Loud click from crank area after new parts install
 

Hey everyone -


So today I finally got around to throwing on some upgraded parts on my bike. I installed the following:

FSA Aluminum Clinchers (forgot the exact model)

Ultegra 6600 FD

Ultegra FC-6750 Double Crankset

Ultegra 6600 2x10 Shifters

Ultegra BBR60 Bottom Bracket


I had the bike shop torque down (well he didn't use a torque wrench but its definitely tight) the bottom bracket for me as I don't have the stupid 41mm tool and all the bike shops around here don't sell it, but other than that I did the install myself. Everything when on smoothly, but when I took it out for a test ride I noticed a real annoying, loud click that comes from the crank/bb area when pedaling moderately hard. It seems to consistently happen when I'm past the top of the pedal stroke and I start pushing down (if that makes sense). It almost feels like the chain skips a tooth or something but I don't think it is actually skipping. I can feel the "click" through my feet. It does it on both the big and little chainring.


The rear derailleur (Ultegra 6600) was already on the bike (I had a triple crankset with the same cassette). I've tried the following to no avail:

- Tried my old rear wheel

- Tried a different cassette

- Tried different pedals

- Uninstalled and re-installed the crankset

- Removed and re-installed chainring bolts

- Tried to apply lateral force to crankset with the chain off to look for play - nothing obvious


I'm kind of at a loss here and very frustrated as I spent multiple hours today trying to figure this out and now I can't ride until I get it fixed. I also can't take the BB off since I don't have the tool (I have ordered it but will take a few days)


All of the parts I installed today were bought used but seemed to be in good condition. Chainrings have a few worn down teeth but nothing horrible. BB was also used but looked like-new when I got it.


Any help is greatly appreciated.


Crappy photos - but in case anyone wants a visual: Album

Check the inside of the crank arms for cracking. I had something similar happen when a crack started forming along the inside crankarm.

You don't mention it so I will: check the chain for wear.

It almost sounds like the bottom bracket bearings were not installed correctly. Maybe that "mechanic" at the local shop cross-threaded the bottom bracket and it's slightly mis-aligned now?

Front derailleur cage hitting the inside of the crank? It can happen if it is toed out too much or the limit screw is not set right. Sounds ridiculous but I got a brand new bike from the shop with the front limit screw that badly adjusted...

BINGO - not sure why or how, but a new chain fixed it. Maybe I damaged the old quick link when I took it off? Or maybe the old chain had worn to the original crankset? Either way - fixed now. Thanks everyone.

the clicking occurs on both chainrings. The FD isn’t going to snag the crank on the small ring

That can't happen.

Get a chain checker or a ruler or you will be skipping on a new chain.

Glad you found the issue. It's always best to replace the chain if you are changing to new cogs/cassette.

You don't think it's possible for a threaded part to be cross-threaded?

Hope that was actually your issue. As a bike mechanic my first thought was the crank was hitting the tail of the front derailleur cable. Most newer mechanics don't bend it far enough out of the way and then it seems to always become a mystery sound.

I think that no matter how ham fisted you are a BB would be hopelesly jammed in 2 revolutions.

IME, I've seen people cross-thread lots of parts and just say "dang, why are these threads so tight?" while they reach for a longer cheater bar. Stupid people will find a way to screw up anything; never underestimate them.

The fact that it was just one repeatable click no mater what gear made it sound like something other than the chain.

Could you humor us and measure the old chain? Skipping is usually caused by a new chain on a worn cassette not the other way around.

Yeah - I'll need to buy a chain checker but I can do that.