I started having this ‘clicking’ sound few weeks ago from what I assume is from the bottom bracket. But before I dive in and start removing the BB, any other possible causes?
The two LBS I frequent are both backed up for over a week so any suggestions w/ solutions would be great.
Thanks in advance
Clicks when left crank is at 6 o’clock & in large chain-ring.
Usually when additional torque is added on climbs but sometimes during flats as well.
Adjusted derailleur ±, index, hanger.
I did recently remove crank to attach a single side power meter.
I also recently replaced rear thru-axle with a Robert Axle adapter (had some rear derailleur hanger ‘knocking’ for a while).
I took care of a ‘bottom bracket’ click once by removing the pedals to clean and regrease the threads. Funny thing is that the clicking only started after I replaced the bottom bracket so of course I didn’t think it was the pedals at first.
I’d emphasise find your most reliable way to reproduce it. Then do easy stuff 1st. Does it happen out of saddle (If no - seat post? saddle?) With almost all your weight off the handle bars? With different shoes or pedals? Assuming you have them or when cycling with running shoes on?
Just because of the way you describe it I’d take off the large chain ring and put it back on clean, re-greased and tightened properly. Then pick your way through Sheldon’s list. If you can get someone else to cycle on a turbo you might get a sense of where it is coming from.
I had this recently when breaking out my turbo trainer and older road bike. It turned out to be the pedal bearings that had developed play. I had noticed this click on and off in the past but never been able to track it down. I then swapped in some pedals from another bike, which after 40mins of turbo started clicking and it turned out those bearings had gone too Did get to treat myself to some new SPD-SLs though which I now prefer to the previous Look Keos.
Check your chainring bolts are tight. Whilst in my experience, this would normally be more of a creak sound than a click, I have found chainring bolts that are even just slightly below torque specs often lead to some noise. Although not a bike mechanic by trade, I do a lot of work on the bikes of my clubmates and find a surprisingly large number of bikes with this issue.
However, the recent crank replacement really feels the main clue to me. You could have either over tightened or under tightened, both are very easy to do depending on the crank model.
Then aside from the above, the suggestions from others all definitely plausible. Good luck!
Good advice from others…
I don’t have experience with disc wheels, but on normal wheels, I’d remove the quick releases and clean/lube them, then re-install and make sure properly tightened. Also clean around the dropouts in the frame.
You could also swap in a different rear and/or front wheel to rule out anything to do with wheels.
For the bottom bracket, maybe just start by grabbing the end of each crankarm at the same time, and try rocking them back and forth to see if there is any play, which could indicate that the crank needs to be tightened a little more (or on a trek, the BB shell may not be holding the bearings tight…).
Make sure cleats are clean and tight, and clean the pedal surfaces with a paper towel with some oil on it.
I have this same problem. Noticed it didn’t click while standing and pedalling. It’s my seat. It’s not all the time and not worth getting rid of my broken in, very comfortable saddle. I could probably tighten a few screws and be good to go.
And if these don’t resolve the issue, check your headset too ! As of course the bike sees left and right alternating cycles which can get a slightly loose headset or knackered bearing in a headset moving.
My road bike was doing this and it was actually the chain. I dropped my chain once with a bad shift gasp and it slightly bent one of the links. That caused it to click a little bit at a regular interval when it would go through the rear cogs.
Along the lines of what the others have said, my experience starting with the easy fix first.
Tighten your cleats.
Tighten your seat and seat post bolts.
Tighten your chainring bolts.
Tighten your pedals (and try wrapping the threads with plumber’s tape).
Swap out your wheels to see if they’re the problem.
Service your bottom bracket.
Since it’s Shimano, I’d add "remove the left crank lube/grease spline and tightening bolts then reinstall, " before BB service. I had some clickety-clacks coming from there recently. If you stand over the bike with the cranks at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock grab the cranks and pull them both up/push them both down at the same time. Do this while grabbing the pedals and then just on the arms to find out if it’s pedal related or crank related.
Thanks again for all the advice.
I believe the sound was coming from the left crank arm not being pushed in + tightened enough.
Removed & re-greased the pedals - still clicked.
Tightened all exposed bolts I can find throughout w/torque wrench. (really enjoy the ‘click’ from the wrench).
Removed & re-greased crank arms. - click is gone but now a subtle ‘squeak’. I’ll re-grease.
If the curfew is lifted today, I’ll take it out for a spin to confirm since the test was done on my indoor trainer.
Did get to treat myself to some new SPD-SLs though which I now prefer to the previous Look Keos.