still creaked on the way back.
    Didnt check the spacing though, ill do that tomorrow.
    Thanks
    We used to live to ride, but then we gave up living. We ride
  • nathanst170
    nathanst170 Posts: 75
    had a simular problem recently took my stead to my lbs
    1st we tryed taking off the bb cups and putting them back on tight & retorqued
    2nd we thought the chain was broke but it was not
    3rd we thought the frame had come unglued where the carbon and drop out mount was attached to each other
    and then finally he checked the free wheel but no there was no play so we was baffeld
    then the other mechanic surgested that we checked the cassette and hey presto he retightend it and the nackerd creaking sound from the cranks was gone :D:D horay
  • Dazzza
    Dazzza Posts: 2,364
    Super-Manual wrote:
    Ive got FSA cranks square taper and as for the BB i dont have a clue! Strong light thing taken from a Coiler. Theyve always worked well until this morning. I tightned them up at work exp and did the pedals greased everything yet it still creaked on the way back.
    Didnt check the spacing though, ill do that tomorrow.
    Thanks

    Spacing won't be a problem with square staper, it's only hollowtech 2/x-type that can end up using spacers.

    Hmm If your bb has been on a while id be inclined to look at that, how old is your bb anyway?

    Do as nick says, if it has a bolt check to see it's tight.
    The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it.
    Giant Anthem X
  • Super-Manual
    Super-Manual Posts: 37
    yeah its been a good year i'd say, is that a replace job? not sure how long these things last ive never had the guts to mess with the bb..
    We used to live to ride, but then we gave up living. We ride
  • Dazzza
    Dazzza Posts: 2,364
    Trouble is it may not even be your bb it could be a bolt loose somewhere, id whip the crank off and have a play with the bb, see if you can feel anything untoward.

    The old shimano un72 bb's are fantastic for longevity, ive had at least three years from one i used.
    The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it.
    Giant Anthem X

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