Creaking under load - where to check first?
09-08-20, 07:24 PM
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Creaking under load - where to check first?
The bike is a Trek Domane SL5 with about 900 miles on it (carbon frame, and the new T47 threaded BB). When I upshift and really start cranking on the pedals, I hear a creaking noise with each pedal stroke. I can't tell exactly where it's coming from; are there any obvious things to check first?
09-08-20, 07:56 PM
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Check the thru axles first. If they're not tight or bone dry, they'll creak. Sounds just like the BB creaking under load. The second place is the seat mast to frame and seat mast to saddle rail interface. Check for proper torque, lack of grease on bolts, lack of carbon paste between carbon parts, Etc. Third would be the Iso speed decoupler in the headset. That may be something to let a Trek dealer check out as it is a little more complex and the possibility of damaging the frame is there if you're unsure of how it works. From what I've experienced, these are the easiest to fix yet most common noise makers on newer Trek drop bar bikes.
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09-08-20, 08:03 PM
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Check the thru axles first. If they're not tight or bone dry, they'll creak. Sounds just like the BB creaking under load. The second place is the seat mast to frame and seat mast to saddle rail interface. Check for proper torque, lack of grease on bolts, lack of carbon paste between carbon parts, Etc. Third would be the Iso speed decoupler in the headset. That may be something to let a Trek dealer check out as it is a little more complex and the possibility of damaging the frame is there if you're unsure of how it works. From what I've experienced, these are the easiest to fix yet most common noise makers on newer Trek drop bar bikes.
09-08-20, 08:10 PM
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My suggestions are more system non specific. Follow the load paths. Pedals, crank arms, rings/BB (split paths). Bars, stem, steerer, headset. Saddle, post, frame clamps. The the secondary paths- cassettes, chains, wheels/spokes. Andy
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09-08-20, 08:17 PM
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Thru axles. Derailleur hanger screws. Grease between hanger/frame. Cassette locking. Stem and handle bar screws. The headset in Iso Speed frames is the only one on the planet that actually needs to be tightened to a specific torque value...4Nm. The expander in the steerer tube also needs to be pretty tight.
Is the noise happening while seated or standing? Or both? Make sure the pedal axles are greased and tight. What kind of pedals? Some make more noise than others. Not crazy tight, but tight. Your frame has a T47 threaded bottom braket, it might not have been installed correctly. Lots of things can make noise.
Is the noise happening while seated or standing? Or both? Make sure the pedal axles are greased and tight. What kind of pedals? Some make more noise than others. Not crazy tight, but tight. Your frame has a T47 threaded bottom braket, it might not have been installed correctly. Lots of things can make noise.
09-09-20, 08:26 AM
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A quick update - I was running late this morning so only had time to check a few things. But after greasing the axles and re-torquing the headset, the creak was totally absent on today's ride, even with me trying to make it happen. I'll run through the rest of the suggestions this weekend as preventative measures.
Thanks again for all of your help!
Thanks again for all of your help!
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09-10-20, 04:00 AM
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Also check the rear hub. I had an annoying creak for weeks until I lubed up my rear hub. I sounded like the bottom bracket but wasn’t.
09-11-20, 02:39 PM
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Happened to me too and it turns out that one of my chain ring bolts was loose. Tightened it up and all was fine. But it loosened up after a while again. Should have used Lock-Tite the first time...
09-11-20, 02:53 PM
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09-12-20, 04:12 AM
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Chris King R45 hub, I lubed the internals per the service manual. However I think the sound was coming from the NDS axle endcap area. The sound returned after a few hundred miles so I think I am going to put Phil Wood grease on the threads. 😩
