Odd noise, please help

ST Colin · October 2008

Hi all,

First off, I got my first puncture on the way into work this morning, about 2 miles out from work to be exact! So, not a good start. I cycled in because I'm dropping the bike off to a lbs to have my star nut fitted. However, this morning I noticed a very very small amount of play in the stem/headseat area. There is also a knocking noise even if i just roll the bike forwards slowly, without me on it. It sounds like it's coming from that area.

I will get this rectified at my lbs, but does anyone know what it might be?

Thanks

Colin

nicklouse · October 2008

err a lack of preload in the headset maybe as you dont have a means to add preload!

redvee · October 2008

If they put a SFN in then they'll have to adjust the aheadset so yes they should sort this problem out for you. It would be a bad LBS if they put a SFN in and not eliminate any play in the headset.

ST Colin · October 2008

I assumed that's what it was, but because i'm still freezing from the ride to work, it's affected my brain too

ST Colin · October 2008

Well, got back from the bike shop, all is well with the headset, star nut installed no problem. The knocking noise still exists and is coming from the front hub.

The guy in the bike shop said the bearings probably need greased. May this be the case, or could it be more terminal? Bike is only 6 months old.

johnsav · October 2008

tighten them up a bit.

what bike is it?

Vivid · October 2008

Have you tried the checks mentioned above, it makes sense that it was your headset as you had no preload whilst tightening the stem therefor creating play. Now you have the star nut fitted you can add the preload when tightening the 2 steerer clamp bolts therefore elimintating the play.

If it is coming from your front wheel.

Turn the bike upside down and hold each end of the front wheel, now try and twist it, if you can feel play then it will need to be adjusted. If you have also ridden the bike whilst there has been play in the front wheel, you might have damaged the bearings or the hub. Dont ride the bike until you get it sorted as you could cause more damage.

What your mechanic said doesn't make sense, greasing the bearings will not get rid of the play however tightening the cone will.

ST Colin · October 2008

It's a 2007 BeOne Aspire 1.0. Just fitted 2008 Recon Race Air Solo forks, 100mm.

I'll try those checks and see how I get on. I did think it was odd that greasing bearings would take away the knocking noise.

MarvintheAndroid · October 2008

If they are sealed bearings, then tightening them should sort out the problem.

Also check you don't have any broken spokes, although LBS should have spotted this.

If the bearings are not sealed (not too sure what BeOne use) then check them for rust and re-grease before re-tightening them. Unusual for a loose bearing front hub to make a knocking noise though. Creaking or clicking, maybe.

Marv.

ST Colin · October 2008

The noise is very prominant now. The headset/stem, everything is tight as can be, so there's no problem in that department.

I have removed the front wheel and the axle stick when you turn it with your hand. Almost feels like something is stuck inside, hard to explain. But that doesn't explain the knocking noise thought, maybe the bearing are loose and are moving around inside the hub?

clarkson · October 2008

if the bearings are loose, then the axle will have a small amount of play in it. which will cause the knocking noise. try nipping up the cones a touch to see if it makes any difference.

Vivid · October 2008

ST Colin wrote:

The noise is very prominant now. The headset/stem, everything is tight as can be, so there's no problem in that department.

I have removed the front wheel and the axle stick when you turn it with your hand. Almost feels like something is stuck inside, hard to explain. But that doesn't explain the knocking noise thought, maybe the bearing are loose and are moving around inside the hub?

If the axle is not moving freely then the cones are too tight.

Take the wheel back to your LBS and see what they say.

MarvintheAndroid · November 2008

By coincidence, my bike has just developed a loud knocking noise from the back wheel. Upon investigation, it turned out to be a shattered ball bearing on the freehub side, a piece of the broken ball was moving around and catching in the freehub body.

Best check yours in case it is the same thing, on the front wheel this could be serious as it will almost certainly damage the bearing faces beyond repair.

Marv

ST Colin · November 2008

Thanks to everyone for the reply.

The axle does move freely, apart from when it sticks randomly. Will need to get my hands on cone spanners to have a better fiddle.

LordBanks · November 2008

If it sticks randomly, theres something in there, maybe a shattered/rusty/dented ball bearing.

The Spiderman · November 2008

I had a similar problem on my hack bike.Its got a crappy Specialized OEM rear hub,and was making a cracking noise.
I opened up the hub and found that one,was damaged.Stuck a new ball in regreased,and its been fine since,though with a worn bearing surface the proper fix,should have been a new hub.
I hate spending money on my hack,but If it had been my one of my good bikes I would have probably have just bought a new wheel.

Odd noise, please help

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