clicking sound while pedaling
#1
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3
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clicking sound while pedaling
Hi everyone, I would greatly appreciate it if someone could help me diagnose some sounds my bike is making:
I get fairly loud clicking noises when I pedal. It's hard to tell what kind of pedaling causes it. But sometimes there's even a few in rapid succession (often when going over a bump) and then it's almost a ratcheting sound. It's not just a matter of a certain pressure on the pedal, but it's more likely if there's more pressure it seems.
It's almost like the chain slips a little; I feel it, not just hear it.
here are a couple videos of the clicking in action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI_DULoAtQU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0McFGl0XRw
Let me know what you think, or if you want any other info. thanks
(I've searched for a while - the BB seems to be blamed in other threads, but I don't see why it would kind of snap like that or do the rapid clicking sometimes)
I get fairly loud clicking noises when I pedal. It's hard to tell what kind of pedaling causes it. But sometimes there's even a few in rapid succession (often when going over a bump) and then it's almost a ratcheting sound. It's not just a matter of a certain pressure on the pedal, but it's more likely if there's more pressure it seems.
It's almost like the chain slips a little; I feel it, not just hear it.
here are a couple videos of the clicking in action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI_DULoAtQU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0McFGl0XRw
Let me know what you think, or if you want any other info. thanks

(I've searched for a while - the BB seems to be blamed in other threads, but I don't see why it would kind of snap like that or do the rapid clicking sometimes)
#2
I looked at the first video, but it didn't tell me much.
First things I would try:
1. Remove the pedals from the cranks and replace with another set.
2. Take the chain off the crank and spin the crank.
If neither of these isolated the problem, I would begin to suspect chain rings or chain ring bolts.
First things I would try:
1. Remove the pedals from the cranks and replace with another set.
2. Take the chain off the crank and spin the crank.
If neither of these isolated the problem, I would begin to suspect chain rings or chain ring bolts.
#3
It looks like it has a kickstand though your camera is only showing the right hand side of the cycle.
Anyway, if it does have a kickstand, your left pedal is hitting it.
Just move it in and tighten it up.
Anyway, if it does have a kickstand, your left pedal is hitting it.
Just move it in and tighten it up.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 765
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville Florida
Bikes: Raleigh Glacier MTB/Commuter. Cannondale CAAD5, Windsor Timeline fixed gear
If you have the tools to do it (or you can get the tools to do it pretty cheap). I just had what looks to be the same issue. I just removed my cranks and cartridge bottom bracket, and greased all the threads and put it back together. I no longer have this clicking. Im not sure if I just got lucky, or if this is a common thing to happen. So for ~$20 in tools, I got it fixed for less than the LBS would charge for a new BB if thats what they would have changed.
Also, if you do decide to get the tools, pay the extra $2 for the Park crank puller, dont get the Nashbar one and have it brake on you like I did... I didnt notice the prices were so similar, or I would have gotten the park the first time!
Also, if you do decide to get the tools, pay the extra $2 for the Park crank puller, dont get the Nashbar one and have it brake on you like I did... I didnt notice the prices were so similar, or I would have gotten the park the first time!
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 446
Likes: 3
From: San Francisco, CA
Bikes: 1996 LeMond Yellow Jersey, 2013 Soma Saga, 1980 Zebrakenko Wind, 1980 Nishiki Ultimate
Could be what I had, where the previous owner overtightened the crank arm to the square taper spindle creating a bigger crank hole. For me the looseness between the two metal joints under stress, is what was causing the clicking. I replaced the faulty part with a Shimano Sora crank and I dont have that clicking anymore.
#6
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
yeah, the kickstand is loose and that's what i thought at first, but it's definitely not the kickstand.
#7
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
If you have the tools to do it (or you can get the tools to do it pretty cheap). I just had what looks to be the same issue. I just removed my cranks and cartridge bottom bracket, and greased all the threads and put it back together. I no longer have this clicking. Im not sure if I just got lucky, or if this is a common thing to happen. So for ~$20 in tools, I got it fixed for less than the LBS would charge for a new BB if thats what they would have changed.
Also, if you do decide to get the tools, pay the extra $2 for the Park crank puller, dont get the Nashbar one and have it brake on you like I did... I didnt notice the prices were so similar, or I would have gotten the park the first time!
Also, if you do decide to get the tools, pay the extra $2 for the Park crank puller, dont get the Nashbar one and have it brake on you like I did... I didnt notice the prices were so similar, or I would have gotten the park the first time!
#8
I had a similar thing going on with my Trex 7.3FX for me it was just a matter of tightening things back up as they had came loose after about 500 miles of riding. I did take it to the LBS to have them deal with it because the bike was only 3 months old essentially.
#10
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 765
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville Florida
Bikes: Raleigh Glacier MTB/Commuter. Cannondale CAAD5, Windsor Timeline fixed gear
I always had the click in the exact same 1/8th of a turn from my non-drive crank being straight up.
#13
Junior Member

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: SW Ohio
I had this issue with a new crank and new pedals. Thought it was the bearings. But, it turned out to be caused by pedal threads in crank arm, because when I switched pedals and then switched back to teh originals teh sound dissappeared. I relubed the threads so it was either that or the other pedal modified the threads in the crank slightly.
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