Annoying clicking/knocking in BB

drewfromrisca
drewfromrisca Posts: 1,165
edited June 2010 in Workshop
I've just had installed a new FSA BB and when I rotate the cranks around by hand there is no problem, but as soon as I stick my feet on there I get a clicking/clunking (hard to describe) feeling in the cranks. I've tried new pedals/cleats/shoes, a mechanic has looked at the BB and there is no play but for some reason it's not getting rid of it. The BB appears to be fitted flush in the bike, although I have noticed that the blue rubber washer that comes with FSA cranks is a little stretched. Could it be this but surely something as small as that won't make such a feeling?!

Any ideas?
There is never redemption, any fool can regret yesterday...

Be Pure! Be Vigilant! Behave!

Comments

  • Weejie54
    Weejie54 Posts: 750
    I had the same experience many moons ago. It ruined a holiday in the Hebrides. Got home, replaced BB. Problem gone. I never worked out exactly what caused the problem but I have not been near FSA BBs ever since. However, I know others who have FSA BBs and no problems so it's probably not inherent.
  • drewfromrisca
    drewfromrisca Posts: 1,165
    It's a brand new BB so shouldn't really need replacing yet I hope!!! I'm beginning to wonder if the BB is duff but then wouldn't there be play in it when ragging the cranks around with my hands? weird.
    There is never redemption, any fool can regret yesterday...

    Be Pure! Be Vigilant! Behave!
  • Weejie54
    Weejie54 Posts: 750
    " I'm beginning to wonder if the BB is duff but then wouldn't there be play in it when ragging the cranks around with my hands? "

    That was my experience too. New BB, and no problems spinning the cranks on a stand. However, give it some welly up a hill and nasty click and very slight give in crank. I reckon it was a duff BB.
  • TiBoy
    TiBoy Posts: 366
    I had a similar thing, it was clinking in the same place on each rotation, my thought was that if it was the bearings it woul dbe in a different place because they move around the cups (this may not be right but sounded logical) I took my pedals off and greased the treads and bingo, noise gone. I know you have replaced the pedals but it may be worth ago.
    Sunday September Ultegra SL
    Raleigh and BSA single speed
    Specialised Rockhopper comp disc
    And some others
  • drewfromrisca
    drewfromrisca Posts: 1,165
    cheers guys, going to try the pedals 1st. It's same place in the rotation for me as well TiBoy.
    There is never redemption, any fool can regret yesterday...

    Be Pure! Be Vigilant! Behave!
  • TiBoy
    TiBoy Posts: 366
    May sound silly but check your seatpost as well, noises can transmit around the frame and sound like they come from different places. Try all the stuff that won't cost you anything 1st unless you need to convince the other half you need a Chris King bottom bracket and carbon crankset ;o)
    Sunday September Ultegra SL
    Raleigh and BSA single speed
    Specialised Rockhopper comp disc
    And some others
  • drewfromrisca
    drewfromrisca Posts: 1,165
    nah its def the BB. its really really distinctive, i can feel it through the soles of my shoes if that makes sense
    There is never redemption, any fool can regret yesterday...

    Be Pure! Be Vigilant! Behave!
  • Limburger
    Limburger Posts: 346
    I found that the FSA BB design is a bit naff with the axle running on plastic sleeves/seals instead of on the inner races of the bearings. The plastic bits moved around when honking and made it feel loose and clunky, there was nothing technically wrong with the BB, it was just a bad design.
    God made the Earth. The Dutch made The Netherlands

    FCN 11/12 - Ocasional beardy
  • drewfromrisca
    drewfromrisca Posts: 1,165
    well i'm hoping that £140 worth of BB better not do that cos it's shocking. Best way to describe it is like a car juddering when you drive it. am i making sense???
    There is never redemption, any fool can regret yesterday...

    Be Pure! Be Vigilant! Behave!
  • drewfromrisca
    drewfromrisca Posts: 1,165
    Ok I've spoken to my mechanic and he said to adjust the crank adjuster bolt with a pin spanner (i've removed crank and it is quite loose) only problem is I dont have a pin spanner!!! Any ideas on a substitute for one?
    There is never redemption, any fool can regret yesterday...

    Be Pure! Be Vigilant! Behave!
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Cir-clip pliers?
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • Weejie54
    Weejie54 Posts: 750
    What model crankset/BB?

    Is it not an allen bolt to tighten cranks, and a retaining nut that needs a pin spanner?

    Not the sort of thing to mess with without the right tools, I reckon. Especially if there is a warranty issue on the cards - which there might be if your BB is defective.