Clicking noise coming from the bottom bracket [video]
 

Hi,

I was riding my Jamis Ventura 2008 that I got used for 360$CA. It wasn't in a very good condition, the cassette was missing a spacer and the headset wasn't correctly adjusted. Now I know why it was so cheap! It seems there is something wrong with the bottom bracket. I was riding the bike and I could hear a clicking noise. I wasn't exactly sure it was the bottom bracket but after adjusting the front derailleur (the chain was making contact on some speeds) it's clear now that the clicking noise comes from the bottom bracket. It only happens if there's enough pressure so if I am not accelerating there's no clicking. In the video I was trying to put as much pressure as I could on the bottom bracket and the clicking noise can be heard easily (it seems to be coming from the left side, I could feel a vibration on that side too). I am surprised my potato phone camera was able to pick that sound so well; it sounds less, it's much more subtle than what you can hear on the video. Still very annoying when you are riding! Wondering where it is coming from, trying not to push too much.

I was planning to grease the bottom bracket but it seems I might also have to change something...! Thought of what it can be?

Here's the link to the video, unfortunately I wasn't able to upload it here:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0yn9pta3rf...11431.mp4?dl=0

check the crank torque. it could be over tightened, pushing in the BB.

OVERtightened?? The most common cause of clicking from the BB area is insufficient tightening of the crank arms on the spindle, next is probably pedals on the crank arms, followed by chainwheel bolts. More recent BB designs have added to the possible causes, but I believe you have a standard square tapered BB. The BB bearing does not typically cause clicking of the type you are experiencing.

Seems you might have over paid.

I hope the bottom bracket noise is nothing serious... 360$ was a steal. Just for your pleasure look at what 350$ can get you:
vélo 21 vitesses DIAMOND BACK | de route | Longueuil / Rive-Sud | Kijiji

Can be found here:
54 | Vélos de Route dans Grand Montréal | Petites Annonces Classées de Kijiji - Page 2

Anyway, I will get a bottom bracket wrench to tighten it up and see if the noise vanish. Otherwise I will open it and inspect.

So... is there some reason you haven't taken that thing apart?

Not sure how the price of those other bikes relate. You say it's seven years old in poor condition with problems. Bicycle Bluebook seems to indicate a fair market value of no more than CAD300. My point is that you might want to consider returning it before other problems arise.

No bottom bracket wrench under hand. Will buy one tomorrow and post back.

Too late for me I believe... Do you have a link to the bicycle bluebook? I wasn't able to find it.

The previous owner told me he didn't use the stock wheels on it. I am pretty sure he swapped the wheels and put the cassette on it, without a spacer... Riding this bike in that condition wasn't practical at all. The stem needed to be tighten to prevent the headset to rock bad and forth... I fixed it. I inspected it and couldn't find any major flaw beside normal wear and tear. I wonder if it is save to ride it? I wanted a bike I could use on rainy days. I've greased the wheel and am planning to grease the BB and headset too.

Don't bother with the Blue Book unless you're interested in getting an overview of every bicycle repair process. Just search your specific issue and fix what you need to fix. Eventually the overview will come to you.

Park Tool Co. » ParkTool Blog

It isn't unusual for cyclists to swap out the stock wheels along with the stock saddle and stem too for that matter. Then switch them back when selling the bicycle. Even if the BB cartridge needs replaced that shouldn't be a big deal. But I wouldn't just assume that the cartridge in the bicycle now is the correct part.

I think you've bought a fine rain bicycle that once you get it corrected... should give you years of service.

No, I dumbfounded. I hope you'll share what the problem is when it is determined.

AGAIN - it's best to tighten crank and pedals before overhauling/disassembling the BB. All you need is a socket or allen wrench to tighten the crank arms on the spindle. If you do disassemble clean the mating surfaces on pedals, cranks and spindle before reassembling and firmly tightening. If you have the tool to tighten the BB retaining ring do that also. THEN if there's still a problem look to the bottom bracket bearing itself.

I've tightened the pedals before taking the video. I just have disassembled the crankset and it was very tight. I had to use a lever and put all my weight to unbolt it.

LBS are closed on sunday... third time I forgot!

Are these two going to do the same job?

http://www.amazon.ca/Park-Tool-Botto...m+bracket+tool

http://www.amazon.ca/Park-Tool-BBT-2...m+bracket+tool

I've measured and it looks like a 31-32mm will fit (approximate).

On my opus there is a part (in red circle) no where to be found on the ventura:
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=416744

What is it called? Lock ring? The one on the ventura requires the tool linked above, not that one (external BB I think):

http://www.amazon.ca/Park-Tool-remov...m+bracket+tool

Edit pictures:
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=416745http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=416746

On the last one you can see there is a small threaded part... I wonder if something should go there like a cap.

Alright so just in case some one has the same problem, here is what happened:

I overhauled the drive train, the BB is a sealed cartridge so no maintenance possible other than cleaning the treads and putting grease to prevent rust. The BB had some corrosion on it but none could be found elsewhere. I inspected the frame with a light and every thing seemed good, no cracks, no corrosion. Looked flawless. Since I couldn't do anything else than buy a new BB cartridge in case the problem was still present I decided to re-install everything. I tried to reproduce the noise on the stand and was unable. I took it for a ride and I wasn't able to reproduce the noise again. The front derailleur needs some adjustment (chain makes contact). I will look into that, take it for a longer ride and pray that the problem went away.
I was careful to put a lot of pressure when tightening the BB and crankset. It's entirely possible it wasn't tight enough despite being VERY tight! The grease might have helped putting extra pressure on the BB or Crankset.

Thanks all for your answers and help! :)

It is common for corrosion on the mating surfaces to cause clicking, which is why I made the recommendation to clean them in post 12.

By the way do you remove the corrosion? I just put grease on it preferring not messing with cosmetic flaw. Most of the corrosion was on the cartridge body. There is smalls holes in the frame and it seems like some water come from there!