Noisy drivetrain. Where does the noise come from?
09-25-20, 04:19 AM
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Noisy drivetrain. Where does the noise come from?
Hello everyone. I'm facing a very upsetting problem with my aluminium gravel bike. After a bumpy ride in the wood I started feeling a ticking/clicking coming from the bottom bracket or crankset. Since then I replaced in order the following components, trying to isolate the problem: Rear wheel, chain, crankset, bottom bracket, rear derailleur and cassette. The problem is still there. The noise/feeling is not so evident, but for my standards sure it is. You can feel that the chain is not moving 100% smoothly but I can't understand the source of this problem. Rear derailleur is perfectly adjusted. Another hint could be that the problem shows itself only on the road, you can't feel anything wrong on a repair stand (and this is the main reason why I've not gone to a bike shop yet). The bumpy feeling on the pedals got even worse when I replaced the cassette. Thanks everyone.
09-25-20, 04:59 AM
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Try swapping out your pedals for a known-quiet pair. Clean and grease the male and female threads. Ensure that your chainring fasteners are secure.
09-25-20, 05:03 AM
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I replaced pedals also, with a new pair. Problem is not there.. crankset is solid and has no play at all.
Should I look for cracks in the frame?
Should I look for cracks in the frame?
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09-26-20, 12:54 PM
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I’ve had noises that I thought were coming from bottom bracket (suspected due to age and lack of service). Turned out to be from headset. Seat and shoes have also squeaked. Good luck, noises can be tough to find.
09-26-20, 01:01 PM
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Cassette from what size/type to what size/type?
Does this happen mainly in the small front small back combo? It's just the rollers of the chain trying to engage the cogs and bumping on the teeth as it engages. Actually normal and I'll feel that sometimes on smooth pavement when quiet and all is well with the world moments.
Last edited by Iride01; 09-26-20 at 01:09 PM.
09-26-20, 01:45 PM
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I replaced the cassette with a new one, but identical (9 speed 12-36 Alivio). That feeling is stronger with mid gears. It's different from the normal feeling/sound of the chain engaging in the cogs teeth. In fact it's quite irregular, not so regular as the noise you mentioned.
09-26-20, 01:50 PM
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Other things to investigate: Does the noise happen when both sitting and standing? Is it always on the downstroke? Which side?
Last edited by Rolla; 09-26-20 at 01:55 PM.
09-26-20, 04:25 PM
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Have you looked the frame over? I had a frame break at the chainstay on the drive side so basically the chain was helping hold my bike together. It was subtle and have no idea how long I rode like that.
