'18 Specialized Crux: need help solving creaking BB
#1
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'18 Specialized Crux: need help solving creaking BB
I can't seem to solve BB creak in my '18 Specialized Crux (PF30 BB, bearings press into frame cups against retaining ring). I'm running Sram Rival 22 PF30 crank. Here's what I've tried:
So . . . what's next? New bike?
- Pressed bearings in dry = bad creaking
- Pressed bearings in w/ grease = even worse creaking
- Pressed bearings in w/ blue loctite = less creaking (creaks when pedaling hard, or out of the saddle)
- Pressed bearings in w/ red lactate = least amount of creaking (still creaks when out of saddle)
So . . . what's next? New bike?
#3
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#5
Senior Member
I can't seem to solve BB creak in my '18 Specialized Crux (PF30 BB, bearings press into frame cups against retaining ring). I'm running Sram Rival 22 PF30 crank. Here's what I've tried:
So . . . what's next? New bike?
- Pressed bearings in dry = bad creaking
- Pressed bearings in w/ grease = even worse creaking
- Pressed bearings in w/ blue loctite = less creaking (creaks when pedaling hard, or out of the saddle)
- Pressed bearings in w/ red lactate = least amount of creaking (still creaks when out of saddle)
So . . . what's next? New bike?
If you have to try different goop, try an actual bearing retaining compound like loctote 609.
Also make sure the bearings are smooth when installed. Worn bearings can creak.
#6
I'm good to go!
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When I accelerate hard I can hear the spokes of my wheels creaking. Maybe yours do the same and just think it's the BB?
IMO, most people think their BB is a issue when it's really not.
IMO, most people think their BB is a issue when it's really not.
#7
senior member
A few years ago I had BB creak that was hard to diagnose - mainly when honking up a slight incline out of the saddle - I was running Chorus with press fit cups holding the sealed bearing in the BB - my mechanic was experimenting with Loctite 660 at the time and suggested we try it - he took out the bearing , smeared a thin coating of the Loctite on each side and then reassembled everything - the next day the hideous creak was gone - if you Google Loctite 660 you can read more about it - red Loctite is a threadlocker , the creaking is a surface to surface issue .
Last edited by blinky; 12-23-21 at 12:09 PM.
#8
senior member
Here's a pic of the bike parts that were involved with my creaking situation a few years ago - red is the press fit cup or sleeve , green is the crank arm spindle , and yellow is the body of the sealed BB bearing - all Campy chorus - that shiny area between yellow and green is where the Loctite 660 is applied , the cup/sleeve is slid over it , the pair cure overnight , & your ready to go creak free the next day .
#9
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Thread Starter
23 Dec update:
Lubed pedals (speedplay)
Tightened pedals
Torqued chain ring bolts
Still creaking.
I'm going to order actual bearing retention compound and give that a shot. It's cheaper than going with a one-piece BB solution.
Lubed pedals (speedplay)
Tightened pedals
Torqued chain ring bolts
Still creaking.
I'm going to order actual bearing retention compound and give that a shot. It's cheaper than going with a one-piece BB solution.
#10
Clark W. Griswold
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Did you check and make sure any quick releases or thru-axles or other bolts and such are all properly lubricated and torqued? I have been in the situation where it was not the bottom bracket it was a dang QR skewer that was slightly loose.
Check all the bolts everywhere, make sure your wheels are properly tensioned, make sure you don't have any worn out bearings and if still creaking and you checked the whole shebang, like others have said try a thread together unit and also get a new bike because N+1 and threaded bottom brackets are so much nicer and a nice titanium gravel bike (or cross bike if you are racing cross) would be a good way to go.
Check all the bolts everywhere, make sure your wheels are properly tensioned, make sure you don't have any worn out bearings and if still creaking and you checked the whole shebang, like others have said try a thread together unit and also get a new bike because N+1 and threaded bottom brackets are so much nicer and a nice titanium gravel bike (or cross bike if you are racing cross) would be a good way to go.
#12
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Thread Starter
Close. The cups are much more shallow -- they are only the depth of the bearing. There's a circlip that keeps the bearing from pressing all the way into the BB area. The entire BB area, aside from the cups, is carbon. The cups appear to be epoxied to the carbon frame.
#13
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Thread Starter
Did you check and make sure any quick releases or thru-axles or other bolts and such are all properly lubricated and torqued? I have been in the situation where it was not the bottom bracket it was a dang QR skewer that was slightly loose.
Check all the bolts everywhere, make sure your wheels are properly tensioned, make sure you don't have any worn out bearings and if still creaking and you checked the whole shebang, like others have said try a thread together unit and also get a new bike because N+1 and threaded bottom brackets are so much nicer and a nice titanium gravel bike (or cross bike if you are racing cross) would be a good way to go.
Check all the bolts everywhere, make sure your wheels are properly tensioned, make sure you don't have any worn out bearings and if still creaking and you checked the whole shebang, like others have said try a thread together unit and also get a new bike because N+1 and threaded bottom brackets are so much nicer and a nice titanium gravel bike (or cross bike if you are racing cross) would be a good way to go.
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#14
senior member
It sounds like you're experimenting with different compounds anyway so why not give the Loctite 660 a shot , it's meant for any cylindrical metal parts that are touching .
Last edited by blinky; 12-27-21 at 07:14 AM.
#15
Creaking may originate in the interface between the spindle and the bearing, if its metal to metal (no plastic sleeve). I had this happen. Grease helps for a while. I've found no lasting solution, sadly. I may try some anti seize compound with solid particles or a moly lube. Its very annoying.