Drivetrain Squeaking

steelo · February 2008

Okay, so about 4 weeks back I began to notice a squeak in the drive-train. Sounded like a mouse inside the frame, only happened when I was pedalling, not free-wheeling. I took my bike to the LBS, they investigated, rode, cleaned, rode again, lubed, rode again and finally determined it was the BB on the way out. They replaced the BB and the bike ran smooth and silent as I expected it too.

Yesterday I found out the squeak is back!

What should I do? Troubleshoot the drivetrain myself, cleaning and lubing and test-riding, or just take it back in to the LBS?

Please help. It's only a squeak I know but it infuriates me as i'm pedalling!

milkywhite · February 2008

Have you tried a different set of pedals?

steelo · February 2008

Yes, they were my first solution as one pedal had some graunching bearings. However the squeaking continued. This was prior to the new BB installment.

milkywhite · February 2008

Is it a full susser? I'm not sure, but it seems possible to me that it's the frame squeaking do to movement as you pedal.

steelo · February 2008

The bike is a Specialized Rockhopper Disc '07 (Hardtail).

cjw · February 2008

A long shot maybe... but could it be your saddle. Mine squeeks a little and the sound was transmitted down the tube and it sounded as if the cranks or BB were squeeking.

steelo · February 2008

How did you fix the squeak? Or does it still squeak?

cjw · February 2008

Still squeeks

I try to ignore it...

redvee · February 2008

If it squeaks when you pedal, then don't pedal :P

Andy B · February 2008

Could be lots of things, saddle (check the screws that hold the hull to the upper), seatclamp

good article on Sheldon's site... http://www.sheldonbrown.com/creaks.html

cjw · February 2008

Got me thinking about my creaking and found this thread. I'll give my saddle an overhaul I reckon http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12543640&highlight=creaking

steelo · February 2008

I'll try pedalling stood up, if the squeak stops then that would lead me to think its from the saddle area.

cjw · February 2008

I was about to post that, as that was how I initially tracked mine down.

jpembroke · February 2008

If it only happens when you are seated then it's probably the saddle.

Also, try pedalling with one foot at a time. If it's a squeaky pedal this will reveal the guilty culprit. Try removing it, cleaning the spindle and the hole the hole in the crank, grease and refit.

I once nearly went insane trying to work out the source of an infuriating squeak - turns out it was pedal. Took the above steps and it was solved.

steelo · February 2008

The only trouble with my pedals are;

They are 2 weeks old and were bought to cure the first squeak - didn't fix it, therefore not the pedals. They are £15 wellgo forged 2 piece. SPD's are on the cards, just need the guts!

My fingers are crossed that its the saddle.

jpembroke · February 2008

Saddle is always the first place I start. Remove, clean rails and clamp, refit. I hope that cures it. I sympathise, I really do.

Jimbob_no5 · February 2008

mine squeaks when i pedal stood or sat, think ill do a bit of work after the weekends work

ride_whenever · February 2008

chainring bolts?

jpembroke · February 2008

Hmm, chainring bolts, good call.

Drivetrain Squeaking

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