How to Fix a Creaking Bottom Bracket
From time to time my bikes will eventually start creaking. Usually it comes from the bottom bracket (BB). So with that said I decided to create this “How To” with the Sette Reken Single Speed. I did notice that my BB was creaking all throughout my last ride. This morning I placed the bike on the stand and started working.
First step, get an 8mm allen and remove the crank bolt by turning counter clockwise.
Then I grabbed my Ice Toolz crank puller and removed the crank arms.
Notice how filthy this bike is…this is actually a good time for you to clean up the whole area. I’m using a light degreaser to remove any grime and dirt that’s stuck. Cleaning this area will help prevent grit from getting into the threads of the BB shell
After cleaning the area, I grabbed my Ice Toolz BB tool. You’ll need to remove the non-drive side first by turning counter clock wise, or towards the front wheel.
Once you remove the non drive cup, you’ll need to remove the drive side cup. This time you’ll turn clockwise, again towards the front wheel.
When the BB has been fully removed, I sprayed some degreaser all over the shell and wiped it clean with a rag. Once you have both the BB shell and the actual BB clean, its time to reinstall. Get some grease and apply it on the threads on the frame and some on the threads on the BB.
What I like to do is thread in the non drive side about half way through, then thread in the drive side all the way in until its tight. You’ll need to go back to the non drive side and tighten that until its snug.
Clean up any excess grease that may come out, then reinstall the crank arms and you’re ready to roll. This whole process only took me about 15 minutes to complete the job. If you have any questions about this tech tip, or would like to see other tips be done, then just leave us a comment below.
BBs only creak if there’s not enough grease/antiseize on the threads or, as is more likely, the cups themselves are not tight enough. Loose cups manifest themselves as creaks or rhythmic clicks as pressure is applied to the cranks, and often creak or click only from one side (most often it’s the driveside cup that’s loose).
A far more likely creak that sounds like it’s coming from the BB area is loose chainring bolts. Check, grease and tighten them before going to all the hassle of removing and replacing cranks and BB.
My ring bolts are always tight since I’m riding the SS. I make sure to check them before each ride since I wouldn’t want what happened to Jeremy to happen to me.
Hassle? Oh no sir…nothing about fixing a bike is a hassle, its pure joy and euphoria! I find working on bikes…soothing.
I battled a creaking commuter for 2 months. I swapped out so many pieces, from BB (2 months ago) to pedals, seatpost, seat. Tightened everything down. It never went away. It got really bad last week when the problem finally presented itself on my way to work Tuesday. The pedal started a slight teeter-totter about halfway to my destination. Stopped immediately since it felt like my left crank was coming loose. Naw, couldn’t be that!?! Well, it was. I wiggled the crank just for grins thinking it’s not the problem. The darn thing wiggled alot! Banged on it with my riding shoe to “press” it back on. Then used my trusty Ritchey CPR-14 multitoo, circa 1994, to tighten the bolt. Made it to my destination AND back home. Did a more thorough press and tighten that night. No more creaking. At least I have a brand new BB installed! Smooth.
Love your tips, Please send me more as i’m just starting out in the “Fettling” of mountain bikes!!!!