Popping sound coming from crank?
 

Hi all, I have a really disturbing popping sound coming from my crank (or so it appears). I would love to drop my bike off at my LBS, but they are days behind and I hate to be without my bike for that long. I am hoping to get some ideas from you all on how to fix this.

When I am sitting and pedaling on level ground, the crank is pretty quiet. However, when I am pedaling hard or going up a hill, this terrible popping sound starts and it feels like it's coming from the crank. At first, it only happened when the right pedal was about 2:00 as you face the bikes right side. Now it seems to be happening on both sides, more often, and much louder. My friends and I did a 31 mile greenway/street ride yesterday and it got progressively worse as the day went on. At the end, it was downright embarrassing it was so loud. Nothing seems loose, and the bike doesn't seem to be malfunctioning at all. Shifting is smooth.

Any ideas? I haven't really tinkered with it closely, but I plan to tonight. Will be glad to post pictures or clarify anything.

General info:
Bike: Trek 4500
Me: 6'0'', 260lbs <- likely a huge factor :rolleyes:

Thanks for any ideas you may have.

Crank is probably lose. Just tighten and see what happens. If that didn't work, probably need to tighen the bottom bracket. Should have probably posted in the mechanics section

Ah, wasn't aware of that forum! Thanks for the tip and pardon my misplaced post.

Bottom bracket.... $30 for LBS to install a new one...

Nice Day....

or your frame is cracked. Check the welds.

Bottom bracket is loose, take it out and lube the thread then reinstall.

take your crank and bb apart, inc. pedals, grease ALL thread surfaces and reinstall...

Guys - he is going to "tinker" with it tonight. A bb is not that difficult I agree but for someone to tinker with is scary. Try tightening and if that doesn't help take it by the bike shop.

If it's the usual Shimano BB [inboard bearings], water can get in between the cup and body of the BB, then dry out and cause the creaking and popping. This is a design flaw that dates back at least 10 years. Removing the cup and greasing the hell out of the inside before reinstalling should fix it for 100+ hrs of riding. YMMV.

Do you have to have the lower crank tool to remove it??? I know they say there's tools for lots of things reguarding cars, trucks, ATV's, motorcycles, etc, but you REALLY don't have to have the tool to do the job..