BB30 creaking fixed
04-27-12 | 06:32 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,204
Likes: 1
Bikes: Colnago C59 Italia Di2
BB30 creaking fixed
I have a Synapse with BB30 which I got as a replacement for a crashed specialized a while back. Its my rain / night/ general abuse bike so im not too precious about it but one thing annoyed me from day 1. BB30 creaks 
I got the shop to regrease the bearing interface with the frame which stopped it for a while but within a few months, it was creaking again. I read on here that I should install the bearing with green threadlock so I started looking for some.
After a little research I found that green thread lock comes in all strengths from very weak to permanent, and that you cant define the appropriate stuff by colour. After reading the loctite product catalogue I discovered Loctite 641 bearing retaining compound, specifically designed for holding press fit bearings and allowing them to be removed easily (not tested that bit yet!)
Anyway after some tapping with a hammer, my bearings are now seated on Loctite 641. I can report that the creaking has completely gone. The bike also feels a little more solid when I jump on the pedals which I guess is possible if some bearing movement has been prevented.
So there you have it, dont look for green threadlock - that could be anything - USE LOCTITE 641 (which is yellow by the way)
I got the shop to regrease the bearing interface with the frame which stopped it for a while but within a few months, it was creaking again. I read on here that I should install the bearing with green threadlock so I started looking for some.
After a little research I found that green thread lock comes in all strengths from very weak to permanent, and that you cant define the appropriate stuff by colour. After reading the loctite product catalogue I discovered Loctite 641 bearing retaining compound, specifically designed for holding press fit bearings and allowing them to be removed easily (not tested that bit yet!)
Anyway after some tapping with a hammer, my bearings are now seated on Loctite 641. I can report that the creaking has completely gone. The bike also feels a little more solid when I jump on the pedals which I guess is possible if some bearing movement has been prevented.
So there you have it, dont look for green threadlock - that could be anything - USE LOCTITE 641 (which is yellow by the way)
04-27-12 | 06:57 PM
#2
Mr. Dopolina
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 10,276
Likes: 185
From: Taiwan
Bikes: KUUPAS, Simpson VR
Thanks.
On my shopping list for the weekend.
On my shopping list for the weekend.
04-28-12 | 05:04 AM
#3
Voice of the Industry
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 12,572
Likes: 8
I have a Synapse with BB30 which I got as a replacement for a crashed specialized a while back. Its my rain / night/ general abuse bike so im not too precious about it but one thing annoyed me from day 1. BB30 creaks
I got the shop to regrease the bearing interface with the frame which stopped it for a while but within a few months, it was creaking again. I read on here that I should install the bearing with green threadlock so I started looking for some.
After a little research I found that green thread lock comes in all strengths from very weak to permanent, and that you cant define the appropriate stuff by colour. After reading the loctite product catalogue I discovered Loctite 641 bearing retaining compound, specifically designed for holding press fit bearings and allowing them to be removed easily (not tested that bit yet!)
Anyway after some tapping with a hammer, my bearings are now seated on Loctite 641. I can report that the creaking has completely gone. The bike also feels a little more solid when I jump on the pedals which I guess is possible if some bearing movement has been prevented.
So there you have it, dont look for green threadlock - that could be anything - USE LOCTITE 641 (which is yellow by the way)
I got the shop to regrease the bearing interface with the frame which stopped it for a while but within a few months, it was creaking again. I read on here that I should install the bearing with green threadlock so I started looking for some.
After a little research I found that green thread lock comes in all strengths from very weak to permanent, and that you cant define the appropriate stuff by colour. After reading the loctite product catalogue I discovered Loctite 641 bearing retaining compound, specifically designed for holding press fit bearings and allowing them to be removed easily (not tested that bit yet!)
Anyway after some tapping with a hammer, my bearings are now seated on Loctite 641. I can report that the creaking has completely gone. The bike also feels a little more solid when I jump on the pedals which I guess is possible if some bearing movement has been prevented.
So there you have it, dont look for green threadlock - that could be anything - USE LOCTITE 641 (which is yellow by the way)
Loctiting BB30 bearings is the best solution.
However...never tap fresh bearings in place...they should always be pressed in place with the proper tool...Park makes one.
Lastly, only remove the bearings for replacement...i.e. tap them out. They will tap right out. Every 2K miles or so...depending on riding conditions remove the crank and regrease the bearings 'while in the BB;.
Have fun.
Just goes to show where these insidious noises can come from.
04-28-12 | 06:24 AM
#5
Artificial Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,162
Likes: 7,451
From: The Cloud
Bikes: Retrospec Judd, Dahon Boardwalk, Specialized Langster
04-28-12 | 06:36 AM
#6
grilled cheesus
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 6,957
Likes: 5
From: 8675309
Bikes: 2010 CAAD9 Custom, 06 Giant TCR C2 & 05 Specialized Hardrock Sport
SRAM QR's have a history of sucking when it comes to noise. i am pretty sure one of mine was my issue and not the BB30. you just never know. later.
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