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Creaking Noises

(15 posts)
  • Started 9 years ago by richardlmpearson
  • Latest reply from richardlmpearson
  • This topic is resolved

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  1. richardlmpearson
    Member

    I had a terrible creaking noise develop on my commute this morning. I couldn’t really tell where it was coming from. I tried various things to determine the cause during the ride including listening out while “on power”, free wheeling, off saddle, hands off bars and various other things.

    I had myself convinced it was bearings and was bracing myself for a few hours in the shed tonight sorting them out, however having gone on the Sheldon Brown sit on his creaks page, it would appear this could just be loose spokes rubbing together.

    The bike was a brand new (in September) Rockrider 8.1 with 26” wheels. According to Strava, this bike has done just under 1,000 miles. Does this sound feasible and has anyone else experienced it?

    I put stud tyres on these wheels about a week ago and funnily enough have since bought a new set to put my summer tyres back onto. Unfortunately the ice isn’t due to go till at least Friday.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  2. amir
    Member

    Ah - creaks - our favourite.

    So what were the outcomes of your tests - did it stay when you were peddling and does it depend on speed?

    Posted 9 years ago #

  3. richardlmpearson
    Member

    Sorry, I should have said.

    off seat still creaked.

    off bars, still creaked

    on power creaked

    freewheeling, creaked, but not quite as loud.

    I'll tighten the spokes up tonight and test it and get back to you to see if it is indeed the cause.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  4. kaputnik
    Moderator

    My other half's bike has a similar creak-squeak which was also traced to a loose spoke. I've yet to tighten it up for her...

    Posted 9 years ago #

  5. Stickman
    Member

    I had a creak recently that happened in line with your checklist above. In the end it was the bottle holder bolts.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  6. richardlmpearson
    Member

    Haha. Brilliant. I've done that sort of thing too. I'll keep an open mind until it is up on the stand, just in case it is that simple.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  7. zesty
    Member

    If your wearing spd's have you checked everything is tight with the cleats/pedals etc?

    Posted 9 years ago #

  8. richardlmpearson
    Member

    They are tight and pedals were changed about 2 weeks ago (as they were creaking too). It definately sounded like it was coming from the wheels, particularly the back.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  9. Arellcat
    Moderator

    We do all enjoy a creak thread. I had one once that I traced to crumbly bottom bracket bearings (a cheap ISIS unit I'd bought from the 'Bay). Later on the same bike I had a creak from the rear wheel, but strangely traced it to the fork, and ultimately a cracked hub flange. Later on the same bike I had a creak from the rear wheel again, traced it to the hub flange on the rear wheel, and then discovered that the freehub pawls were full of metal shards. Strangest little things, sometimes.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  10. Colin
    Member

    Might be worth checking crank bolts and chainring bolts are not the culprits?

    Good luck.
    Cheers
    Colin

    Posted 9 years ago #

  11. amir
    Member

    I often get a squeak/creak from the lower pulley wheel on the rear derailleur. Just requires lube/grease.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  12. richardlmpearson
    Member

    Guess what...

    No creaks or noise on the way home. Baffled. Will check it over after dinner.

    Could it possibly have been the -4 temperature making metal things happen?

    Posted 9 years ago #

  13. richardlmpearson
    Member

    Rear spokes were fine. front ones a little bit loose. Now tightened. I'll see how it is in the morning.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  14. gkgk
    Member

    My creak was the rear wheel not being on tight enough. It was a friendly warning creak!

    Posted 9 years ago #

  15. richardlmpearson
    Member

    All quiet this morning.

    I therefore conclude it was the front spoke tension, exagerated by the extreme cold temperature.

    Posted 9 years ago #

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