Grinding noise when pedalling
08-21-13, 06:09 AM
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Grinding noise when pedalling
Recently my road bike has started to make a grinding noise when pedalling and it feels like there is some reverberation in the pedals (but that might be paranoia). It only happens when pushing down on the pedals with force (being off the bike and just spinning the pedals doesn't make any noise) and at first it was only on climbs, but within a few miles it was happening when seated as well.
I gave the whole thing a clean and oil and it cleared up, but only for about half a mile and then restarted, again firstly noticable on standing and progressing to also grinding when seated. I oiled the chain once more in hope that it was just a dry spot rubbing, but it didn't have any affect whatsoever.
Can anybody give a hint as to where the problem might be, before I start taking things apart. The bike is a few years old now, so wear and tear is a possibility for all components.
I gave the whole thing a clean and oil and it cleared up, but only for about half a mile and then restarted, again firstly noticable on standing and progressing to also grinding when seated. I oiled the chain once more in hope that it was just a dry spot rubbing, but it didn't have any affect whatsoever.
Can anybody give a hint as to where the problem might be, before I start taking things apart. The bike is a few years old now, so wear and tear is a possibility for all components.
08-21-13, 06:34 AM
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Start by spinning the pedals and listening for dirt or grinding in the bearings. Next, slip the chain off the rings and put it where it doesn't touch the crank at all. Spin the cranks and listen for bearing noise. Last pick up the wheel, and spin it listening for a noisy bearing.
I'm betting that all check out OK, and since the bike is a bit older it's simply the normal noise and feel of a worn chain and sprockets. Some chain oils mask this better than others, but nothing changes the fact that chains and sprockets wear, and the engagement won't be as smooth.
One thing you will want to do is measure your chain for wear (stretch). Search "chain stretch" here on BF or on the net if you don't know how to measure, and follow the generally accepted guideline to replace it if it's stretched 1/2% (1/16" over 12").
If it's stretched more than 1/8" you might want to replace it, but don't scrap it yet. There's a good chance the new chain won't run on your old cassette and you'll have a choice of replacing the cassette also, or going back to the old chain and running it a while longer.
I'm betting that all check out OK, and since the bike is a bit older it's simply the normal noise and feel of a worn chain and sprockets. Some chain oils mask this better than others, but nothing changes the fact that chains and sprockets wear, and the engagement won't be as smooth.
One thing you will want to do is measure your chain for wear (stretch). Search "chain stretch" here on BF or on the net if you don't know how to measure, and follow the generally accepted guideline to replace it if it's stretched 1/2% (1/16" over 12").
If it's stretched more than 1/8" you might want to replace it, but don't scrap it yet. There's a good chance the new chain won't run on your old cassette and you'll have a choice of replacing the cassette also, or going back to the old chain and running it a while longer.
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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.
08-21-13, 09:32 AM
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Grinding noise when pedalling
Grinding, like scratching? Gritty? How do you clean your chain? Be specific.
