Creaking Seatpost - solutions?
#1
Riding Heavens Highway
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Sunny SoCal
Posts: 1,778
Bikes: '04 Giant TCR
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Creaking Seatpost - solutions?
It's an aluminum Thomson Elite 27.2mm seatpost in an aluminum '04 TCR with no shim.There is no removable collar, it has two built in bolts on the frame. It's not slipping, it's just creaking. It's definetly at the post where it enters the bike - not the rails. I've tried cleaning it really well, applied shimano grease, spit (works temporarily), and diferrent tightnesses (if that's a word). I actually overtightened one post and dented it slightly. I now have a brand new post in there and it's still creaking. It's just annoying as hell! What else can I try here? Loctite, plumbers tape, different grease, I dunno...
__________________
https://vvbc.us
https://vvbc.us
#2
My bike's better than me!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Northern Colorado
Posts: 2,041
Bikes: (2) Moots Vamoots, (1) Cannondale T2000 tourer, (1) Diamondback Response Comp mtb
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
Are you just butt-sure you've pinned down the location correctly? Something you've done should have worked.
If you're sure . . . how are you sure?
Has anything you've done made any diff?? You said spit worked temporarily. Did the grease?? Did you clean the seat tube with a rag relatively soaked in something like WD-40 (or ~) until spotless inside??
When do you notice the sound? Sitting? Hammering up a hill? Whether pedaling or not? When the bike's in the other room??
Might be/could be/oughta' think about looking south . . . toward the bb/crank bolts/chainring bolts/etc.
Check this $hit out:
https://www.parktool.com/repair_help/...queaking.shtml
If you're sure . . . how are you sure?
Has anything you've done made any diff?? You said spit worked temporarily. Did the grease?? Did you clean the seat tube with a rag relatively soaked in something like WD-40 (or ~) until spotless inside??
When do you notice the sound? Sitting? Hammering up a hill? Whether pedaling or not? When the bike's in the other room??
Might be/could be/oughta' think about looking south . . . toward the bb/crank bolts/chainring bolts/etc.
Check this $hit out:
https://www.parktool.com/repair_help/...queaking.shtml
#3
Riding Heavens Highway
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Sunny SoCal
Posts: 1,778
Bikes: '04 Giant TCR
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by neil0502
Are you just butt-sure you've pinned down the location correctly? Something you've done should have worked.
If you're sure . . . how are you sure?
Has anything you've done made any diff?? You said spit worked temporarily. Did the grease?? Did you clean the seat tube with a rag relatively soaked in something like WD-40 (or ~) until spotless inside??
When do you notice the sound? Sitting? Hammering up a hill? Whether pedaling or not? When the bike's in the other room??
Might be/could be/oughta' think about looking south . . . toward the bb/crank bolts/chainring bolts/etc.
Check this $hit out:
https://www.parktool.com/repair_help/...queaking.shtml
If you're sure . . . how are you sure?
Has anything you've done made any diff?? You said spit worked temporarily. Did the grease?? Did you clean the seat tube with a rag relatively soaked in something like WD-40 (or ~) until spotless inside??
When do you notice the sound? Sitting? Hammering up a hill? Whether pedaling or not? When the bike's in the other room??
Might be/could be/oughta' think about looking south . . . toward the bb/crank bolts/chainring bolts/etc.
Check this $hit out:
https://www.parktool.com/repair_help/...queaking.shtml
Double butt 100% sure I've pinned down the location correctly. It's the forward/back / pushing/pulling while seated on the saddle that causes the creaking noise. Pedaling, moving forward, sliding back, hitting a bump, shifting weight, etc all will cause the little creaking click sound. Grease was working in the past but then I tried out a new seat and had to change the height and it started creaking again. I've since gone back to the original seat. The past couple times grease has worked for awhile, 5 to 15 miles maybe, but then it starts again - 1 creak, then another, then another, then 20 minutes later it's creaking on every damn pedal crank and over every bump. I've checked the bolts at this point and they are still very snug. I've then tried spit and it quieted it for maybe another 5 to 15 miles. I'm getting very frustrated at this point as a brand new post, grease, and tightening should have solved the problem but it hasn't. I'm afraid to overtighten as I don't want to damage the new post.
__________________
https://vvbc.us
https://vvbc.us
#4
My bike's better than me!
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Northern Colorado
Posts: 2,041
Bikes: (2) Moots Vamoots, (1) Cannondale T2000 tourer, (1) Diamondback Response Comp mtb
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
Crap. Starting to pi$$ me off, too
First, you're right: never overtighten the post clamp. Seatposts only need enough torque on the clamp to stop you from pushing the seat clockwise/counter-clockwise *with one hand*. That's not much.
Second, you mentioned that you overtightened one bolt once. Possible that you cracked the top of the tube when you dented the other post?? Get a real good look, maybe with a bright light and a magnifier (or any eyes better than mine!). Grease isn't *going* anywhere once you put it in, so if it worked, it should continue to work . . . unless only a touch of it is getting into the noisy bits. That's why I'm thinking small crack (again: ?)
Third, hate to say "LBS" on this one, but . . . you . . . could....
Fourth, you say you're sure it's not the rails, but have you swapped for another saddle, greased and reinstalled those fasteners just to be sure?
Fifth, have you removed and cleaned (WD-40 and a rag) the two seatpost binder bolts, then greased them with a good quality grease prior to reinstallation (shoulda' thoughta' that one before )
Sixth, [this space left intentionally blank]
Back to you....
First, you're right: never overtighten the post clamp. Seatposts only need enough torque on the clamp to stop you from pushing the seat clockwise/counter-clockwise *with one hand*. That's not much.
Second, you mentioned that you overtightened one bolt once. Possible that you cracked the top of the tube when you dented the other post?? Get a real good look, maybe with a bright light and a magnifier (or any eyes better than mine!). Grease isn't *going* anywhere once you put it in, so if it worked, it should continue to work . . . unless only a touch of it is getting into the noisy bits. That's why I'm thinking small crack (again: ?)
Third, hate to say "LBS" on this one, but . . . you . . . could....
Fourth, you say you're sure it's not the rails, but have you swapped for another saddle, greased and reinstalled those fasteners just to be sure?
Fifth, have you removed and cleaned (WD-40 and a rag) the two seatpost binder bolts, then greased them with a good quality grease prior to reinstallation (shoulda' thoughta' that one before )
Sixth, [this space left intentionally blank]
Back to you....
#5
Riding Heavens Highway
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Sunny SoCal
Posts: 1,778
Bikes: '04 Giant TCR
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by neil0502
Crap. Starting to pi$$ me off, too
First, you're right: never overtighten the post clamp. Seatposts only need enough torque on the clamp to stop you from pushing the seat clockwise/counter-clockwise *with one hand*. That's not much.
Second, you mentioned that you overtightened one bolt once. Possible that you cracked the top of the tube when you dented the other post?? Get a real good look, maybe with a bright light and a magnifier (or any eyes better than mine!). Grease isn't *going* anywhere once you put it in, so if it worked, it should continue to work . . . unless only a touch of it is getting into the noisy bits. That's why I'm thinking small crack (again: ?)
Third, hate to say "LBS" on this one, but . . . you . . . could....
Fourth, you say you're sure it's not the rails, but have you swapped for another saddle, greased and reinstalled those fasteners just to be sure?
Fifth, have you removed and cleaned (WD-40 and a rag) the two seatpost binder bolts, then greased them with a good quality grease prior to reinstallation (shoulda' thoughta' that one before )
Sixth, [this space left intentionally blank]
Back to you....
First, you're right: never overtighten the post clamp. Seatposts only need enough torque on the clamp to stop you from pushing the seat clockwise/counter-clockwise *with one hand*. That's not much.
Second, you mentioned that you overtightened one bolt once. Possible that you cracked the top of the tube when you dented the other post?? Get a real good look, maybe with a bright light and a magnifier (or any eyes better than mine!). Grease isn't *going* anywhere once you put it in, so if it worked, it should continue to work . . . unless only a touch of it is getting into the noisy bits. That's why I'm thinking small crack (again: ?)
Third, hate to say "LBS" on this one, but . . . you . . . could....
Fourth, you say you're sure it's not the rails, but have you swapped for another saddle, greased and reinstalled those fasteners just to be sure?
Fifth, have you removed and cleaned (WD-40 and a rag) the two seatpost binder bolts, then greased them with a good quality grease prior to reinstallation (shoulda' thoughta' that one before )
Sixth, [this space left intentionally blank]
Back to you....
__________________
https://vvbc.us
https://vvbc.us
#6
commuter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Winston Salem, NC
Posts: 28
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by TCR
It's the forward/back / pushing/pulling while seated on the saddle that causes the creaking noise. Pedaling, moving forward, sliding back, hitting a bump, shifting weight, etc all will cause the little creaking click sound.
#7
Shimano Certified
Some seat designs make a creak noise from the rail/seat body joint. Is the post anodized or is it polish/bare? Is the seat ti-rail or steel?
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 2,494
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 566 Post(s)
Liked 116 Times
in
98 Posts
Hello
I'll piggy-back on this thread instead of starting a new one since I'm also having this issue.
It's a brand new folding bike and the seat creaks when I'm riding. I sprayed some 3-in-One at the top of the seatpost and around the shim, but although it's slightly more quiet, it's still creaky unless I'm riding on a flat road and not moving on the seat.
What do you recommend I do?
Thank you.
I'll piggy-back on this thread instead of starting a new one since I'm also having this issue.
It's a brand new folding bike and the seat creaks when I'm riding. I sprayed some 3-in-One at the top of the seatpost and around the shim, but although it's slightly more quiet, it's still creaky unless I'm riding on a flat road and not moving on the seat.
What do you recommend I do?
Thank you.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 18,003
Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4172 Post(s)
Liked 3,792 Times
in
2,271 Posts
The first thing I do for chirping posts is to record the seat position (fore/aft, angle, height) and then take the seat clamping assembly apart. Clean each part well, fine steel wool cuts through baked on grime. Then reassemble with a thin film of grease on each part including the seat rails where they are in the post's clamp. Many noises are just dry or loose clamps. Next up is the seat tube/post/binder clamp area. Do the same take apart and reassembly. A long screwdriver with a solvented rag does a good job in the frame. carbon parts get friction paste instead of grease. This is the next most common area to creak.
But there are other possibilities. The seat rails as they attach to the seat body can be a source. The seat tube might have a sleeve, not always meant to be removeable, that is now chirping. (Cannondale had this problem in the 1990s. they suggested soaking the frame upside down in a vat of linseed oil). I've also had seat posts creak between the shaft and the pressed in top piece which has the rails clamp.
The Op says he replaced the post so post clamp source is doubtful. Andy.
But there are other possibilities. The seat rails as they attach to the seat body can be a source. The seat tube might have a sleeve, not always meant to be removeable, that is now chirping. (Cannondale had this problem in the 1990s. they suggested soaking the frame upside down in a vat of linseed oil). I've also had seat posts creak between the shaft and the pressed in top piece which has the rails clamp.
The Op says he replaced the post so post clamp source is doubtful. Andy.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 18,003
Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4172 Post(s)
Liked 3,792 Times
in
2,271 Posts
Just released the age of the OP's first post. I wonder what he did to fix the problem. Andy.
#11
Banned
Hello
I'll piggy-back on this thread instead of starting a new one since I'm also having this issue.
It's a brand new folding bike and the seat creaks when I'm riding. I sprayed some 3-in-One at the top of the seatpost and around the shim, but although it's slightly more quiet, it's still creaky unless I'm riding on a flat road and not moving on the seat.
What do you recommend I do?
Thank you.
I'll piggy-back on this thread instead of starting a new one since I'm also having this issue.
It's a brand new folding bike and the seat creaks when I'm riding. I sprayed some 3-in-One at the top of the seatpost and around the shim, but although it's slightly more quiet, it's still creaky unless I'm riding on a flat road and not moving on the seat.
What do you recommend I do?
Thank you.
could be the saddle rails , try a different saddle?
How about upgrading the seat post ? those are cheap cast heads I like the 2 bolt or Brompton Pentaclip on a straight Post better .
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New Rochelle, NY
Posts: 38,545
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Mentioned: 139 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5703 Post(s)
Liked 2,432 Times
in
1,345 Posts
Mix up a small batch of oil and light petroleum distillate -- OMS, naphtha, lighter fluid, diesel fuel, or even gasoline if using outdoors. You want a high solvent ratio so it pours like gin. Use a dropper to apply between post and frame and let it wick in. Ride the bike. If the creaking changes or stops, you know the issue. This quick job ill last a while, and repeated applications will eventually result in a permanent solution. If you want, try using a heavier oil, with more thinner, which would leave more residual film.
BTW- for my own edification only, am I right in assuming that this is a frame where the seat tube extends up above the top tube by more than an inch or so?
BTW- for my own edification only, am I right in assuming that this is a frame where the seat tube extends up above the top tube by more than an inch or so?
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 2,494
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 566 Post(s)
Liked 116 Times
in
98 Posts
Thanks much for the infos.
Indeed, it's a folder, hence the very long seatpost.
Problem solved by 1) smearing grease on the seat rails and 2) applying some oil around the shim, where it enters the seatpost:
Indeed, it's a folder, hence the very long seatpost.
Problem solved by 1) smearing grease on the seat rails and 2) applying some oil around the shim, where it enters the seatpost: