Bottom bracket creaking

[Mussels]

This has started creaking this morning every time I push down on the left hand pedal, it could be the faulty crank but I don't think so.
Is this a sign of impending doom requiring maintenance or is it fairly normal and can be safely ignored until I find funds for a new BB and crankset?

 

[Rad]

Mussels, I'm a complete layman with very little technical knowledge but that sounds to me as if the crank may be a bit loose and should be looked at asap.

 

[torrent99]

Mussels, I'm a complete layman with very little technical knowledge but that sounds to me as if the crank may be a bit loose and should be looked at asap.

Yes sounds more like the crank than the BB (used to have these noises on a crank of mine). Tighten ASAP before you need to get a new crank! But also check the BB for play.

 

[burncycle]

This has started creaking this morning every time I push down on the left hand pedal, it could be the faulty crank but I don't think so.
Is this a sign of impending doom requiring maintenance or is it fairly normal and can be safely ignored until I find funds for a new BB and crankset?

What bike have you got Mussels?

 

[Blew it]

Comprehensive coverage of this subject can be found on a previous thread

HERE

 

[Mussels]

The crank is loose and knackered and I know I need to replace it. Thing is it's so loose that it's past creaking, that's why I think this may be something else.
Does this mean that creaking wouldn't be due to a problem with the BB?

 

[torrent99]

The crank is loose and knackered and I know I need to replace it. Thing is it's so loose that it's past creaking, that's why I think this may be something else.
Does this mean that creaking wouldn't be due to a problem with the BB?

Maybe.... if the crank is knackered and you are going to replace it... you might either want to:

a) Replace the BB at the same time.
b) Overhaul the BB at the same time. You might as well go for this option first as we've established now that you don't need any special tools. (Mallet + screwdriver+care for the locknut***, ordinary spanner for the cup. Don't touch the crank side, which you should treat as if it's a "normal" BB instead of a wierd 2 sided one!). If the BB is ****ed then replace it.


Cheers

Steve
*** I have the proper tool to do the BB locknut on an old Raleigh multi-tool.

 

[wotwozere]

Hi

Try putting oil on it

thx

Bob

 

[torrent99]

The crank is loose and knackered and I know I need to replace it. Thing is it's so loose that it's past creaking, that's why I think this may be something else.
Does this mean that creaking wouldn't be due to a problem with the BB?

Loose?!? Wow! That doesn't describe that crank! (just passed the bike and had a wobble )

I didn't try wobbling the chain side to check that or the BB, but if they are similar I'd say they'll need replacement. However given the wobbliness of the left crank I can't see how much force could have reached the BB to knacker it!

 

[Mussels]

Loose?!? Wow! That doesn't describe that crank! (just passed the bike and had a wobble )

I didn't try wobbling the chain side to check that or the BB, but if they are similar I'd say they'll need replacement. However given the wobbliness of the left crank I can't see how much force could have reached the BB to knacker it!

It didn't feel that loose yesterday but the way it's gone probably explains the noise. The BB doesn't have noticable movement so I'm hoping that's OK, I just wish it was a bit easier to get hold of the single crank rather than buying a complete chainset, Wisper don't have any and normal shops don't sell them. I was going to order an odd one from eBay but I can't remember the angle of the hole, I'll try and see tonight.
No rush at the moment as I've threadlocked the nut so won't lose it.
Ideally I'd replace the lot but I'm fed up with the seemingly continuous spend that is my cycling experience.

 

[torrent99]

It didn't feel that loose yesterday but the way it's gone probably explains the noise. The BB doesn't have noticable movement so I'm hoping that's OK, I just wish it was a bit easier to get hold of the single crank rather than buying a complete chainset, Wisper don't have any and normal shops don't sell them. I was going to order an odd one from eBay but I can't remember the angle of the hole, I'll try and see tonight.
No rush at the moment as I've threadlocked the nut so won't lose it.
Ideally I'd replace the lot but I'm fed up with the seemingly continuous spend that is my cycling experience.

There are two angles for square holed cranks, but according to what I've read if you get the wrong one (unlikely as the main one is very dominant) all that'll happen is that the crank won't go on quite as far but it shouldn't be a problem. Avoid old French cranks as they sometimes have odd designs. Otherwise ebay is your friend...

 

[Mussels]

There are two angles for square holed cranks, but according to what I've read if you get the wrong one (unlikely as the main one is very dominant) all that'll happen is that the crank won't go on quite as far but it shouldn't be a problem. Avoid old French cranks as they sometimes have odd designs. Otherwise ebay is your friend...

It wasn't the taper angle I was thinking of. The square is aligned differently so if you get the wrong one the new crank won't be 180 degrees from the other but if you bought a pair it would be OK. It would make interesting riding with your legs out of phase.

 

[Mussels]

Loose?!? Wow! That doesn't describe that crank! (just passed the bike and had a wobble )

I didn't try wobbling the chain side to check that or the BB, but if they are similar I'd say they'll need replacement. However given the wobbliness of the left crank I can't see how much force could have reached the BB to knacker it!

I just read that you can't use your cranks any more, be a darling and fit it to my bike on the way past.

 

[torrent99]

It wasn't the taper angle I was thinking of. The square is aligned differently so if you get the wrong one the new crank won't be 180 degrees from the other but if you bought a pair it would be OK. It would make interesting riding with your legs out of phase.

Wow! I never realised that,thought they were all the same.

BTW The last time I looked you had two chain rings...or am I seeing things?

 

[Mussels]

Wow! I never realised that,thought they were all the same.

BTW The last time I looked you had two chain rings...or am I seeing things?

I found that my part of London was too hilly for the standard gearing so I got a 36 tooth chainring, it has improved things a lot. I've lost use of the pedals at much over 25mph so it would be nice to have a front mech, unfortunately there's no cheap or easy way to do that so it's a future project.

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Bottom bracket

Hi Mussels

Sorry about the problem.

I have arranged for Norman to send you a new left hand side crank and dust cover, if you need new bearings they will be in stock next week.

Best regards David

 

[Mussels]

Hi Mussels

Sorry about the problem.

I have arranged for Norman to send you a new left hand side crank and dust cover, if you need new bearings they will be in stock next week.

Best regards David

Excellent, thankyou.

 

[Wisper Bikes]

No problem.

My pleasure!!

 

[torrent99]

My pleasure!!

David... Now that's what I call STUNNING service!

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Thanks!

We aim to please!!

Regards David