Help - crank arm problem

[geopat]

Out this morning and crunching noise resulted in left crank arm loose and eventually hanging beside the right one.

Contemplating new bike at moment and this may be the justification.

Anyone know what the main reason may be for this and the approx cost to fix this at LBS. Crank is a Shimano Sora.

 

[Tim Hall]

Has the crank come loose from the bottom bracket spindle or has it snapped? If it's the former it could be as simple as tightening up the crank bolt. Is the bolt still present? Is it a square taper cartridge type BB or something with external bearings?

 

[geopat]

Closer look and the crank arm comes off and all threads look worn.

 

[PpPete]

LBS will prob say you need a new BB and a whole new crankset... at RRPs that's going to be £70-£80 for Sora + labor.
Depends what damage has actually been done you might just be able to put a left crank on.... in which case ebay is your friend, maybe pick one up for £10.

if you are not able to answer Tim's questions about type of crank and where exactly it has separated - can you post some pics ?

 

[geopat]

LBS says maybe left crank only - £30 ish. Didn't take bike so there may be further damage?

 

[ColinJ]

If you want a new bike then go ahead and buy one, but a broken crank isn't a valid reason for doing that since getting the problem sorted out would be an awful lot cheaper!

 

[geopat]

Agree ColinJ but its not the only thing wrong with the bike. As its now 6 years old with a few thousand miles carrying 16 stone over its wheels I think it time I retired it to the skip.

 

[ColinJ]

Agree ColinJ but its not the only thing wrong with the bike. As its now 6 years old with a few thousand miles carrying 16 stone over its wheels I think it time I retired it to the skip.

You really want that new bike, don't you!

My bikes have seen over 10 years of use involving thousands of miles carrying me at weights ranging from 11 st 10 lbs to 16 st 7 lbs and they are not ready for scrapping. I just replace bits as and when necessary.

If you seriously are going to scrap the bike, why not offer it to the first CycleChatter who will collect it or pay for you to post it to them?

 

[dalewheeler]

Join your local cycling club, there's probably someone there who'll gladly fix if for next to nothing, price of a pint etc