Robert A

I have a 2019 CAAD12, still under warranty. Bike has been to LBS twice for creaks and ticks in BB, and is going back yet again. LBS says Cannondale doesn't warrant the issue and has suggested replacing the unit with a Wheels Mfg PF30 BB for around $120 including labor. I'm aware that some BB30s has this issue, but always assumed Cannondale would cover any needed repairs if the bike was still warranty. I believe the BB replacement includes a narrower, and less stiff, spindle.

I've written to Cannondale and am waiting to hear back. Meanwhile, does Cannondale stand behind this issue? And is the dealer's suggestion to replace the BB an appropriate fix?

Thanks,
Robert

menkar

I've put grease on the spindle where it goes into the bearings as others here have suggested and the creak goes away.

I did have a Hollowgram PF30 which creaked once but it turned out that the lock ring holding the Spidering wasn't tightened properly at the factory.

Lrdchaos

My 2015 supersix evo developed a creek and clanking sound in the BB. The bike was under a year old by was replaced under warranty by cannondale. How old is Your bike?

topflightpro

You need to have the bearings reinstalled with loctite bearing retention compound. They need to be held in place by the bearing press for 24 hours while the loctite cures. The loctite can push the bearings out of place when curing. This will stop the creak for years.

And no, this is not a warranty issue.

JasonD67

The LBS where I bought my BMC in February had signs on all their new C-Dales that they had replaced the factory BB's with upgraded ones because of the problems C-Dale was having, so not surprised you're having issues.

Robert A

Under one year. It's been a problem all throughout the year. What was your process for getting Cannondale to make the replacement?

Robert A

Why is it not a warranty issue?

Lrdchaos

I took it into the shop and they replaced it under warranty. I would call the shop again and express my displeasure and insist that a faulty bb is a warranty item.

Robert A

Was your problem the widely reported ticking/creaking sound from the BB, or was it more than that?

Lrdchaos

It was a mixture of a creak/tic and squeal. The creaking and ticking is annoying as hell. We spend too much money on these bikes for that bs. My spec stumpjumper MTB started creaking and they removed the bb and cleaned/greased everything and it quieted down.

redlude97

This is the right answer. Ive got two bb30 cannondales and do my own bearing replacements and going on almost 10,000 miles and no creaking.

Robert A

I'll mention this to the dealer. Meanwhile, I wrote to Cannondale and they suggested that I ask the dealer to submit a warranty claim through dealer channels. So let's see what they come back with.

Keep in mind that this bike is less than a year old and the problem began when the bike was almost brand new.

topflightpro

Because it's considered an installation issue, not a manufacturing one, even if the bearings come pre-installed from the factory.

(Side note: I have had the bearings pulled and reinstalled in the manner I mentioned on every BB30 frame I've owed - all 6 of them.)

Robert A

Isn't installation essentially workmanship?

"Cannondale bicycles are warrantied against manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship."

redlude97

I would say they won't warranty it because bearings are a wear item, so unless it creaked off the factory floor they aren't going to replace them under warranty

Robert A

Agreed, but this started when the bike was almost brand new. Bearings don't wear out after three months and 400 miles. I've asked the LBS to submit a warranty claim to Cannondale, so we'll see what they say.

topflightpro

Are they ceramic? The ceramic bearings in my Caad 10 didn't make it 6 months.

Robert A

No idea, but the dealer hasn't reported this as an issue after taking the BB apart twice. They're suggesting a BB replacement with the threaded unit.

ARPRINCE

I'd try the loctite first as others mentioned (let it cure).

Robert A

Will do, but first I want to see how Cannondale responds to my warranty request.

Adonis72

I feel ya man, who wants to buy a brand new bike and deal with that crap. I had one same issue, fixed 500 miles later same crap, I understand you can easily fix it with the loctite fix but Cannondale has known about this issue for years and done nothing, unacceptable.

Robert A

Surprised me that they stayed with the same system for the new generation that just came out.

Princess_Allez

I'm betting all the manufacturers are aware of the BB30 creak and they, therefore, don't warranty it.

topflightpro

If they’ve pulled the bearings twice, you need to replace them. You can pull and replace once, but twice is asking for problems.

Wheels Manufacturing are my go to for quality and affordable BBS and bearings.

colnago62

Yes this is basically the setup that BBInfintite sells. They use their version of Locktite and sell it in their bottom bracket kit. The other thing that can help is making sure all surfaces are completely clean with now residual grease or dirt.