Squeaking noise
#1
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.
Thanks.
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,049
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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.
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.
#3
Bicycle Repairman

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 687
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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.
#4
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
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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.
BTW- All this assumes the headset is tight, because a loose headset also can squeak but that's simple enough to fix.
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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.
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