Still creaking.....

bigrud
bigrud Posts: 175
edited June 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi all,

I've posted a couple of times on here regarding this problem but it's REALLY bugging me now.

The bike is a Gary Fisher Kingfisher running Big Earl cranks with Howitzer BB.

Basically I get this creaking noise when pedalling lightly in a low gear (e.g. 1 -4). It only creaks when pushing the drive side down past 3 o'clock. When I get out the saddle and apply a fair amount of pressure then it's quiet.

I first thought it was play in the single pivot bearings but it's not. I then suspected a crack in the frame, but it's all good. I have even bought a new BB and it's still doing it.

I had a look tonight and I greased the splines plenty and it's still creaking. I fitted the BB as per instructions but I have noticed a very slight amount of play in the BB axle and it's brand new....? But being brand new I wouldn't expect it to creak.

The crank arms are not new. They are a couple of years old. Could the arm Howitzer sockets be slightly worn and could this be the source of the creaking even though the axle splines are well greased? Are the Howitzer fittings known for wearing?

Cheers, Aaron.
<b>BiGRUD</b>

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    bike shop time.

    could have been over greased.

    has the bb shell been faced?

    do you have the correct number of spacers....
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • bigrud
    bigrud Posts: 175
    I tried it with a little grease and a lot of grease but it still does it. You can feel it through the crank/pedal on the drive side.

    The BB shell hasn't been faced. But can it go out of face (if you know what I mean)? The BB I replaced was the original and hadn't been off before.

    Yes, I followed the instructions to the letter and fitted 1 spacer for a 73mm shell.
    <b>BiGRUD</b>
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    checked the fork out.

    seriously LBS time as it could be anything.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • bigrud
    bigrud Posts: 175
    Yeah, I'm thinking LBS too. It's just annoying me that I can't pinpoint it.

    I'm still wondering whether the drive side is slightly worn. The shaft only sticks out 13mm on each side and I don't need a crank extractor to pull them off like my ISIS cranks on my old bike. I can wiggle them off quite easily. :shock:
    <b>BiGRUD</b>
  • Daz555
    Daz555 Posts: 3,976
    Obvious but worth mentioning - you have greased the pedal threads?
    You only need two tools: WD40 and Duck Tape.
    If it doesn't move and should, use the WD40.
    If it shouldn't move and does, use the tape.
  • elPedro666
    elPedro666 Posts: 1,060
    bigrud wrote:
    I can wiggle them off quite easily. :shock:

    That sounds wrong, in more ways than one...

    Is the none-drive (which is presumably creak-free) the same?

    It really could be anything though, pedal bearing, forks, headset...
    WTD:
    Green Halo TwinRail
    25.0mm-26.2mm seatpost shim
    Red X-Lite bling
    Specialized ladies BG saddle (white?) 155mm
    RH thumbie
    700x28c CX tyres&tubs
    Flatbars 620mm 25,4mm & swept, ti in an ideal world
  • bigrud
    bigrud Posts: 175
    Right, finally sorted this one out.

    I took the crank arms off again Thursday night and there was about 1mm of play in the axle. Checked the BB cups and they were tight and fitted squarely. Confused wasn't the word. So I took them apart again and re-fitted them again. They were solid with no play.

    So all back together I thought I'd go out and test ride them. I didn't even get to the bottom of the road when they started creaking again. They were EMBARRASSINGLY loud.

    So Thursday night I got on to CRC and ordered some new cranks with a hollow type BB. Fitted them on Saturday and NO CREAKING. NiCE!!!

    Job done!!! :D
    <b>BiGRUD</b>
  • elPedro666
    elPedro666 Posts: 1,060
    Sorted, shame it took the credit card to do it though!

    Guarantee something starts squeaking now... :twisted: :lol:
    WTD:
    Green Halo TwinRail
    25.0mm-26.2mm seatpost shim
    Red X-Lite bling
    Specialized ladies BG saddle (white?) 155mm
    RH thumbie
    700x28c CX tyres&tubs
    Flatbars 620mm 25,4mm & swept, ti in an ideal world
  • bigrud
    bigrud Posts: 175
    elPedro666 wrote:
    Guarantee something starts squeaking now... :twisted: :lol:

    Don't even go there!!!! LoL
    <b>BiGRUD</b>

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