Intermittent creaking

[Kiwilad]

Hi,

I m new to the group, looking forward to contributing and learning from others. I own a Trek Rail 5 Gen 2, have recently changed the chain and chain ring, I’m experiencing intermittent creaking mostly with I put pressure to start peddalling not sure where its coming from.

Any one else having the same experienc?

Appreciate any feedback.

 

[RustyMTB]

It could be anything. There is alway a temptation to link changes to causes but that doesn't necesssarily follow so you need to eliminate sources until you find the root cause. Eg. pedal standing up to rule out the seatpost. Freewheel to rule out the suspension and so on. Creaks can be deceptive too, something you're certain is coming from the rear hub could be the headset bearings.

If you're certain it's the drivetrain when you put force through the pedals then you could start at the pedals themselves, then the cranks, chainring lock nut, chain links, cassette, derailleur & clutch, rear wheel spokes, freehub bearings etc. Alternatively, if it's a new bike, dump it back on the shop & let them sort it out. After all that's what warranties are for.

But before all that, a bolt check is always a good starting point. You'd be amazed how often bolts rattle loose on mountain bikes.

 

[Stihldog]

Chasing the creak…I would start at the pivot bolt/axle. Carefully check for wear then re-grease. And like Rusty said…move out from there.

There’s always a little bit of satisfaction once you find the issue, or issues. Tighten or torque motor mount bolts also.

 

[DirkWisely]

I recently chased down a creak with my Levo. It wasn't related to any recent changes I did. In my case I removed, cleaned, re-lubed and re-torqued my suspension linkage, which fixed it.

If you can reproduce the creak with the bike stationary ( I could by driving it into the suspension travel with my weight ), and have someone else move their ear around to narrow down the source, that can help.

 

[Astro66]

I just chased down a creak when under load to my chain. I checked the chain with a gauge, and it was between 0.5 and 0.75 wear. Whilst close to end of life, I thought it shouldn't make noise.

So I put the bike in my stand. Put it in walk mode. Pressed the walk button, then regulated the rear brake. And sure enough under the load of the brake, the sound came from the rear cassette. I installed a new chain and silence was restored.

It was very satisfying. And lets me know I need to change the chain as soon as the 0.5 wear indicator is reached.

Another rule I have is if you have reached the 1.0 wear indicator on your chain. You have probably worn the cassette, so I would change the cassette as well. Otherwise generally I do a one cassette to three or four chains maintenance regime.

 

[EMTBSEAN]

I’m going through the same scenario with my bike (Whyte e150rs), looks like it’s turning out to be the drive side crank arm, mine creaked when I put power down on the drive side pedal, I’ve fitted two new crank arms, new pedals, a complete strip down of the transmission components and meticulous clean and application of the correct grease I’m preying it’s sorted good luck with sorting yous too and welcome to the forum as well buddy

 

[edruid]

look at the suspension linkage, particuarly pivot beartings.

 

[darwink1]

Most of my creaks have ended up to be cranks on ebikes. Taking the arms off, cleaning the mating surfaces and reinstalling does the trick every time.

D

 

[EMTBSEAN]

This has reminded me that I need to remove my chain and give it a deep clean in my ultrasonic cleaner and relube it before I go out next, so far it’s the only thing I’ve not cleaned meticulously, thanks for reminding me guys

 

[Stihldog]

This has reminded me that I need to remove my chain and give it a deep clean in my ultrasonic cleaner…

Now that’s on my list! Those ultrasonic cleaners are not that expensive. (Harbour Freight or Princess Auto).

Probably good for my face jewelry too.

 

[EMTBSEAN]

Now that’s on my list! Those ultrasonic cleaners are not that expensive. (Harbour Freight or Princess Auto).

Probably good for my face jewelry too.

I bought a Vevor 10 litre one, I bought it so I could get the latest part of my cassette in it, it’s been brilliant, the only thing I don’t like about it is that God awful noise it makes when it’s doing it’s thing

 

[ValActionT 750]

Check your saddle. That was a recuring issue i had. Don’t mess with your fork/headset. That an area that can become problematic. I learned

 

[EMTBSEAN]

Check your saddle. That was a recuring issue i had. Don’t mess with your fork/headset. That an area that can become problematic. I learned

Absolutely mate, I too had this issue, I recently fitted Hope cups and bearings

 

[Renton_Yorkshire]

On the odd occasion my Fuel EX 5 sees the light of day, if there is a creak, its normally the seat tube bolt. Loosen and re-torque and it solves it for me. I thought mine was somewhere around the crank as it creaked when i pedalled, but I've since put it down to more pressure on the crank equalled less on the seat, hence the creak/ticking sound on pedal strokes. Worth a try