Argh
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 785
Likes: 780
From: San Clemente
Bikes: 87 Bianchi X4, 95 Bianchi Ti Mega Tube, 06 Alan Carbon Cross X33, 74 Galmozzi Super Competizione, 64 Bianchi Specialissima.
Argh
The dreaded bottom bracket creak. 2015 Ultra Torque Record and Threaded Record cups. Any ideas?
#2
With a mighty wind

Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,471
Likes: 1,521
I have similar UT for Chorus. There are only a few places noises can come from.
Is it safe to assume that you have greased or used paste on all threads, and everything is tight?
Check your pedals and shoes.
Is it a carbon frame? They transmit noise a lot more, you might consider replacing it with a steel frame.
Sometimes it seems like the crank and it's the seat or seatpost.
Your crank or bb shell aren't cracked are they?
Is it safe to assume that you have greased or used paste on all threads, and everything is tight?
Check your pedals and shoes.
Is it a carbon frame? They transmit noise a lot more, you might consider replacing it with a steel frame.
Sometimes it seems like the crank and it's the seat or seatpost.
Your crank or bb shell aren't cracked are they?
#6
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,161
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From: Mt Shasta, CA, USA
Bikes: Too many. Giant Trance X 29, Surly Midnight Special get the most time.
First consider that it is very likely not the BB. The biggest weight/power transfer on a bike is related to your pedal stroke so all sorts of things clock to it. On carbon in particular, the frame is resonant enough that determining the location of sounds on the bike can be difficult. Pedals are a really common cause--but I've also seen saddles, QRs, headsets, rear hubs, etc, misidentified as BB problems.
If everything else is eliminated and it really seems to be the BB, remove the crank and BB cups, clean the threads, grease them, and torque to spec. If there is significant bearing feel, replace bearings. Grease between the crank, bearings, and the bearings to the cups. Make sure the UT bolt is torqued to spec. Threaded UT setups aren't particularly prone to noise.
If everything else is eliminated and it really seems to be the BB, remove the crank and BB cups, clean the threads, grease them, and torque to spec. If there is significant bearing feel, replace bearings. Grease between the crank, bearings, and the bearings to the cups. Make sure the UT bolt is torqued to spec. Threaded UT setups aren't particularly prone to noise.
#7
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 785
Likes: 780
From: San Clemente
Bikes: 87 Bianchi X4, 95 Bianchi Ti Mega Tube, 06 Alan Carbon Cross X33, 74 Galmozzi Super Competizione, 64 Bianchi Specialissima.
So it's an old Bianchi Ti Mega Tube. It has been set up like this for a few years. Does anyone know if the Super Record bearing will fit on the Record crank.
With the Ti frame is there any special assembly instructions? although this isn't a noise from ground zero but if I'm going to disassemble clean and put back together may as well do it what is accepted as the correct way.
I did just put new pedals on which I'm not happy with. I'm putting some old times on. It's been a few years, in SoCal so I'm thinking I'll take everything apart and clean, lube.
With the Ti frame is there any special assembly instructions? although this isn't a noise from ground zero but if I'm going to disassemble clean and put back together may as well do it what is accepted as the correct way.
I did just put new pedals on which I'm not happy with. I'm putting some old times on. It's been a few years, in SoCal so I'm thinking I'll take everything apart and clean, lube.
#8
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 785
Likes: 780
From: San Clemente
Bikes: 87 Bianchi X4, 95 Bianchi Ti Mega Tube, 06 Alan Carbon Cross X33, 74 Galmozzi Super Competizione, 64 Bianchi Specialissima.
So I haven't resolved the noise yet. I've ruled out pedals/cleats. When I get a chance I'm dissembling the drive train inspecting lubing tightening.
Until then I decided it's time to put the X4 through it's paces. Man, it's amazing how quiet a 30 year old bike with 30 year old components is. All I hear is tire hum and an occasional fd rub until I trim. The Syncro II is working perfect too. All's right in the world.
Until then I decided it's time to put the X4 through it's paces. Man, it's amazing how quiet a 30 year old bike with 30 year old components is. All I hear is tire hum and an occasional fd rub until I trim. The Syncro II is working perfect too. All's right in the world.
#9
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 785
Likes: 780
From: San Clemente
Bikes: 87 Bianchi X4, 95 Bianchi Ti Mega Tube, 06 Alan Carbon Cross X33, 74 Galmozzi Super Competizione, 64 Bianchi Specialissima.
Resolved.
I had been riding the X4 for the last few weeks. 30 year old frame with 30 year old components and as quiet as can be. Overtime I came back after a ride I'd put the X up and walk by the Mega Tube hanging next to the cross bike. It kept whispering take me, take me. So yesterday I broke down hung up the X and took down the Mega. Of course the creak was still there. As I was finishing the ride I was trying to concentrate where the noise was coming from and it seemed to be the rear hub. Today before the ride I checked my QR. It was really tight. I loosened it some and the creak is gone. Maybe I'll put a little grease on the contact points some time.
I had been riding the X4 for the last few weeks. 30 year old frame with 30 year old components and as quiet as can be. Overtime I came back after a ride I'd put the X up and walk by the Mega Tube hanging next to the cross bike. It kept whispering take me, take me. So yesterday I broke down hung up the X and took down the Mega. Of course the creak was still there. As I was finishing the ride I was trying to concentrate where the noise was coming from and it seemed to be the rear hub. Today before the ride I checked my QR. It was really tight. I loosened it some and the creak is gone. Maybe I'll put a little grease on the contact points some time.








