reich17

I assume my 2004 Trek 4300 has a cartridge type BB, can anyone tell me for sure? Also, what are the chances it would be bad after 1 year of 99% on road riding, through lots of snow and salt this winter . The last couple of weeks the bikes gotten fairly dirty, I've hosed it off at home (trying not to direct the water directly into the bb) but not much else other than 3 in 1 on the chain. I'm getting a loud click, click under load while climbing or sprinting and quiet operation while cruising. The crank arms appear tight as well as the chainrings.

roadrasher

Hi, It's hard to imagine the BB being toast after one year, have to checked the cups? maybe they're loose. I'd also suggest you check your pedals, I ride a lot in similar conditions and after having the same problems I figured out that I needed to lube the pedals, no more creaking or clicking etc under load.

Hope this helps,
'rasher

a2psyklnut

First of all, yes you have a cartridge bb.

Secondly, Trek probably put in the cheapest most generic one they could buy. I'm sure it's a no-name piece of junk.

With that said, I wouldn't be surprised it's toast after riding through the conditions you described.

The good news is that new ones aren't terrribly expensive and not difficult to swap out on your own. Sure the tools necessary will cost more than the part, but then you'll have the tools for the next time it goes on you.