If you’ve ever heard a noisy bike, chances are it’s related to the pedals. You’ll hear some common noises when pedaling: Off-center brakes, bent derailleur hanger, and dirty headset bearings. However, there’s probably something else at play. Read on to learn the most likely culprits. Here are some tips for identifying bike creaking.
Pedal related creaking
Pedal related creaking on mountain bikes can be a problem if it’s not caused by loose or damaged bolts or joints. If your bike has a creaking noise while pedalling out of the saddle, it’s probably the bottom bracket. These parts take a beating throughout the year, and can be prone to wear. To diagnose a creaking noise, you can remove the pedals, inspect them, and replace them if necessary.
Off-center brakes
Off-center brakes cause a creak when you pedal your bicycle. It could be due to improperly installed wheels or a loose brake rotor. In either case, the rotor is not centered within the frame and can be easily adjusted by hand. If the rotor is too loose, a new rotor might be necessary. A good way to fix this issue is to replace the rotor.
Bent derailleur hanger
If your bike’s derailleur is making a creaking sound when you’re pedaling, it might be caused by a bent derailleur hanger. This can occur if your bike was improperly aligned or bent at the factory. In such a case, the chain might be stuck between the cogs, resulting in a broken chain. The solution to this issue is to straighten the hanger. If this doesn’t work, you may need to adjust the derailleur hanger.
Dirty headset bearings
One of the reasons for a creak in your bicycle’s cockpit is a dirty headset. This can make pedaling difficult because the headset is crucial for effective steering. Rust is one of the biggest enemies of the headset, affecting the bearings and the cage. Eventually, it can cause a complete breakdown of the bike. Luckily, there are ways to avoid this. Follow these instructions to ensure the longevity of your headset.
Off-center dropouts
If you notice your bike making a creaking noise when pedaling, it’s likely caused by an off-center dropout. The problem can be fixed in a number of ways. First, check the axle and the crankarm. Are they loose? If so, you can grease them properly to eliminate creaking. Another cause of creaking is crankarms that are not lubricated properly.
Off-center seatpost
If your bike makes a creaking noise when pedaling, it might be a problem with the seatpost. You can remove it by loosening a hex bolt or quick release and cleaning the post. To check if the creaking is related to the seatpost, you can coat it with a thin layer of grease or fiber grip compound. If you still experience creaking when pedaling, you should check the rest of the bike components.
Dirty crankarm
Crankarms may creak when pedaling due to various reasons. These reasons may include worn-out pedals or bearings, loose derailleurs, or a rusted or corroded crank arm. If your bike’s crankarm is making noise, you should check and tighten your pedal screws, treat the bolts with anti-seize, and check for stress fractures. Another cause of a creak pedal is the pedal itself. After a while, pedals may make noise with every pedal stroke. To fix the creak noise, you can grease the pedals, and inspect the washers that attach the pedals to the crank arm.
