Looking for some input on a creaking BB on '07 P2C. I bought the bike new (factory build) in May and have put approximately 700 miles on it. About a month after I bought the bike it began to make creaking noises when under heavy load, mainly when climbing out of the saddle. I called the LBS where the bike was bought and explained to them what I was hearing. They told me that, especially in the BB area, creaking in carbon frames should be considered normal. Being new to a carbon frame, I took what they told me as gospel. After talking to others and reading other posts I have learned that this is not normal and could be a sign of a serious problem. I have since been able to diagnose the creaking and found it only occurs when climbing out of the saddle and on a downward pedal stroke on the left side. I also found that there is a very small amount of play in the cranks. Took the bike back to the LBS, they checked it out, tightened down the cranks, and on the next ride the creaking was still there and there was still play in the cranks. Took it back a second time, they again checked the cranks and found them to be tight. The mechanic told me he could not feel the play in the cranks, and told me if it continues to creak to bring it back. Took the bike out after this visit to the LBS and found the creaking is still there and now the cranks make a loud pitch squeal when under load. The cranks? Still have the same amount of play as they did when I first started having problems. It sounds like the cranks may have been over torqued, but who knows. And yeah, the play in the cranks is still there. Just curious if anyone has any thoughts. And, yes I have e-mailed Cervelo Customer Service, just haven’t heard back yet. The frame is a 51 and I am 145 lbs., and I pretty sure its not my power output causing this.
Mine (2006) creaks, too, but I haven’t ridden it enough yet to figure out where it’s coming from.
Be a little patient with Cervelo customer service…they may take a few days to answer email. They were very helpful to me in helping me get the serial number for my bike when it got stolen.
mine creaks as well. Could it be the wheel rubbing against the cut out when you are climbing and putting load on it? I haven’t figured it out to be honest with you, but I think it may be atributable to either wheel flex or rubbing against the areo cut out for the rear wheel.
I’ve seen cases where the left crank arm has actually worn away at the splined interface creating some creaking.
If it only happens when you’re out of the saddle you need to check all of the bolts on the front end of the bike too. Handlebars, stem, headset, etc. since you generate a little more force when you’re standing versus seating. Grease is your friend too so lube the threads when you check the bolts. Check the chainring bolts too as they can be noise producers.
We haven’t seen any cases where the BB shell is separating from a Cervelo P2C/P3C/SLC/R3 frame yet. I’m not saying that it isn’t the BB or crankset but check out the other places to eliminate variables.
Mine creaks too - but surely that is just the effect of flexing the frame under great power as you are out of the saddle and using your upper body?
Your bottom bracket is lose, or depending on what type of crank you have the arms are lose on the bottom bracket. This seems to be a common problem with carbon frames. Either tighten it yourself or take it to the LBS if you don’t have the tools and it will go away for another 500 to 1000 miles.
Hope this helps,
Ed Alyanak
i’ve also had BB issues, mainly with FSA exo BB’s. On my first Dual I had a BB issue with an FSA Isis drive system. I believe this time, after wearing out two FSA exo BB’s they put a different companies exo BB in its place.
Good luck, I personally don’t think you should have to settle for any noise. From what you described it was the same as mine, only during a heavier load, and always from the left side.
I agree with the other ST’er that it’s a loose crank arm, but if it doesn’t stop after tightening it might be the BB/bearings.
if you’re using FSA cranks, then it’s the BB that needs to be changed. Whether it’s ISIS or MegaEXO, the quality control of their BBs tend to be a bit erratic and it’s pretty much down to luck whether your BB will last 10000 miles or 200 miles.
Change it out to Dura Ace or Octalink and you will be fine.
I had creaking and it was due to loose crank arms… I would tighten the bolt, but after 20 min of riding it would slowly start to back out. Does it get worse with time? Is it there right after you tighten the bolt. The problem was solved with blue loctite.
My 2006 Dual creaks when I climb as well. Everything is tight as I tighten all the bolts after every weekend long ride. I’ve just gotten used to hearing it on the steep climbs and ignore it. Maybe I should be worried?