handlebar creeking noises
11-20-04, 08:26 PM
#1
Halocon
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handlebar creeking noises
my handlebars creek quite a bite esp. during hard climbs when im standing. im not quite sure how to make the sound go away. i was told once to lube all the bolts. but im not sure which part of the bolt to lube and how to go about doing so. do i take out the bolts and then lube? and which part of the bolt do i lube? i don't think lubing the thread of the bolt is such a good idea. i need to know which parts to lube as well. btw, i use white lightning as a chain lube but i read in Performance bike's catalog that it's an "all purpose" lube. does that mean i can use it to lube all parts on the bike? thx in advance for any suggestions or help!
11-20-04, 09:03 PM
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A bit of oil on the bars at the stem helps. If you have an adjustable stem, tighten down the adjustment bolt.
11-20-04, 09:09 PM
#3
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Lube on threads make it easier to get higher clamping force with less torque on the head.
So lubing the bolts will allow you the clamp the bars tighter withou wrecking the head hex or breaking or stripping the bolt.
However............ you should strip the bars & stem down and inspect the bars very carefully around the clamping area. Years ago while racing I discovered the cause of my bars creaking...... it was actually cracking...... My left bar broke off just at the edge of the stem, on a long climb, with 20km to go in the club championship !!
After that I am always suspicious of creaking noises, bars, saddle, cranks, frame....... whatever.
Bobthe....
So lubing the bolts will allow you the clamp the bars tighter withou wrecking the head hex or breaking or stripping the bolt.
However............ you should strip the bars & stem down and inspect the bars very carefully around the clamping area. Years ago while racing I discovered the cause of my bars creaking...... it was actually cracking...... My left bar broke off just at the edge of the stem, on a long climb, with 20km to go in the club championship !!
After that I am always suspicious of creaking noises, bars, saddle, cranks, frame....... whatever.
Bobthe....
11-22-04, 12:33 PM
#4
Halocon
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looks like i got some to do on my bike during my thanksgiving vacation. thx for the help guys.
11-22-04, 01:03 PM
#5
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my bars were creaking like crazy, and this mechanic told me to take them off, clean the bar where it is clamped as well as the clamp itslef, install, and retorque. no more creaking.
11-22-04, 02:40 PM
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A little rubber adhesive between the stem clamp & handlebar works like a charm.
