Bicycle Mechanics - Noisy platform pedals

There are some annoying noises coming from the stock pedals on my trek. It's a plasticky clicking sound and it seems proportional to pressure on the pedals. I think the problem is the reflectors, I removed the removeable ones of the pedals and its alot better but still occasionally clicking. Do you have any tips to remove the other set? I was just going to pry them out with a screwdriver.

Is this a common thing to have happen? I was gonna put SPDs on anyhow but I'd like to fix this.

Swap them out for a cheapy set of plastic platforms and see if that's the cause, if not:

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

Turns out that it isn't the reflectors. The noise seems to be sharper in 1 on the front derailleur and not really noticeable on the 3rd ring. Pedals seem secure and the crank seems securely bolted on, I checked the tightness.

From that link you gave me I think it might be the bottom bracket cups, especcially since it happens mostly as the left epdal goes over the top. But how exactly do i access them? I took the bolts out that hold the crank on but the crank won't come off.

WAIT!!!

I think what you're hearing is the bearing and cup play in one or both pedal axles. Do you
hear/feel a click when you hammer hard, but it's not there when you're just spinning easy?
Do you hear/feel a click at the same point in each crank revolution? If you pedal with just
one foot (surprisingly difficult, at least for me) does the noise go away depending on which
foot you lift off?
Can you reproduce the noise while the bike is stopped, by grabbing one pedal or the other
with your hand and pulling/pushing hard up & down?

My own half-vast (say that fast) experience is that BBs squeak or chirp. A clicking sound
almost always comes from the pedals, chain, or rear derailler pulleys.

Before you do anything to the BB, buy another set of pedals... and spin them on. Take a ride.

Platform pedals wear out pretty fast, especially if you're a hammerer like I am. Performance
sells a set for $21.99 (00-0147) that I get between 10K & 20K miles out of. Or, basic platforms
can be found at some of the online retailers for as little as $10.

You could always overhaul the pedal bearings and re-grease if you're brave enough. The only cost would be a handful of bearings and some grease, and a little time learning something new.

Do you hear/feel a click when you hammer hard, but it's not there when you're just spinning easy?
Exactly, and it's even worse when I stand on the pedals.

Do you hear/feel a click at the same point in each crank revolution? If you pedal with just
one foot (surprisingly difficult, at least for me) does the noise go away depending on which
foot you lift off?

It seems to show up at the top coming down, but thats also where the pressure is highest. I tried to pedal with one foot but that didn't work.

Can you reproduce the noise while the bike is stopped, by grabbing one pedal or the other
with your hand and pulling/pushing hard up & down?

Sometimes, but not consistently.

Platform pedals wear out pretty fast, especially if you're a hammerer like I am. Performance
sells a set for $21.99 (00-0147) that I get between 10K & 20K miles out of. Or, basic platforms
can be found at some of the online retailers for as little as $10.
Yeah I'm not easy on them, I mash pretty hard sometimes. I'll try a new set.



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