Clicks in my crankset/bottom bracket
#1
Hello.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 200
Bikes: Windsor The Hour
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Clicks in my crankset/bottom bracket
I have previously posted about this issue before... but this time things are different
I have consulted sheldon brown's page here on creaks/clicks/clunks
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/creaks.html
It is a noise (about 1-3 quick clicks) that happens every crank revolution.. when i pedal really hard, it clicks more (3 clicks)... when i pedal slowly, it clicks 1-2 times... when i dont exert force and just let it coast downhill, sometimes it'll click once, sometimes not at all.
I have eliminated the possibility of it being wheel related because it definitely happens once per crank revolution...
Pedals are tight, greased, not loose at all.
The crank bolts are definitely properly tightened into the bottom bracket spindle.
chainring bolts are on tight and good...
bottom bracket cups are definitely tightened as they should be (pretty much how everyone recommended that I installed them, drive side tightened to about 25 foot pounds, non drive side just tightened in as far as you can with your hands, maybe an extra few twists... I even went as far as to replace my bottom bracket.. no improvement in the noise...
I doubt there are problems with all my pedals, I've dried some different pedals and the noise persists.
I don't think it's a saddle problem... I took off the seatpost and saddle and rode and the noise is still there. I don't think it's a handlebar problem either... I put 0 pressure on the handlebars (ride with no hands) and the noise still persists. I can feel a slight vibration in my crankset when it clicks, so I'm pretty sure it's coming from there.
I'm sure it's not something dumb like my shoelaces or something either... wear laceless shoes and still the same thing as well...
Now I'm thinking... is something wrong with my crank arms/chainring???
Thanks BF
I have consulted sheldon brown's page here on creaks/clicks/clunks
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/creaks.html
It is a noise (about 1-3 quick clicks) that happens every crank revolution.. when i pedal really hard, it clicks more (3 clicks)... when i pedal slowly, it clicks 1-2 times... when i dont exert force and just let it coast downhill, sometimes it'll click once, sometimes not at all.
I have eliminated the possibility of it being wheel related because it definitely happens once per crank revolution...
Pedals are tight, greased, not loose at all.
The crank bolts are definitely properly tightened into the bottom bracket spindle.
chainring bolts are on tight and good...
bottom bracket cups are definitely tightened as they should be (pretty much how everyone recommended that I installed them, drive side tightened to about 25 foot pounds, non drive side just tightened in as far as you can with your hands, maybe an extra few twists... I even went as far as to replace my bottom bracket.. no improvement in the noise...
I doubt there are problems with all my pedals, I've dried some different pedals and the noise persists.
I don't think it's a saddle problem... I took off the seatpost and saddle and rode and the noise is still there. I don't think it's a handlebar problem either... I put 0 pressure on the handlebars (ride with no hands) and the noise still persists. I can feel a slight vibration in my crankset when it clicks, so I'm pretty sure it's coming from there.
I'm sure it's not something dumb like my shoelaces or something either... wear laceless shoes and still the same thing as well...
Now I'm thinking... is something wrong with my crank arms/chainring???
Thanks BF
#4
SpecialK
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: CO Springs
Posts: 373
Bikes: 2007 SE Lager
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If I've done all that my solution is to take it all apart, clean, regrease and put it all back on. If that doesn't work take it to a shop and see what they say.
#5
Veteran Racer
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Posts: 11,760
Bikes: 32 frames + 80 wheels
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1337 Post(s)
Liked 765 Times
in
432 Posts
I tighten my drive side (right) cup to at least 40 ft-lbs and the non-drive (left) side to at least 30 ft-lbs. What torque did you use on your crank arm bolts? I use 400 in-lbs (33.3 ft-lbs). What brand / model of crank do you have? Is your frame steel or aluminum. Finally, is your chain too tight?
#6
Hello.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 200
Bikes: Windsor The Hour
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
@Vixtor my chain is definitely clean and nicely lubed.
@WoundedKnee I will try that tomorrow probably.. hopefully you are right man
@CharneK already been done... gonna go bring it to a shop I guess..
@TejanoTrackie I have just tried tightening it that tight to no avail... my drive side cup screws in all the way really easily... there are no more threads for me to even tighten it any further... non drive side to around 30 pounds... keep clicking crank arm bolts are 30 ft pounds... fsa vero crankset... reynolds steel frame... my chain is not too tight from my understanding, there is a good amount of slack (not too much) in my chain
@WoundedKnee I will try that tomorrow probably.. hopefully you are right man
@CharneK already been done... gonna go bring it to a shop I guess..
@TejanoTrackie I have just tried tightening it that tight to no avail... my drive side cup screws in all the way really easily... there are no more threads for me to even tighten it any further... non drive side to around 30 pounds... keep clicking crank arm bolts are 30 ft pounds... fsa vero crankset... reynolds steel frame... my chain is not too tight from my understanding, there is a good amount of slack (not too much) in my chain
#7
Veteran Racer
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Posts: 11,760
Bikes: 32 frames + 80 wheels
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1337 Post(s)
Liked 765 Times
in
432 Posts
What kind of BB do you have? Doesn't the right cup have a flange that presses against the frame when you screw it in such that you can get a very high torque? It sounds like you may have some play between the cup threads and frame BB shell threads. This could lead to creaking and clicking.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Flagler Palm Coast, FL
Posts: 1,959
Bikes: 1986 Fuji Allegro 12 Spd; 2015 Bianchi Kuma 27.2 24 Spd; 1997 Fuji MX-200 21 Spd; 2010 Vilano SS/FG 46/16
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
BTW, my Vilano had a similar problem, I kept on turning it over and readjusting the BB. Each time it screwed in a smidgeon more until I got it to a certain depth and now it doesn't make noises anymore. The lock ring on that I used a pretty good weighted hammer and screw driver to tighten that down too, just in case it was loosening up on me.
Last edited by fuji86; 08-23-10 at 09:43 PM.
#9
Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I had the same problem. My bottom bracket was installed improperly, so its at an angle. I had to get a new one, and lo and behold, the clicks went away. also, i tightened my cranks again
#10
Hello.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 200
Bikes: Windsor The Hour
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
What kind of BB do you have? Doesn't the right cup have a flange that presses against the frame when you screw it in such that you can get a very high torque? It sounds like you may have some play between the cup threads and frame BB shell threads. This could lead to creaking and clicking.
#11
Veteran Racer
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Posts: 11,760
Bikes: 32 frames + 80 wheels
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1337 Post(s)
Liked 765 Times
in
432 Posts
I think there's a communication gap here. Are you using a torque wrench? Is the torque wrench a click type and is it clicking at the preset torque? Or, are you saying the cup won't screw all the way in no matter how hard you try to tighten it?
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Flagler Palm Coast, FL
Posts: 1,959
Bikes: 1986 Fuji Allegro 12 Spd; 2015 Bianchi Kuma 27.2 24 Spd; 1997 Fuji MX-200 21 Spd; 2010 Vilano SS/FG 46/16
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Got a cell phone camera, take pics and post them ?
#13
Hello.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 200
Bikes: Windsor The Hour
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
it's too dark for me to take any good pics but I'll try to show you what I'm talking about tomorrow TT. thanks for the suggestion fuji86. Yeah I'm using a torque wrench... but the thing is the cup wont screw in anymore... it's already all the way in..
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Flagler Palm Coast, FL
Posts: 1,959
Bikes: 1986 Fuji Allegro 12 Spd; 2015 Bianchi Kuma 27.2 24 Spd; 1997 Fuji MX-200 21 Spd; 2010 Vilano SS/FG 46/16
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The cup I assume is the one on the non-chain side ? The chain side should be all the way in. I think you have this model ?
https://thebikesmiths.com/j/component...21506cb8f7.jpg
and would have a metal rather than plastic cup ?
https://thebikesmiths.com/j/component...21506cb8f7.jpg
and would have a metal rather than plastic cup ?
#15
Hello.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 200
Bikes: Windsor The Hour
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
yes, it is a metal cup...
That is the part I'm talking about... that ridge on the chain side doesnt fit inside the bottom bracket shell so the bottom bracket just wont go any further than going all the way on that.....
the non chain side is fine and torqued correctly
That is the part I'm talking about... that ridge on the chain side doesnt fit inside the bottom bracket shell so the bottom bracket just wont go any further than going all the way on that.....
the non chain side is fine and torqued correctly
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Flagler Palm Coast, FL
Posts: 1,959
Bikes: 1986 Fuji Allegro 12 Spd; 2015 Bianchi Kuma 27.2 24 Spd; 1997 Fuji MX-200 21 Spd; 2010 Vilano SS/FG 46/16
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That part of the cup isn't supposed to go inside, it's supposed to fit flush with the frame bottom bracket shell and torqued tightly to whatever the spec is. The side that's supposed to be adjustable is the non chain side. How far does that protrude or does it torque to be flush with the frame bottom bracket shell ?
Last edited by fuji86; 08-24-10 at 12:33 AM.
#17
Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 41
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i had this problem once. try taking off your pedals, cranks and bottom bracket all off.
wipe clean and make sure your threads in your bottom bracket chamber is all good
then reinstall everything
i did this and the clicks went away. i think the problem w/ mine had to do w/ the bottom bracket and the crank arms.
good luck
wipe clean and make sure your threads in your bottom bracket chamber is all good
then reinstall everything
i did this and the clicks went away. i think the problem w/ mine had to do w/ the bottom bracket and the crank arms.
good luck
#18
Hello.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 200
Bikes: Windsor The Hour
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
i had this problem once. try taking off your pedals, cranks and bottom bracket all off.
wipe clean and make sure your threads in your bottom bracket chamber is all good
then reinstall everything
i did this and the clicks went away. i think the problem w/ mine had to do w/ the bottom bracket and the crank arms.
good luck
wipe clean and make sure your threads in your bottom bracket chamber is all good
then reinstall everything
i did this and the clicks went away. i think the problem w/ mine had to do w/ the bottom bracket and the crank arms.
good luck
it's flush with the frame's bottom bracket shell, no protrusion at all... can't make it any tighter than it is
#19
GONE~
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,747
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hmm...
I noticed you said it also happen when you coast down hill...so I assume you are on the freewheel side?
It just could be a crappy freewheel if you are on the freewheel side.
I noticed you said it also happen when you coast down hill...so I assume you are on the freewheel side?
It just could be a crappy freewheel if you are on the freewheel side.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Flagler Palm Coast, FL
Posts: 1,959
Bikes: 1986 Fuji Allegro 12 Spd; 2015 Bianchi Kuma 27.2 24 Spd; 1997 Fuji MX-200 21 Spd; 2010 Vilano SS/FG 46/16
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
JDM, What brand or model freewheel is it ? Also just out of curiousity here, what brand bike and model ?
#22
GONE~
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,747
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It might not be a freewheel...I just remember that he was looking for a track cog and lockring for his SST AL.
It could be the chain was too tight at one spot and it clicks, so many possibilities.
It could be the chain was too tight at one spot and it clicks, so many possibilities.
#23
Hello.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 200
Bikes: Windsor The Hour
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
by coasting I just meant like rolling down the hill without using any force on the pedals... letting my legs go with the cranks.. it is a fixed cog... sorry for the confusion there... good memory vixtor!
and this is a windsor the hour from bikesdirect...
but the thing is the clicking is timed to the rotation of the cranks, not timed to the rotation of the chain.. could it still be the chain?
I'm thinking it may be better for me to take it to the LBS, but me being the stubborn dude I am.. I want to fix this myself.. guess I have to take defeat this time
and this is a windsor the hour from bikesdirect...
but the thing is the clicking is timed to the rotation of the cranks, not timed to the rotation of the chain.. could it still be the chain?
I'm thinking it may be better for me to take it to the LBS, but me being the stubborn dude I am.. I want to fix this myself.. guess I have to take defeat this time
#24
GONE~
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,747
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What I meant is the chainring is slightly warped and it affects how tight the chain is everytime it passes the warped spot.
You could try loosening the chain tension slightly to help with the tight spot.
You could try loosening the chain tension slightly to help with the tight spot.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Flagler Palm Coast, FL
Posts: 1,959
Bikes: 1986 Fuji Allegro 12 Spd; 2015 Bianchi Kuma 27.2 24 Spd; 1997 Fuji MX-200 21 Spd; 2010 Vilano SS/FG 46/16
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
And not being the original bottom bracket (?), is the chain line slightly off line and it's not meshing properly, just enough to be noisy or clunky after a brief break in period of riding ?
Edit: Well release some pressure off the chain at the point where you know the noise is being made and the pedal position.
Edit: Well release some pressure off the chain at the point where you know the noise is being made and the pedal position.
Last edited by fuji86; 08-24-10 at 01:53 AM.