Really creaky BB

[MattHB]

My ride today, whilst being highly enjoyable was a noisy one.

My BB on the felt is creaking massively under load, and clicking with normal pressure. I've stripped out, regreased as much as I can and checked crank arm bolts, but no change.

I'll take it back to the LBS tomorrow as it'll be under warranty but wouldn't mind knowing a bit before hand. can bearings go that fast? (1280 miles) I keep everything clean and am a fastidious maintainer.

Oh, there doesn't seem to be any play and I've ruled out all the normal checks like pedals and transmitted noises. So I'm 100% it's the BB.

 

[HovR]

I'm currently having the same issue, but only when standing up and powering on the pedals - so mostly going up hills. Is yours a square taper BB? I've heard that a worn square taper on the cranks/BB can cause creaking..

 

[MattHB]

Nope it's an FSA Mega exo. So the chainset is one piece with the left crank bolted on.

 

[smokeysmoo]

My BB30 bearings went in under 500 miles. Shop sent me a new set but did initially try playing the, 'bearings are a wear item and can fail at anytime' card!

 

[fossyant]

I'm starting a 'bring back square taper' campaign

 

[andytheflyer]

I had (apparently) the same problem. I was also convinced it was the BB - but not having the tools I needed to strip it I eliminated everything else first.

I'm also a bit fanatical about a clean chain, and I think it was too clean.....added more and more oil (but still Mickle Method and clean chainplates), and eventually all apparent BB noises have gone. Defy 2.5 now swishes along again. Not a click or creak to be heard. I now think that you need more oil than I'd previously thought.

 

[cyberknight]

I'm starting a 'bring back square taper' campaign

I am with you there , my commuter lasted at least 8 000 miles before i changed the BB, the new external ones do seem to not last as long and look more exposed in my mind .

 

[MattHB]

I am with you there , my commuter lasted at least 8 000 miles before i changed the BB, the new external ones do seem to not last as long and look more exposed in my mind .

they look REALLY exposed.. quite mad really. and with the weather weve had...

 

[MattHB]

Wow amazing service from cyclepaths in Poole dolphin centre. Mechanics got in at 9.. They rang me at 10.30 saying they're replaced the BB under warranty and it was ready to collect.

Silky smooth ride home bought some nice altura pro-gel summer gloves while I was in there hope I don't jinx the weather!!