Bicycle Mechanics - Squealing, Screaming Ksyrium SL

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gcthree
05-01-08, 06:55 PM
Here's one you've likely never heard...or maybe you did if you were riding with me!

The first time it happened, I assumed it was the Oval Concepts 'mounted behind the fork' aero brake caliper that was hanging up. So, I put my Dura Ace calipers back on my Kestrel SL to quell it.

During the next Tuesday night Triangle ride here on LI, my front wheel let out this anguished, squeal that had every rider wondering if I'd hit a cat ....or who knows what. What I do know is that it is not the brakes, and I can only assume it the front wheel bearings.

I've replaced the bearings with ceramics; they roll smooth and fast...despite the sound, which happens intermittently, and scares the crap out of me...and the group.

Anybody have any thoughts? Or just replace the bearings, and see what happens.....

Thanks!

fthomas
05-01-08, 06:58 PM
Bearings binding? To bad we can't post a sound here.
gcthree
05-01-08, 07:29 PM
Bearings binding? To bad we can't post a sound here.

Last for about 5-7 seconds, and imagine the sound of a poorly aligned brake pads squealing....only much, much worse/louder. Apparently no binding, as the bike rolls along just fine, and there is no reduction in speed. Seems to happen most often during a fast coast.

Can you lubricate these bearings?

scottmorrison99
05-01-08, 10:55 PM
Bump. I have a set of 2008 Ksyriums at the LBS for the same issue, although I cant figure out which wheel. It doesn't happen with my 2007 Ksyriums on the same bike. The mechanic can't reproduce the sound.
Torchy McFlux
05-01-08, 11:19 PM
Tried medium-grit emery cloth to take the glaze off the brake pads? Cleaned the braking surface of the rim with rubbing alcohol?
gcthree
05-02-08, 09:24 AM
Bump. I have a set of 2008 Ksyriums at the LBS for the same issue, although I cant figure out which wheel. It doesn't happen with my 2007 Ksyriums on the same bike. The mechanic can't reproduce the sound.

I pulled the bearings this morning, and upon cleaning them, found one bearing to have a 'gritty' feel to it when rotated...nothing major, but decidedly different that the smooth feel of the other bearing. So, it seems the ceramic bearing, for all of it's supposed longer life, did not. My guess is that here is the culprit of the sounds.