Vibration / Rattle / Noise.....Help

4ndyW

Right guys, i need to find out what this noise is as it's getting really annoying now. I think i have tried most things now, but maybe you guys have some ideas i have not thought of?..... :?

What does it sound like?
It sounds like an old metal mudguard vibrating or a loose vibrating screw head. kinda resonating sound

When do i get it?
now this is the clincher, it only seems to be when i'm on a road section and am going over 20mph (kinda builds from 18mph). If i freewheel it carries on

What have i tried?
I believe that i have tried every bolt, screw and nut i can find, but will go over again. I have checked my wheels for loose spokes/nipples. My BB and crankset is only a few months old, but i have checked chain rings, not taken BB out to check as it sounds when i'm freewheeling so i guess not BB. I have also checked cassette for loose sprockets. Checked disc bolts are tight.

Thins left to check....
Hub bearings, but i don't think it sounds like it could be, but will try all the same as they are pretty old (Hope XC) and could prob do with some new bearings. Discs, i guess i could try some new pads (perhaps something loose?) and make sure they are centered etc, because the sound when you 'ping' the disc is pretty close.


Any pointers would be appreciated.....

supersonic

Where abouts is it coming from?

4ndyW

It sounds like it is coming from the back end of the bike, but then the first thing i check was chain ring bolts as it kinda sounds like it could be from that area too.

It does not just come on all of a sudden, it kinda buzz's in a bit, then a bit more then constant till i change pace.

waby1234

Sorry if this is a dumb question but could it just be road "buzz"? A resonating sound or sensation when cycling on road is pretty common.

nicklouse

First. WHAT BIKE?

does it go with slight aplication of the brakes? presuming discks.

4ndyW

hiya peoples, firstly it's not a road sounds as it's far too metallic sounding and only been happening for the past couple of weeks, but any suggestion welcome :P

As for the bike it's an Orange E-Six (Hardtail)

Brake wise, if i apply the brakes very slightly the noise does not go away (tried again this morning) if i pull too hard i slow down too much and the noise goes due to dropping speed.

4ndyW

Wonders if it could be my font mech, does seem to have alot of play in it....

BigStu2

If its your front mech, stick your foot against it when you hear the noise if it stops, whaalla, if its the freewheel- cassette area, remove the chain and coast down a hill to see if its still there, but not to long as you'll have to walk back up again. Then check that the frame isn't cracked around the seat-chainstays, a crack can buzz.

The Rookie

Loose brake disc bolts?

supersonic

Or loose pads?

Shackster

Stupid plastic disc between cassette and spokes?

4ndyW

I did try sticking my foot on the mech, did not go away.....I like ya idea about removing the chain and seeing what i get, will try that one. As for the crack, then i will check again, but do keep my eye out for any signs of cracks as very aware how old my frame is.

Loose pads...now this is something someone else said to check, not got round to doing much with this one as been getting back too late and no light in the evenings now :? Is it a case of removing and re-installing the pads? or shall i just replace and rule that one out?

And do people actually keep that stupid plastic bit on their bikes?.....

cooldad

No, it should be removed immediately, along with the bell and reflectors.

4ndyW

And the triangular bum bag thing that sits under the top tube...perhaps its the change i have jingling round in there causing my rattle....

So any thoughts on the pads making this noise? they are Hope X2's

The Rookie

remove the wheel and see if the pads are loose - simples.

4ndyW

Ah i see, could be a duff spring or something :oops:

Anonymous

Getting to the bottom of niggly noises can drive you mad. Sometimes it's better to ignore and ride and it will either go away or you don't notice any more.

Of course it could be something serious and the whole thing falls apart as you're riding.

Anyway, so many possibilities, but I'll chuck in another - brake disc catching / clipping the brake pad spring or something in the vacinity (even a bit of mud or stone), or just a general metallic sound if you've got sintered pads. Perhaps not noticeable at slower speeds but is on the road.

But could be anything, just that's one that used to bug me a lot (until I got rid of crappy Juicy 3s and got away from sintered pads).

Oh, another one - cassette lockring. When my CB freehub self destructed the lockring was loose creating a metalic rattling at the back.

And... ... chain rubbing against front mech cage. Can sound like it's from the rear. May do it at speed though more so over lumpy ground. Mine annoys me all the time despite being clear of the chain generally and indexed fine, just that vibrations cause the chain to wobble sideways or up and down and scrape against the mech cage, even when not pedalling. A narrow mech cage makes it worse (2x10 cages for example). Slack chain or worn chain that flexes sideways more than a new one is a typical issue (as I've just be going through).

4ndyW

I have a set of sintered pads on the rear.....i might change back to a set of standard hopes on the rear this weekend and see if thats it?....wonder if its worse as they wear down?

Chain wise, the chain is pretty new and only done about 900 miles, so i would of thought it should be fine for wear. As for hitting the front mech then i know what you mean, happens more under heavy pedalling yeah? I get that sometimes, but know what that is and kinda except it.

FH lockring, i have checked this as i removed the FH fully cleaned and refitted making sure all was nice and tight.

I like the sound of the sintered pad thing. First time i have used sintered and might explain why its the first time i can't find the problem.

Thanks for all you suggestions btw, appreciated. I will look into them in the morning and will let you guys know either way.

4ndyW

Right, i have changed my pads on the back and taken the front ones out, cleaned up and re-fitted. Checked all round frame for cracks...(non found...phew) checked bolts....again...When out on a quick test and the buzz/vibrating rattle is still there! argh :?

Thinking of taking it into to LBS and seeing if they can find anything, would be happyish not to ride for a week if they can find it.