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Date: 20 Oct 2007 11:46:06
From: gravelmuncher
Subject: Creaky Crank

R600 compact cranks on a Cannondale CAAD9. Started to hear a 'creaking'
under loading of the left crank arm, maybe after the first 100km.
Raised the issue with the guys at LBS - who suspected it was something
else doing the creaking - pulled the post, stem, forks out and greased
and re-fitted. Still creaking, so pulled the cranks out, re-greased and
re-fitted - silent again.

LBS suspects the rear wheel, but I know that aint where the sound comes
from. I take the wheel back to the wheelsmith for a chat. He
demonstrates to me that it isn't the wheel.

After the next 100-ish-km, creaking returns. I ask them to upgrade the
BB, although they assure me it's not the BB. They pull it down and
replace the BB - silent again.

After the next 100-ish-km, creaking returns. LBS fingers the blame at
the left crank arm, and returns to Shimano for warranty exchange. Fit
new arm, silent again.

After the next 100-ish-km, creaking returns. I haven't bothered to
take it back to the shop for another session, and I get the impression
that they're tired of chasing the creak. Still, it's pissing me off as
I wasn't expecting something like this from a brand new bike - and from
such calabre as a Cannondale.

Anybody got any thoughts on this one??


--
gravelmuncher





 
Date: 21 Oct 2007 21:42:28
From: cycledogg
Subject: Re: Creaky Crank
On Oct 19, 8:46 pm, gravelmuncher <gravelmuncher.2yq...@no-
mx.forums.cyclingforums.com > wrote:
> R600 compact cranks on a Cannondale CAAD9. Started to hear a 'creaking'
> under loading of the left crank arm, maybe after the first 100km.
> Raised the issue with the guys at LBS - who suspected it was something
> else doing the creaking - pulled the post, stem, forks out and greased
> and re-fitted. Still creaking, so pulled the cranks out, re-greased and
> re-fitted - silent again.
>
> LBS suspects the rear wheel, but I know that aint where the sound comes
> from. I take the wheel back to the wheelsmith for a chat. He
> demonstrates to me that it isn't the wheel.
>
> After the next 100-ish-km, creaking returns. I ask them to upgrade the
> BB, although they assure me it's not the BB. They pull it down and
> replace the BB - silent again.
>
> After the next 100-ish-km, creaking returns. LBS fingers the blame at
> the left crank arm, and returns to Shimano for warranty exchange. Fit
> new arm, silent again.
>
> After the next 100-ish-km, creaking returns. I haven't bothered to
> take it back to the shop for another session, and I get the impression
> that they're tired of chasing the creak. Still, it's pissing me off as
> I wasn't expecting something like this from a brand new bike - and from
> such calabre as a Cannondale.
>
> Anybody got any thoughts on this one??
>
> --
> gravelmuncher

I own two Cannondales - 2000 CADD4 and 2004 Optimo. Both have given me
the same creaking problem from the BB. I have used Shimano Ultegra
6500 and DA 7700 and FSA bottom brackets. To rid the noise I have
faced the BB shell, then apply a thin coat of grease (Teflon)* or
equal to the cup threads and torque to spec. Added note: check
chainring bolts. Hope this helps.
Rick in Tennessee



  
Date: 22 Oct 2007 21:46:59
From: gravelmuncher
Subject: Re: Creaky Crank

> I own two Cannondales - 2000 CADD4 and 2004 Optimo. Both have given me
> the same creaking problem from the BB. I have used Shimano Ultegra
> 6500 and DA 7700 and FSA bottom brackets. To rid the noise I have
> faced the BB shell, then apply a thin coat of grease (Teflon)* or
> equal to the cup threads and torque to spec. Added note: check
> chainring bolts.

I sat and watched as the LBS wrench did all of these things - seem
this is a bit of a Cannondale feature, and they've been selling them fo
years. Nice to know they're on the right track. I called them today t
organise a time to get some Teflon tape on the threads, and they're kee
to give it a shot

--
gravelmuncher



 
Date: 20 Oct 2007 11:47:19
From: Michael Press
Subject: Re: Creaky Crank
In article
<gravelmuncher.2yqbpn@no-mx.forums.cyclingforums.com >,
gravelmuncher
<gravelmuncher.2yqbpn@no-mx.forums.cyclingforums.com >
wrote:

> R600 compact cranks on a Cannondale CAAD9. Started to hear a 'creaking'
> under loading of the left crank arm, maybe after the first 100km.
> Raised the issue with the guys at LBS - who suspected it was something
> else doing the creaking - pulled the post, stem, forks out and greased
> and re-fitted. Still creaking, so pulled the cranks out, re-greased and
> re-fitted - silent again.
>
> LBS suspects the rear wheel, but I know that aint where the sound comes
> from. I take the wheel back to the wheelsmith for a chat. He
> demonstrates to me that it isn't the wheel.
>
> After the next 100-ish-km, creaking returns. I ask them to upgrade the
> BB, although they assure me it's not the BB. They pull it down and
> replace the BB - silent again.
>
> After the next 100-ish-km, creaking returns. LBS fingers the blame at
> the left crank arm, and returns to Shimano for warranty exchange. Fit
> new arm, silent again.
>
> After the next 100-ish-km, creaking returns. I haven't bothered to
> take it back to the shop for another session, and I get the impression
> that they're tired of chasing the creak. Still, it's pissing me off as
> I wasn't expecting something like this from a brand new bike - and from
> such calabre as a Cannondale.
>
> Anybody got any thoughts on this one??

Stop fixing it and locate the creak.

--
Michael Press


  
Date: 21 Oct 2007 09:26:48
From: gravelmuncher
Subject: Re: Creaky Crank

> Stop fixing it and locate the creak.
Wow...such insight.


I'll give the teflon tape a shot

--
gravelmuncher



   
Date: 22 Oct 2007 16:38:52
From: Michael Press
Subject: Re: Creaky Crank
In article
<gravelmuncher.2yrzt0@no-mx.forums.cyclingforums.com >,
gravelmuncher
<gravelmuncher.2yrzt0@no-mx.forums.cyclingforums.com >
wrote:

> > Stop fixing it and locate the creak.
> Wow...such insight.

Oh. You only want advice that agrees with
your preconceptions. All else is treated
with disdain. How dare I promote a plan
that requires hard work.

> I'll give the teflon tape a shot.

Whatever.

--
Michael Press


    
Date: 23 Oct 2007 23:51:34
From: gravelmuncher
Subject: Re: Creaky Crank

> Oh. You only want advice that agrees with
> your preconceptions. All else is treated
> with disdain. How dare I promote a plan
> that requires hard work.

You strange little man

--
gravelmuncher



     
Date: 23 Oct 2007 18:23:23
From: Michael Press
Subject: Re: Creaky Crank
In article
<gravelmuncher.2ywt1n@no-mx.forums.cyclingforums.com >,
gravelmuncher
<gravelmuncher.2ywt1n@no-mx.forums.cyclingforums.com >
wrote:

> > Oh. You only want advice that agrees with
> > your preconceptions. All else is treated
> > with disdain. How dare I promote a plan
> > that requires hard work.
>
> You strange little man.

Solved the creak yet?

--
Michael Press


   
Date: 20 Oct 2007 20:43:13
From: Jeff
Subject: Re: Creaky Crank

"gravelmuncher" <gravelmuncher.2yrzt0@no-mx.forums.cyclingforums.com > wrote
in message news:gravelmuncher.2yrzt0@no-mx.forums.cyclingforums.com...
>

> I'll give the teflon tape a shot.
>
> gravelmuncher


My wife would probably ask if plumbers teflon tape would hold up in the
rain. ...just like she asked one day whether it would be a good idea for me
to get the plumbing pipes I just bought out of the bed of my truck in case
it rained over night.

J



--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com



 
Date: 20 Oct 2007 10:04:14
From: A Muzi
Subject: Re: Creaky Crank
gravelmuncher wrote:
> R600 compact cranks on a Cannondale CAAD9. Started to hear a 'creaking'
> under loading of the left crank arm, maybe after the first 100km.
> Raised the issue with the guys at LBS - who suspected it was something
> else doing the creaking - pulled the post, stem, forks out and greased
> and re-fitted. Still creaking, so pulled the cranks out, re-greased and
> re-fitted - silent again.
>
> LBS suspects the rear wheel, but I know that aint where the sound comes
> from. I take the wheel back to the wheelsmith for a chat. He
> demonstrates to me that it isn't the wheel.
>
> After the next 100-ish-km, creaking returns. I ask them to upgrade the
> BB, although they assure me it's not the BB. They pull it down and
> replace the BB - silent again.
>
> After the next 100-ish-km, creaking returns. LBS fingers the blame at
> the left crank arm, and returns to Shimano for warranty exchange. Fit
> new arm, silent again.
>
> After the next 100-ish-km, creaking returns. I haven't bothered to
> take it back to the shop for another session, and I get the impression
> that they're tired of chasing the creak. Still, it's pissing me off as
> I wasn't expecting something like this from a brand new bike - and from
> such calabre as a Cannondale.
>
> Anybody got any thoughts on this one??

Square taper cranks seem to work dependably and quietly for most riders.
--
Andrew Muzi
www.yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971


  
Date: 20 Oct 2007 10:08:21
From: Tom Sherman
Subject: Re: Creaky Crank
Andrew Muzi mused:
> gravelmuncher wrote:
>> R600 compact cranks on a Cannondale CAAD9. Started to hear a 'creaking'
>> under loading of the left crank arm, maybe after the first 100km.
>> Raised the issue with the guys at LBS - who suspected it was something
>> else doing the creaking - pulled the post, stem, forks out and greased
>> and re-fitted. Still creaking, so pulled the cranks out, re-greased and
>> re-fitted - silent again.
>>
>> LBS suspects the rear wheel, but I know that aint where the sound comes
>> from. I take the wheel back to the wheelsmith for a chat. He
>> demonstrates to me that it isn't the wheel.
>>
>> After the next 100-ish-km, creaking returns. I ask them to upgrade the
>> BB, although they assure me it's not the BB. They pull it down and
>> replace the BB - silent again.
>>
>> After the next 100-ish-km, creaking returns. LBS fingers the blame at
>> the left crank arm, and returns to Shimano for warranty exchange. Fit
>> new arm, silent again.
>>
>> After the next 100-ish-km, creaking returns. I haven't bothered to
>> take it back to the shop for another session, and I get the impression
>> that they're tired of chasing the creak. Still, it's pissing me off as
>> I wasn't expecting something like this from a brand new bike - and from
>> such calabre as a Cannondale.
>>
>> Anybody got any thoughts on this one??
>
> Square taper cranks seem to work dependably and quietly for most riders.

Apparently, even for those who repack their BB every time they ride in
the rain. A press fit would not seem the method of choice for something
that is frequently disassembled, however.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
Beer - It's not just for breakfast anymore!


 
Date: 20 Oct 2007 09:16:24
From: Joel Mayes
Subject: Re: Creaky Crank
On 2007-10-20, gravelmuncher
<gravelmuncher.2yqbpn@no-mx.forums.cyclingforums.com > wrote:
>
> R600 compact cranks on a Cannondale CAAD9. Started to hear a
> 'creaking' under loading of the left crank arm, maybe after the first
> 100km. Raised the issue with the guys at LBS - who suspected it was
> something else doing the creaking - pulled the post, stem, forks out
> and greased and re-fitted. Still creaking, so pulled the cranks out,
> re-greased and re-fitted - silent again.

<SNIP >

> Anybody got any thoughts on this one??

Left hand cup of a sealed BB can creak if not tightened properly. So can
old/work/loose pedals. Another common cause is the saddle rail bolt.

Cheers

Joel

--
Human Powered Cycles


  
Date: 20 Oct 2007 22:25:12
From: gravelmuncher
Subject: Re: Creaky Crank

> Left hand cup of a sealed BB can creak if not tightened properly. S
> can
> old/work/loose pedals. Another common cause is the saddle rail bolt.

Fair call, but the BB cups have been removed and re-fitted 3 times - s
i'll give the LBS wrench the benifit of the doubt that he's got it righ
at least once. Pedals have been checked. Saddle is silent - especiall
when I climb out of it.

Something is working loose somehow, as it's silent for a while afte
the cranks have been removed/re-fitted, but then it start's creakin
again under load

--
gravelmuncher



   
Date: 20 Oct 2007 07:17:55
From: jim beam
Subject: Re: Creaky Crank
gravelmuncher wrote:
>> Left hand cup of a sealed BB can creak if not tightened properly. So
>> can
>> old/work/loose pedals. Another common cause is the saddle rail bolt.
>
> Fair call, but the BB cups have been removed and re-fitted 3 times - so
> i'll give the LBS wrench the benifit of the doubt that he's got it right
> at least once. Pedals have been checked. Saddle is silent - especially
> when I climb out of it.
>
> Something is working loose somehow, as it's silent for a while after
> the cranks have been removed/re-fitted, but then it start's creaking
> again under load.
>
>
cannondale bb threads are cut a little large in my opinion. this makes
creaking real hard to prevent because the bb is never really snug. i'd
try a layer of teflon plumbers tape and see what happens - it'll fill
the threads a little.


    
Date: 20 Oct 2007 16:36:28
From: Leo Lichtman
Subject: Re: Creaky Crank

"jim beam" wrote: (clip) i'd
> try a layer of teflon plumbers tape and see what happens - it'll fill the
> threads a little.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
And reduce the tendency for rain water to leak in ;-)