Crank clicking

[MattHB]

Hiya,
On my ride today I noticed a loud click coming from the crank, it happens (clicks once) when the near side pedal passes 12 o'clock under pressure. I did 2 very sandy runs yesterday and I'm wondering if a grains got in there? The bikes 5 weeks old and due for its first free service, so I'll get it sorted next week but I was wondering if I'm right? Any ideas?

 

[Mozzy]

Matt, I had exactly the same last week; and I mean exactly. Checked everything and could not find a thing wrong. In the end I removed chain, cleaned all bearings (if that is what they are called) then used the recommended spray RS85 or whatever it's called, then dry oiled the chain, put it all back together and hey presto gone. Can only think it must have been a small bit of grit or similar.

Mozzy

 

[MattHB]

Thanks Mozzy, I'm sure the service will sort it, but if not I'll strip it out. An unlucky grain!

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

sounds like the bb has bedded in and needs the non drive side tightening. grit wouldn't be that symmetrical (for want of a better word)

 

[PeteT]

sounds like the bb has bedded in and needs the non drive side tightening. grit wouldn't be that symmetrical (for want of a better word)

Yep, sounds like that. To check - get a firm grip of both cranks (one hand on each) and try to waggle them from side-to-side. If they move - there's your problem

 

[MattHB]

Ahh cool. If I does have play do I need any special tools to tighten it up?

 

[Zoiders]

Is this an external BB?

If the BB shell wasn't faced properly or it was over tightened they are known to eat them self in rapid order.

If it is external take it back to the shop and ask nicely that they make sure it's faced properly and the cranks are pre-loaded onto the bearings at the right torque setting.

Externals are like A-head sets, they are sensitive to both.

 

[montage]

Shimano cranks?...I find the most common cause of clicking is the two allen bolts holding on the none drive side crank are not tightened equally.

 

[albion]

It is exactly the same with Suntour cranks.Old pedals are another cause.

 

[MattHB]

Thanks for your advice folks. I'll take a look tomorrow. Failing everything the LBS owe me a free service which it needs next week anyway.

 

[cyberknight]

I had exactly the same problem on my commuter and nearly bought a new crank arm untill i read that they can work loose and needed tightening .

My bike runs a standard square taper bottom bracket and it turns out it is pressure fit and grease for this sort of bracket on the crank arm does no good.I got a piece of wood and tapped the crank arm so it was tight and then over a period of a few rides i tightened it up and thnakfully it has been sweet since.

Make sure you isolate the creak to that pedal for definite first , it could be a number of things .

I cycled 1 legged to isolate what was creaking , saddle post was taken out to make sure it was not that, pretty much every bolt on stem, handlebars , saddle etc etc were checked for tightness as it is common for sound to be transmitted from anywhere on the bike to sound like it is coming from the BB.
I still get a slight creak when powering on hills but i know thats from the cleat /pedal .

 

[Cubist]

I once had a similar noise, and eventually traced it to a loose chainring bolt.

 

[Beaker39]

Shimano cranks?...I find the most common cause of clicking is the two allen bolts holding on the none drive side crank are not tightened equally.

Exactly the same for me although just tightening them wasn't enough. I had to remove each one, give em a good greasing and then tighten back to resolve it.

 

[albion]

After overhauling my rear hub I forgot that my stupid rear magnet needs more precise wheel fitting.The clunk under load 30 miles from home was becoming disconcerting.

 

[MattHB]

I gave everything a wiggle and can't feel nothing loose. Booked for it's free service Wednesday, so I guess they'll sort it out. Was much worse on the way home from GF last night though, 3 clicks per revolution. Not doing any trip over 2 miles until after that anyway so it shouldn't get any strain.Thanks for all your advice