Bicycle Mechanics - creaking BB

I have a 2007 Trek pilot 5.2. I have developed a creak that appears to be coming form the BB area. :mad:So far I have replaced the BB and pedals. Tightened the chain ring bolts. Re torqued the BB and anything else that has an accessible bolt or nut. Changed my cleats and re torqued the pedals. Anyone have any ideas??:

I have a 2007 Trek pilot 5.2. I have developed a creak that appears to be coming form the BB area. :mad:So far I have replaced the BB and pedals. Tightened the chain ring bolts. Re torqued the BB and anything else that has an accessible bolt or nut. Changed my cleats and re torqued the pedals. Anyone have any ideas??:


Are you greasing the BB threads? I've read where some use a wrap or two of plumber's teflon tape to quiet the BB joint. Also, are you verifying installation torque with a torque wrench?
Also, what sounds like the BB could be something else - the frame could transmit sounds from other parts of the bike, for example the seat tube/ seat post interface or the handlebar/stem interface or the headset. Chasing down those annoying creaks could take some time and some detective work. For example:

1. Does it creak when you are standing?
No = could be related to seat
Yes = probably not related to seat

2. Does it creak when your hands are in the drops (vs flats)?
No = could be related to bar/stem interface
Yes = probably not related to bar / stem interface

Mine creaked and it went away when the LBS put some teflon tape on the threads as MudPie mentioned.

I guess I should have mentioned that the BB has had Teflon tape applied to the threads. Also the creaking occurs weather standing or seated, with hands on the bars or not. The seat post is carbon fiber as well as the frame so am unable to grease that area.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/creaks.html

As mentioned above my experience was solving ceraking issues is trial and error and can take quite a while, unfortunately.

I had the same issue as the OP with FSA Mega Exo cranks. The remedies went on for months with variations of taping, grease, Loctite, new chains, cassettes, checking seat rails, etc. I then installed a Rotor SABB - self-adjusting BB. The design is such that it makes up for a poorly faced/chased BB (and also seems like a superior design in terms of maintenance). It stopped the creak but I still had a remaining chirping noise on a hard pull or steep climb. Turned out to be the drive side spokes rubbing each other. I greased the cross point and the creaks and chirps disappeared.