BB Noise (external type)

[johanpre44]

I recently built up a bike (2 months and almost 600km ago). The only funny issue I have had to date is that the Bottom Bracket (external type that comes with a Shimano FC-M615 Crankset) is making a funny clicking noise. When it happened the first time I struggled to find the problem but eventually loosened and re-tightened the drive-side BB cup (think this was around 150km within 2 weeks). Now its happened again, but after a quick rinse (cleaning the worst mud off my bike) it went away and then just started again with the next ride.

 

My question is if there is a more permanent fix. I'm not sure if the plastic spacer on the drive side cup is causing the problem (maybe a metal spacer will work better).

 

My frame (steel) has a BSA threaded 73mm BB Shell, and I used copper slip on the thread before installing the BB cups. My BB tool is not the kind that can be used with a torque wrench so I have no idea how tight the BB cups have been tightened. 

[fanievb]

Try greasing your seatpost and your skewers as the creak may not always be the BB

 

Also check your pedals and make sure your rear wheel skewer is properly tightened

[tombeej]

Is it a click or more like creaking?

 

For creaking when pedaling under load it could be squeaky clean BB spacers (give them a little grease when installing).

 

And as Fanie says, could be your pedals. Give them a service.

 

Check for loose chainring bolts.

 

Check rear axle - often the culprit for noises.

 

Do one issue at a time, then go for a ride before trying the next option. In other words, don't do a full service otherwise you won't be able to isolate the source. In time as you get to know your bikes quirks, you'll know immediately what the issue is when a noise starts up in the future.

[tombeej]

Johan, I often use this webpage as a reference. Great tool to help isolate that noise.

 

http://www.jimlangley.net/wrench/keepitquiet.html

[johanpre44]

Thanks for the feedback, will give all the suggestions a try (in an ordered one-by-one manner to solve the problem).

 

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