That squeaking, creaking or rattling sound getting to you? Here are eight sounds your bike might be making and how to get rid of them.
Things that go squeak on our bikes tend to scare us more that those that go bump in the night. So here are eight tips to help you overcome that fear and fix that squeak, and any other strange sound.
Seatpost creak
This is sometimes caused by movement between the seatpost collar and the seat tube. To fix this, remove the collar, clean the tube with rubbing alcohol, then apply a couple of drops of super glue inside the collar.
Brake Squeal
Eliminate brake squeal by cleaning pads and rims, toeing in brake pads and sometimes even reversing the toe angle on the pads.
Thumping Brake
To stop the thump between a brake pad and an off-centre rim seam, reverse the rim rotation (front wheel only) or sand the seam down.
Creaking Handlebar
Slip a creaking handlebar out from the stem, clean with alcohol, dab on a few drops of super glue and reinstall. Also grease the mounting bolts.
Creaking Crankarm
To eliminate crankarm creak, remove the cranks, clean the square taper or spline and the crank bolts, then put a few drops of super glue on the surfaces (including bolts) and reinstall to manufacturer’s specified torque.
Creaky Bottom Bracket
If you hear a creak from the bottom bracket, don’t dive into the BB. First, check your cleats for wear. Replace metal cleats if the edges are shiny and worn.
Mysterious creaking up front
Pull off your fork, then clean and grease, including all bolts, headset, spacers and stem.
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