Bicycle Mechanics - squeek ... squeek ... squeek

Every fourth pedal stroke at high cadence results in an audible squeek. Interestingly, the exact same squeek can be generated by of all things, shifting gears. So last night I attacked my rear derailleur with some teflon lube at all pivot points thinking this would do the trick. It didn't. My chain is due for a cleaning later this week.

Other thoughts?

This is an aluminum road bike with a combination of Tiagra and 105.

Thanks in advance,

-mark

The 4th pedal stroke usually corresponds with one revolution of the chain. Check to see if you have a tight link somewhere.

That's my guess.




Every fourth pedal stroke at high cadence results in an audible squeek. Interestingly, the exact same squeek can be generated by of all things, shifting gears. So last night I attacked my rear derailleur with some teflon lube at all pivot points thinking this would do the trick. It didn't. My chain is due for a cleaning later this week.

Other thoughts?

This is an aluminum road bike with a combination of Tiagra and 105.

Thanks in advance,

-mark

The 4th pedal stroke usually corresponds with one revolution of the chain. Check to see if you have a tight link somewhere.

That's my guess.

Very perceptive. Thanks!

-mark

I guessed that since I had something similar happen to me last week.
Needed to use a chaintool to loosen the link.

you lubed the pivot points, but did you also check the jockey wheels? mine used to squeak when shifting.

you lubed the pivot points, but did you also check the jockey wheels? mine used to squeak when shifting.

In fact I didn't. I cleaned and lubed the chain last night but didn't have a chance to ride outside this morning because of rain. I can't seem to reproduce it on the trainer so I'll have to wait until tomorrow or the day after. I'll hit the pulley's before I go out.

Thanks,

-mark

This brings up a question I have... WHat is the best way to lube the jockey wheels? What kind of lube? I've been told by some mechanics that WD40 is fine for these things, but my guess is that they need something a bit more sturdy. Any advice?

This brings up a question I have... WHat is the best way to lube the jockey wheels? What kind of lube? I've been told by some mechanics that WD40 is fine for these things, but my guess is that they need something a bit more sturdy. Any advice?

don't use wd40 to lube your chain! you can use it for cleaning but not lubing.

wd40 is not a lubricant, its a degreasing, cleaning agent.

Use chain specific lubricants.. My favorite is Pedros extra dry.

This brings up a question I have... WHat is the best way to lube the jockey wheels? What kind of lube? I've been told by some mechanics that WD40 is fine for these things, but my guess is that they need something a bit more sturdy. Any advice?

I take the bolts out and remove the pulleys and side covers. Clean any dirt and old lube off everything. put a thin coating of grease on the bushings, inside of the side plates, and the bolts and reassemble.

Jockey pulleys don't see a lot of stress since they are on the low tension side of the drivetrain so it's not rear critical how you do it. I don't like oil because I think it's hard to get oil to penetrate to the bearing surface. The side covers have a lip that seems to keep stuff (including oil) from getting to the bearing. The only proper way is to dissassemble them.

don't use wd40 to lube your chain! you can use it for cleaning but not lubing.

wd40 is not a lubricant, its a degreasing, cleaning agent.

Use chain specific lubricants.. My favorite is Pedros extra dry.
Yeah, I wasn't planning on lubing my chain with it, I was talking aout using it to penetrate the bearings inside the jockey wheels on the rear derailleur. Bicycling Magazine's Complete Guide to Bicycle Repair says that using WD40 is okay when you're using it as a penetrating lubicant on things like these.

Every fourth pedal stroke at high cadence results in an audible squeek. Interestingly, the exact same squeek can be generated by of all things, shifting gears. So last night I attacked my rear derailleur with some teflon lube at all pivot points thinking this would do the trick. It didn't. My chain is due for a cleaning later this week.

Other thoughts?

This is an aluminum road bike with a combination of Tiagra and 105.

Thanks in advance,

-mark

when was the last time you broke your chain, maybe the chain pin was not set properly and you have a tight link, as for using WD40, I use it to clean my chain let it seat overnight and the wipe it with paper towel then I oil the chain with campy chain oil, but boy this chain oil is really very good, but will get your hand full, coz, just on one ride and your chain looks like it has not be clean for months, I used to use White lighting, I thinks this lubricant is not really very good for seriuos cyclist coz, you can feel the chain snapping when you pedal hard, so I have stop using White lightning,

you lubed the pivot points, but did you also check the jockey wheels? mine used to squeak when shifting.

It was the jockey wheels. Thanks for the advice!

-mark

No worries...it was the squeaking while shifting that gave the mouse away!

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