Creak/clicking noise

CletePurcel

I have a Specialized Secteur Elite (about 2 months old). It has started making a slight, but annoying, noise (creaking/clicking noise) at the same point on every pedal rotation (when the left pedal is downmost). It does it almost all the time when riding although when I am off the bike I cannot get the noise to start so I am not sure where it is coming from.

I am going to take it back to the shop soon when I get a chance, but is it probably OK still to ride in the meantime? Anything obvious it might be?

Cheers

tarquin_foxglove

I just had a similar problem, turned out the pedal thread had got a bit dry & following the addition of some grease to the threads of the pedal & crank my bike is now silent again.

Obviously that was the last thing I checked, having already checked for a loose crank, chain for a stiff link, front mech, seat etc. Was about to have a go at the bottom bracket when I thought about the pedal. :oops:

Also discovered this site http://www.jimlangley.net/wrench/keepitquiet.html which I will refer to for future noises...

chopsocky

Check the saddle and seatpost are tight or maybe even remove the seatpost and clean it first before putting it back in. Maybe its worked slightly loose after setting the bike up to fit. Might save a few blushes in the shop if it is something simple.

mattward1979

Had this problem with my allez sport after 2 months, and my raleigh avanti after 4 months.

The bottom bracket needs a quick service. You can do it yourself if you have the tools, or its about £12 from a LBS... they just re-grease the bearings and tighten the crankset.

Always feels like you have more power in your stroke after a decent BB service!

EDIT:

Ps, its safe to ride as long as there is no noticeable movement of the cranks. Try to wiggle each crank arm towards the frame.. if there is movement more than a mm, get it looked at. (may not be 100% true, but going by what I was told from my last conversation with a LBS dude)

Anonymous

I had a similiar problem on my Felt Z85, I took the BB apart and re-greased it... nothing changed and then found that it was these bolts, when I losened them off slightly the noise went?:

ex-pat scot

Most creaky noises are seatpost-related. Strange but true.

(and 99% of the others are my knees)

Anonymous

Any tips on stopping creaky seatpost noises? Also can you still get creaks from the post when you are not seated?

Si

ian_s

simonaskham wrote:

Any tips on stopping creaky seatpost noises? Also can you still get creaks from the post when you are not seated?

Si

Dis - and re-assemble using a light film of grease (don't need much).

joosed

Loose crank bolts were the cause of one creak per pedal rev for me. Tighten them up before messing about with the BB imho.