lonecyclist

Hi everyone!

I'm a new wrench, and a new cyclist. Since last weekend my bottom bracket has been making intermittent noise -- mostly pops and cracks every few minutes, but occassionally (2-3 times in a 20 mile ride) it makes a truely horrific grinding sound. My bike is an '06 Schwinn Voyageur Sport hybrid that was purchased new in late May and has gone about 700 miles over the summer. The specs list that the bottom bracket is a VP Semi-Cartridge 68 x 122.5 mm axle. My questions are (1) Does this sound like something that will require a replacement bottom bracket, or is there a possibility that a good clean and regreasing would fix the problem? (2) If I need to replace the bottom bracket, is there a better quality bottom bracket that would work in place of this VP Semi-Cartridge so that I won't have to replace it again in another 700 miles? (3) How much should I pay for the replacement bottom bracket? I plan to do the work myself at a community shop but I'd like to be as prepared as possible so that I don't end up taking apart my only bike and not being able to ride it for a week while waiting to get the right part. (4) Could this popping noise be doing any damage to other parts (if I continue to ride it until I get the replacement part)? Thanks for any replies!

operator

Shimano cart 68 x 122, will last a billion years - $25 for 105/LX quality. Any good bike shop should stock this part.

Are you SURE it's the bottom bracket that's ****ed? You better track down and be 100% sure what the cause of this noise is. Noise is the first indicator that something is about to supernova.

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

lonecyclist

I believe it is the bottom bracket. The noise is definitely not coming from the chain or derailleur. The noise doesn't happen with every pedal revolution, but does happen more (and louder) when I need to put more force on the pedals, as with climbing a hill (it isn't the pedals). When the noises happen I can feel the vibration through the cranks in my feet. I suppose cups/ball bearings/lock rings or whatever else could be damaged inside the bottom bracket part of the frame, but there's nothing visible on the outside. Would those make such a noise?

operator

Derail the chain onto your BB shell, then spin the cranks. Can you feel the vibration? (Don't hold it by the pedals as THOSE bearings might be f'ed as well).

lonecyclist

Ok, did this. Just spinning the cranks feels entirely smooth and normal. I don't feel any vibration in the bottom bracket. Noise and popping only happens when I get on the bike and start really pumping.

lukeC

I have a similar noise.

I recently replaced the bearings and re-greased the bottom bracket on this bike - old 70s Centurion. The new bearings are in a Race - rather than loose as they were when I pulled it apart.

Whenever I am applying some force with pedaling i get a couple of clicks and "pops" click click type noises. once a revolution of the pedals usually when the torque is applied from the Right-side (drive side) crank.

Particularly when going up hills etc.

I thought it might be the chainring stack bolts loose and the chainring is shifting with the increases in torque but i don't think so...

it almost sounds like there is some grit int he BB that is causing bad noises.

jaxgtr

I had a similar experience on my hybrid and discovered my crank arms were a little loose. I pulled the BB and checked for cracking and repacked with fresh grease. All noise seems to have gone away. I don't know if it just needed fresh grease or if the noise was from a loose crank arm, but it gone now and that's what counts.

rasmith9

It is mostly better to check the crank bolt first, easier too

eyesee

Lonecyclist,

I have the same Schwinn bike and the same problem except my symptom started around 5oo miles. What did you learn since the 9th of October, the date of your last post? I am curious to learn what you find/found. I keep thinking that my bike is not designed for 12-25 mile rides, rather for a dad and child to go .5 miles 5 times a year. I wonder if need something designed for the riding I am doing, which is mostly commuting. I also keep thinking that I am using this noise as an excuse to purchase a better bike. There are worse things a man can do you know. I have not touched the bottom bracket, but have checked the pedals and crank arms.

Thanks


Thanks