Bicycle Mechanics - Crank Arm Creak

I have gotten a Guerciotti (84) with Campy record components. Have a right crank creak noise that I have been unable to completely eliminate. Only hear it pushing down on right crank. Pulled the seat, seat post, stem, pedals and all the ring bolts then cleaned, greased and tightened. I have pulled the crank several times and greased the spindle where the crank fits, inside of crank arm, washer, and bolt., then tightened (a lot). Noise disappears for about 50 miles then slowly reappears. Since pulling the crank and regreasing makes noise go away for a while I am pretty sure its the crank arm (right side).

I have tried two different greases (Shimano and then plain old axle grease). Tonight I just slathered on a new layer of lithium grease on hoping it might work better.

Question is what would anyone suggest trying next? Is there a thicker grease I should be using? Can the crank arm or axle spindle wear out to the point eliminating a creak is impossible? Can the 4 sides of the spindle be ground flat again? Or do I get a big pipe to slip over my crank bolt wrench for a little more leverage to "really" get it tight. Should I ride it till the creak appears then retighten again (didny help when I tried this before)?

I know Im getting older but at least I dont have to sound like it when Im riding. Maybe Ill just start groaning and wheezing so the bike noise will just blend in.

Like the bike and appreciate being able to ride something built as well and in as good a shape as it is but the noise is beginning to really get to me.

"On your left" Bob

Here is a picture of the bike...assuming I can get the picture to post.

Would post more pictures but cant figure out how to post multiple images in a message....any hints?

Bob

Sweet ride!!

First you want to make sure it is the crank. Your first impression that it is the crank may not be correct. Check the following:

Chainring bolts
Pedals
Bottom bracket

If it is still making the noise replace the crank arm if you have a spare and see if that helps.

I also see you have Speedplay pedals. I blew out the bearings in one of their older models and this made an anoying sound. You may want to try different pedals if you have them.

nice ride, post that in Classic and Vintage!
I concur with the speedplay pedals as possible cause, I know
mine creak unless I lube them every couple hundred miles.
in answer to questions above yeah it is possible for crank spindle
to wear out to point of no repair. I wouldn't suggest using
cheater bar to increase leverage and really crank down the bolts.
I think you'd do more damage that way. You may need to replace
spindle, they are readily available (check Branford bikes).
Also check the junction of crank arm and spider, Campy cranks have a habit of cracking, starts small and can build to point of failure.
I believe campy only has pictures of this. If this is happening it
would cause some creaking.

Marty

Next time you are playing around, remove the crank and get that grease out of the square taper hole and off the square spindle. Never grease that joint!!! My guess is that the bb cup is creaking against the shell. Remove the bb cup, wrap the threads with some teflon plumbers tape and reinstall. You should probably service the bb while you have it out anyway. This may do the trick. You can also do the same thing to the pedal axle where it threads into the crank. If there is any play in the joint, it will simply squeeze the grease out, while the tape will stay put. If the noise is really the right crank, the square taper hole may have already been damaged by either being left loose, or by previous applications of grease. At that point the crank is basically a paperweight and should be replaced.

Good luck!

DEMON

Thanks Everyone,

Dont have the C shaped tool to pull the BB so took it into the shop today to have them pull the bottom bracket. The got the left side lockring (the notched one on outside I think is called the lockring) off but couldn't remove right (36 mm wrench). Wrench was actually rounded off and simply slipped off the bracket. Ended up greasing spindle and bearings well and putting BB back in witout removing right side. Left bearings looked fine and all seems to work ok now.

Inspected cranks for cracks and thankfully didn't find any.

Removed grease off the spindle and inside of crank arms as suggested and will try tomorrow. Either the creak goes or my hair will, or at least quicked anyway.

Now Im looking for a tool to pull the campy left/right lockring....two shops and no tool. You just gotta love old stuff.

Bob

check out either
Park Tool (http://www.parktool.com) or
loose Screws (http://www.thethirdhand.com/index.cgi)
or branford bikes (http://www.branfordbike.com/)
for campy bottom bracket tools.