*Updated - cracking concern!* Arrrghh! The dreaded creak!

Johnny Napalm

I have developed (well, my bike has) a very annoying and unpleasant creak. It seems to be more apparent when more force is applied during pedalling. I have tightened everything that I can think of, but I think that I will need to strip down the bike, give everything a good once over, and then re-assemble.

I've usually been lucky with things like this in the past, as I've never really had that many creaks and groans (apart from my body), but this one is definitely making its presence known.

ianrams

I would have sworn it was my BB or cranks as it sounded far away but it turned out to be my saddle! Check everything from BB all the way up. :oops:

mrfmilo

My BB creaks like hell. It is worn though, stripping and regreasing makes it better for about 2 DH rides.

It could be anything though, check BB/cranks, pedals and seat first

Johnny Napalm

Yeah, I've checked everything, but the noise does 'appear' to be eminating from the rear of the bike - rear mech area, but I am aware that it could most likely be a problem elsewhere.

The first thing I did was check/tighten my seat. That said, I do know that my BB is on it's way out, so I suppose I'd better get off my arse and install the new one that I bought a couple of months' ago! :oops:

mrfmilo

D'you have a Raceface or Truvativ BB? They usually creak after about 1 ride

Cracked frame?

Mr Dog

Got that problem.. its so bad. Rather than address the issue I've taken to using a mp3 player to mask the noise and telling myself its' that carbon sole' in my shoes.

cat_with_no_tail

Fit your new BB, if it stops, good! If not, and you're sure you've tried everything else, try giving your rear hub a service. Worked for me.

Johnny Napalm

Cheers, guys.

It's a Truvativ BB, which I do agree are absolute pants...they don't last very long. That said, I need to stop buying them and invest in something else next time.

mrfmilo

I've got a Truvativ Howitzer BB, which like I said creaks alot, don't think it's anything to worry about though, just annoying :P

Johnny Napalm

Cracked frame?

I've just given it a once over and there are some slight hairline marks on the chainstay, which have now got me paranoid. There are the obvious scratches etc., but I have also noticed, at the base of the seat tube below the front mech, what appears to be a crack that sort of forks towards the end (like a 'Y' shape), which has also got me thinking.

Maybe it's just the paint that's cracked, but I'm now worried. I ain't a big guy, and I don't ride it (Marin Rocky Ridge '08) as roughly as it could be rode by a bigger guy, so I'd be surprised if I could cause any cracking. Might need to nip around to Supersonic's (if he agrees, of course) for an expert opinion.

I know that the Marin frames have a lifetime guarantee, which I suppose is good news if the frame is exhibiting cracks), but I do love this '08 frame!

I'd take photos, but I don't think that they'd be able to show the areas of concern to full-effect.

Johnny Napalm

Changed BB, and even taken the seatpost out while riding...and it's still there! :x

Oh well, the investigation continues!

Uchiga

If It's a carbon frame dont worry about the creak too much if youve changed the BB and checked the seatpost and all other thigns obvious like the pedals cranks and hubs. Carbon frames after a while are known for creaking when you stick the power down due to the fact they have more flex in them than metal frames. One thing i would check is the spokes themselves. Something i never would have thought to produce a creak on a power down on the cranks. But it can do that. Good luck finding it.

Johnny Napalm

It's not a carbon frame, it's an aluminium frame. I've never thought about the spokes either!

gonga

I had funny one the other week that sounded like it was pivot creaking on my ex 8.
Turned out to be my seat post clamp was rubbing on the frame. A squirt of grease and all was great again!

Torres

Have you checked your cables Johnny? They ca rub each other/the frame and make a creaking sound.
Does it creak in the workstand?

Johnny Napalm

A lot of things here that I haven't considered, and I still want to get a second opinion on what may, or may not, be a crack.

The only time the noise is audible is either when I am pedalling with force (uphill etc.) and/or travelling over rough terrain.

cat_with_no_tail

Try the rear hub. I never thought of it until Yehaa suggested it to me. Stripped it down and that sorted it.

I've also heard people suggesting bar / stem interface and front / rear axles.

You could also check and see if your chain is very slightly catching on the front mech when putting the power down out of the saddle.

Did it start after doing anything in particular, like an off, or washing, or riding through a very deep puddle?

Uchiga

I completely forgot about the handlebar stem and headset thing :oops: Aluminium frame hmm mine doesnt creak just flex's when i stick the power through it :P Yer checking that rear hub could be the next best thing. How old is the bike / parts on it? roughly...

Johnny Napalm

Frame, front mech, brakes, headset, forks, pedals - two years.
Seatpost/saddle, handlebars, crankset - approx. 12months.
Rear mech, wheels - approx. 10months.
Stem - approx. 5months.
BB - new.

Uchiga

Johnny Napalm wrote:

Frame, front mech, brakes, headset, forks, pedals - two years.
Seatpost/saddle, handlebars, crankset - approx. 12months.
Rear mech, wheels - approx. 10months.
Stem - approx. 5months.
BB - new.

Might be worth checking the pedals if they're suspension forks have they been serviced in those two years otherwise it might just be worth getting them serviced whilst your sorting your bike out...

Check the handlebars and stem bolts at that age they shouldnt be any weaker and to be honest not even after a few years should they be weak.

Mechs just a general maintainence i suggest and wheels definatly after 10 months worth a rebuild/ pulling hubs apart and re doing them. I do mine every half a year if nothing else just to check they are fine and bung some more grease in to keep them looking pretty. BB dont worry if its new.

That would be my personal plan of action if you've already done most of that then i can only say your bike has Character :P Good luck though hope the ol creak goes away.

77ric

2 other possibilities as well.

1. chainring bolts, you would be shocked at the creaking racket they become if they loosen off, or even if the outer part in contact with the rings needs just a smidgeon of grease on it.

2. along the same lines, the contact area between the frame and derailer hanger if it's dry again it can creak like a geriatric at armchair aerobics.