A tick tock click! (bottom bracket?)

[summerdays]

I noticed it yesterday and it has become completely annoying! I'm thinking it might be the bottom bracket because:

• doesn't happen if I freewheel
• happens at the same point of rotation of the pedals (near the bottom of the left hand pedal stroke)
• doesn't seem to happen if I am standing on the pedals

Is there anything else I should be considering - as it happens the bike is booked in for a service in just over a weeks time - I'm going to do some bits first and then have the bike shop complete the bits such as a new freewheel and checking the wheels etc.

 

[tyred]

Check for play in it, and check pedal bearings also.

One further thing, you mention it happens when the left pedal is near the bottom of it's stroke - make sure there isn't a long end left on the front derailleur cable which is clipping the right hand crank as it passes. Don't ask how I know this can happen!

 

[summerdays]

No loose cable, and not even any play in the bracket or pedals (that I can see). I'll be passing the LBS later today so I will probably pop in (need to check when exactly it is booked in for anyway).

 

[Sittingduck]

I noticed it yesterday and it has become completely annoying! I'm thinking it might be the bottom bracket because:

• doesn't happen if I freewheel
• happens at the same point of rotation of the pedals (near the bottom of the left hand pedal stroke)
• doesn't seem to happen if I am standing on the pedals

Is there anything else I should be considering - as it happens the bike is booked in for a service in just over a weeks time - I'm going to do some bits first and then have the bike shop complete the bits such as a new freewheel and checking the wheels etc.

Seatpost been removed, cleaned inside the tube, regreased the post and put back in? It may well not be anything to do with the post but the fact that it doesn't happen when you're standing on the pedals means that it stops when you're off the saddle, I assume...? Just a thought and perhaps worth a try, although if it's a seatpost I would have expected more of a creak than a tick tock.

 

[CopperCyclist]

I had almost exactly the same thing and it was my seat.

As well as regressing the post, give the actual seat where it connects to the post a good squirt of GT85 and tighten the bolts.

 

[summerdays]

Ok seat post out - most of copper grease on it gone and a white hardened sheen in places that I'm trying to rub off. I've found something in the bike box that is called Anti-Seize Assembly Lubricant - is that the right thing to use on the seat post?

 

[Sittingduck]

Sounds about right.

 

[john59]

Also try greasing the pedal threads.

John

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

@summerdays how did you get on ?

 

[summerdays]

@summerdays how did you get on ?

Well I changed the left hand pedal for one Mr Summerdays had lying around. Then I also did a service on the bike. So far the noise has disappeared - but I haven't plucked up the courage to put the original pedal back on. I can't face the idea of having to do one of my 20 mile commutes with the constant tick - it is so pleasant that the noise has gone!!! I know I ought to do it to confirm whether it is the pedal (and if so buy new ones - looks very odd with one flat pedal and one SPD/flat combi pedal) or whether it was to do with the worn chain etc perhaps.