Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Bicycle Mechanics
Reload this Page >

Squeaking noise

Search
Notices
Bicycle Mechanics Broken bottom bracket? Tacoed wheel? If you're having problems with your bicycle, or just need help fixing a flat, drop in here for the latest on bicycle mechanics & bicycle maintenance.

Squeaking noise

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-16-11 | 09:36 AM
  #1  
derekthelion's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Squeaking noise

When turning my handle bars, my bike produces a squeaking sound. I imagine it needs some oil somewhere. I am wondering, do I use the same lube I use on my chain, or something different? Where do I apply this lube?

Thanks.
derekthelion is offline  
Reply
Old 03-16-11 | 11:01 AM
  #2  
Monster Pete's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 1
From: Warwick, UK

Bikes: 2000-something 3 speed commuter, 1990-something Raleigh Scorpion

If it squeaks, it's probably a case of dry,worn bearings. You'll have to disassemble the headset to get a proper look. You'll probably need to replace the ball bearings with new ones- the bearing cups are probably ok as long as they're not scored.

Bearing applications such as these require grease, not oil. I use white lithium grease on all bearings. Apply a generous amount to the bearing 'cup' and 'cone' surfaces when reassembling the headset. I spin the forks a few times before fully tightening everything up in order to spread the grease around the ball bearings.
Monster Pete is offline  
Reply
Old 03-16-11 | 11:11 AM
  #3  
kingsting's Avatar
Bicycle Repairman
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 687
Likes: 37
From: The Land of Three Mile Island

Bikes: Many

Check your cable ferrules too. If dirt or corrosion gets in between the ferrule and braze-on, it will make a horrible sound when the bars are turned. Usually a grinding or creaking sound. High pitched squeaks are usually dry bearings.
kingsting is offline  
Reply
Old 03-16-11 | 11:44 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
Titanium Club Membership
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
From: New Rochelle, NY

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

When headsets squeak it might be more serious than just dry bearings which can be pretty quiet. The cause is often the skirts of headset cups rubbing on the corresponding cone, which indicated a bent steerer. Swing the bars back and forth and watch the gaps in the upper and lower headset units and see if there's any wobble. If so your steerer is bent.

BTW- All this assumes the headset is tight, because a loose headset also can squeak but that's simple enough to fix.
__________________
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.
FBinNY is offline  
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Tandem Tom
Bicycle Mechanics
5
01-16-19 12:13 PM
JDMKidBill
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
16
12-11-11 07:05 PM
matt0ne
Classic & Vintage
20
02-01-11 11:17 AM
max5480
Bicycle Mechanics
12
01-29-11 08:17 AM
cleanupinaisle3
Bicycle Mechanics
11
02-11-10 02:04 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.