pedal crankset axle squeak

[paulmars]

It's making a light squeaking noise when I pedal. Not sure i want to take that apart, but maybe I should. It does not have excessive free play. it is NOT the pedals. It just started a few weeks ago, but maybe I could not hear it previously.

This bike is OLD. 1950s or 60s. When I found it in 2013 it was laying in someone's backyard missing wheels and seat. Handle bars are slightly too low, but cant break loose that adjusting bolt. It sat in my garage for several years until I found a seat and wheels/tires. Then I started riding it weekly, about 7 miles a week.

Im thinking for now just wait and see, but if it starts making more noise or the axle free play increases, I should try and take it apart.

I really like this old bike and the longer it lasts the better.

Yes the seat looks bad, but that width is great for me. Basket I added for carrying home large watermelon.

Im hoping it wont catastrophically fail during one of my trips

 

[C R]

The squeak could be any number of things, not necessarily the bottom bracket spindle. If there's play, that needs looking at. In a bike that age the bottom bracket is likely to be cup and cone, which is easy to clean and service. However, the cranks are likely to be held with cotter pins, which I understand are a bit of a pig to get out. Some photos would help.

 

[Paulus]

Hi there. Slip the chain off off the chain wheel and spin the cranks to see if the squeak is still there. If it is it could be that the BB bearings need cleaning, regreasing and reassemble. You do mention that there is some freeplay.
It could also be that the chain needs cleaning and lubricating.

 

[Cycleops]

These pesky mice get everywhere. It's a while since we've has a squeak thread so I guess one is about due.
On a bike that age the grease in the BB has probably dried out so could be the problem. Worth doing anyway.
BTW that bolt in the stem isn't really for adjustment but pulls up a bung in the stem that holds it in place in the steering tube. Unscrew it an inch or so and whack it down with a hammer to release the bung, bars should then be able to move but they can become stuck on older neglected bikes. That's if I've understood you correctly, apologies if I haven't.
Cotter pins are real barstewards to remove but you can find some tips on YouTube. Try and keep them in undamaged condition as new ones are much poorer quality.

And to the forum.

 

[Oldhippy]

If it is cotter pins I have always used WD40 and a centre punch myself.

 

[paulmars]

yes ball bearing grease im sure dried out. Ive never removed one of these before. not even as a kid.

the bolt on stem wont break loose. It turns about 1/8 of a rev, then springs back. If that bolt breaks, most likely bike will be scrap. So, I leave it alone.

ive never seen a cotter pin on a bike, but this is my 1st bike since I was 15 yo and learned to drive a car.

pics
View: https://imgur.com/a/vEKLCch

 

[paulmars]

I dont understand this new idea of inserting the 1st pic when linking a site. Car repair forums do that now too and ppl frequently think that there is only one pic, so I gotta say go to the link and see all 3 pics.

 

[Cycleops]

I've seen an appropriately sized socket and a large G clamp used to good effect.
When I was young an old cycle mechanic gave me a lump of lead for the task but it never worked very well on truly stuck cotter pins. If you're going to use brute force let the tyres down first or put a block under the BB otherwise the energy will be dissipated.

 

[oldwheels]

I've seen an appropriately sized socket and a large G clamp used to good effect.
When I was young an old cycle mechanic gave me a lump of lead for the task but it never worked very well on truly stuck cotter pins. If you're going to use brute force let the tyres down first or put a block under the BB otherwise the energy will be dissipated.

I put a bit of pipe over the exit end of the cotter pin to support the whole thing before whacking it out using a bit of wood to protect the threads from damage. It also stops damage to the bearing surfaces in the BB since it supports the axle.

 

[gom]

If it squeaks only with some pressure, it can be really surprising where it’s coming from.
I spent ages once chasing a squeak/creak until my LBS suggested it might be the rear rack. I removed the rack and the creak stopped. Refitted with all nuts and bolts greased the creak did not return.
I also find a leather saddle a good creak generator.