Bicycle Mechanics - strange clicking noise in the drive train...

my new problem - if I'm freewheeling, then I put pressure on the pedals to start pedalling again, sometimes I hear this sharp metallic click. I vaguely think it might be coming from the chain - chainring contact area, but I'm really not sure about that.

for the record I'm using a fairly new (definately not worn out) Shimano XT 9spd groupset throughout.

any similar experiences ??

claude

Just fixed a similar problem on my bike this weekend. Thought it was the pedal, but turned out to be the BB. The BB is pretty new, but there are lots of stream crossings where I ride. I removed the BB (Shimano UN72) and took the seal off the non-drive side. It still had grease, but some of it was looking watery. Packed new grease in it, and the greased the non-drive side cup where it would contact the BB cartridge.

Clicking noise gone.

Claude, I have a similar problem that only manifests itself when I am going up a hill or otherwise loading the bike. Does your click occur every revolution or is it a one time event? Mine occures when I'm really digging in with my right foot and not pedalling correctly (push push method). If I concentrate on pedalling full circle, the problem lessens and goes away. To anyone out there: What do failing bearings in a BB sound like? Also, I'm on a cheap bike and this may be the first signs of death of a sub-standard crank set

You probably wouldn't hear failing B-B bearings, so much as feel them. Take the chain off the chainrings and turn the pedals. Should be smooth to silky smooth, and absolutely no play or looseness. Most bikes now-a-days have sealed cartridge B-Bs that can't be adjusted, but they aren't nearly as sensitive as the old cup and cone types.

you can confirm movement in your bb. .. align a crankarm with your seat tube and grab that arm and tube together and sqeeze like therse no tomorrow ..if you hear any noise at all in the BB , out it comes and grease the threads totally..re-install and tighten as tight can be...check again........................

ok I solved the problem!

I have a splined BB and the Cranks were loose - I tightened them and the problem went away.

A loose splined BB sounds and feels somewhat different to my prevoious square BB.

Now a question : I know you should not grease square BB's (the BB to crank bit) , but what about splined BB's ??

claude

no Claude you should not grease those joints or regular BB spindles either:perhaps just make sure those little critters are tight in your "make sure everything is good and tight" routine.......