Frame is making a creaking noise! help

Triathlon Forum
1

Whether I’m pedaling or free wheeling, my bike, somewhere, is making a consistent creaking noise. I put the bike on my stand and spun the cranks but no noise. It only happens when I’m actually riding. Any suggestions of what could be the problem. I dont mind taking it to the LBS but if I could figure it out myself that would be nice. It is a specialized aluminum frame.

2

does it happen if you get yer butt off the seat?

3

funny…and probably bang on.

i have to hit my seat with lube every month or it creaks.

also don’t forget to lube pedals every once in a while too, they can also make noise.

4

Here’s your checklist:

  1. Lock your front brake and rock the bike back forth: Is there any play?
  2. Are both quick release skewers tight?
  3. Is your seatpost binder bolt at the correct torque setting? (tight enough).
  4. Is the appropriate lube inside your seat tube between seat post and seat tube of frame?
  5. Inspect the frame for any cracks or other problems such as dents, etc.
  6. Inspect the saddle clamp area for appropriate torque (tight enough) and for an accumulatio of foreign matter.
  7. Buy a six pack of Red Bull, take it to your local bike shop with the bike, give them the bike and the Red Bull. When you come back later the squeek and the Red Bull will be gone.
5

Thanks for sharing this! My bike is also rather creaky right now. It sounded a lot like bottom bracket, and I needed a crank swapped out anyways, so I had a new bottom bracket put on at my shop. It is better now, but part of the noise is still there. Especially on bumpy roads, no matter if I’m pedaling or not. I will try some of these things. I was also told to check the aerobar tightness and the bottle cages.

6

I had an aluminum Specialized about ten years ago that creaked no matter what I tried. A friend had an aluminum Cannondale Saeco frame that also creaked when pedaling. Someone told him to put white plumbers tape on the threads of the bottom bracket before reinstalling it. He did it,no more creaking. I did it too. No more creaking. The only creaking now comes from my body!!

7

Good to know! This is a carbon frame, and it has not always had this issue, but I’ll keep that one in mind as well. :slight_smile:

8

Thanks guys, I’ll go through the advice and see if it works
.

9

I had an aluminum Specialized about ten years ago that creaked no matter what I tried. A friend had an aluminum Cannondale Saeco frame that also creaked when pedaling. Someone told him to put white plumbers tape on the threads of the bottom bracket before reinstalling it. He did it,no more creaking. I did it too. No more creaking. The only creaking now comes from my body!!

I have the same issue (Felt B12), creaking whenever I pedal harder, in or out of the saddle. The noise appeared progressively. It seems that I’m not the only one with this kind of problem. Thanks yoondaddy for sharing!
I have swapped the BB, applied grease generously, reduced the creaking, but did not try the plumber’s tape. Sounds a good tip.

  1. Is the appropriate lube inside your seat tube between seat post and seat tube of frame?

Tom, what kind of lub for a carbon frame & seatpost should I apply?

10

Thanks vtlars, plumber tape did the trick. No more noise, just like you my knees :wink: