How to Solve Noise in Stans Grail Wheel

This video will show you how I resolved a clicking noise in my Stans Grail wheel. This remedy was per Stans Notubes recommendation.

[anonomous]

I just built a set of wheels using Stan's Grail rims and 105 hubs. The rear wheel was built with the MK3 model while the front was built with the previous model. The dimensions of the MK3 are exactly the same as the previous model and both appear to made from the same rim blank. The only difference I found was the MK3 had staggered spoke holes.

[tracksmart]

Thanks Clint! Stan's should send this video to customers who have noise issues! Their support folks (while friendly) failed to provide 1) an accurate description of the weld-sleeve issue, 2) a good way to diagnose the issue, and 3) an explanation of how to fix the issue on your own.


I thought I had a hub bearing problem after less than 1, 000 miles on my grail rims. I changed the bearings twice (sound disappeared for a week or two each time –clearly a fluke!). I troubleshooted every other potential cause. Then, Stan’s tech support mentioned it might be the weld sleeve. But their method of diagnosis was to bounce the wheel and see if it rattled – VERY POOR ADVICE. My weld sleeve only made noise when weighted and riding (and not all the time). I think the “bounce test” would only work in the most extreme cases of weld sleeve “looseness”.


Two things in your video that were really helpful:
1) You RECORDED THE SOUND of the noise. That is exactly the noise I was experiencing!
2) You provided an AT HOME SOLUTION that would be easy to try – and showed how to do it. Stan’s never told me about the super glue option.


ONE MORE THING THAT LED TO FALSE-DIAGNOSIS: Tightening all of my spokes (it’s now a highly-tensioned wheel) *mostly* solved the problem for about 1500 miles, which made me think it was spoke rub. It wasn’t. The extra-tensioned wheel just deformed less when rolling, which made the weld sleeve quiet-down (most of the time). But it got worse again over the miles.


Anyway, a big THANK YOU for taking the time to make a video of this problem and its solution. My front wheel is whisper quiet again.

[johnwindsor]

Thanks for this video Clint! Just installed a set of Stan's Arch's and rode them today. Half way through the ride, started getting a rattling noise only on rough sections. Through I blew out my hub or something, but after removing the wheel heard it coming from the seam. I can see the little plate inside moving. Going to glue it up since its only a shield used when welding the seam.

[rykie]

Great video Clint. I have used this solution for a few years now on different Stan's (and Mavic) rims. Had the issue about five times in total (mostly customer rims.... I build wheels) and this has worked for me every time. I have never had it come back after gluing the inside, so I think you'll be fine now.

[letourrr]

Hoping this is the fix for my Stans Flow MK3 front rim that clicks the same way.

[ShelbyPowell]

Whoooa! I recently developed that noise in my Grails and have been going crazy trying to find it. I'll try this! Thanks, Clint!

[jeroenbakker]

so i havind the same problem on my Bontrager line comp 30. That is a already set tubeless wheel without rim tape in it. any ideas on solving that as wel, as i cant seem to enter that rattling metal plate.

[junangeles]

Thanks for sharing this. Feels like I have the same issue with your resolution to try. Btw, how’s your fox holding up since you posted this video. I cannot seem to find if you’ve created a follow up video. If so, pls link me. Thanks!!

[keeb]

Interesting fix hope it works long term. Off topic... recently I noticed a creaking noise near the BB of my Niner RKT, swapping pedals, replacing BB, and changing the crankset with a spare that I had the creaking still persisted. After cleaning and greasing the bolt that held the top linkage and shock together the creaking was gone. I debated changing all the suspension linkage bearings if the last fix didn't work but couldn't find any DIY on YouTube. I know this isn't a common tune up but maybe it can be something you're interested on tackling on you channel. Enjoy your videos keep up the good work.

[rodclem]

Having same issue with the Grails on my RLT. Thank you!

[peterschaer]

Big thanks for this video. I was at my whits end trying to find where the clicking was coming from. Plus, my gravel buddies were starting to uninvite me to longer rides. 😜 Fingers crossed the glue works.

[geraldhenrickson]

Can this sound be mistaken for spoke snap and pop? My Hugos are driving me nuts.

[ttvrdik]

Had a set of mavic Ksyrium that had the same problem. Fix it with a metal punch on I centered the metal plate.

[jjm]

Hi Clint. Just discovering your channel. Thanks for the good content. You are helping me learn. Not sure you will see this, but here goes...I'm in the process of building-up a road/gravel bike. Probably 80% road and 20% light off-road. I'm researching wheels sets now and tires and I am a little overwhelmed with the choices compared to the 1980's. lol Would you recommend the newer Stan’s NoTubes Grail CB7 Team Wheelset for the type of riding I'm thinking about? I'm an old roadie (close to 60 years-old now) getting back on a bike and I've never had carbon wheels. I also like that the Stans can handle 28mm to 40mm tires, so I can play around with some different tires as I settle back into riding again. I'm very curious about putting wider tires on a road mostly bike. Thanks for any thoughts/advice on this. ps I watched another nice video you made...I suggest when you long-distance travel, to get over or deal with jet-lag, shooting for 1 day per 1 hour time difference from your home local time and your destinations local time...before doing a challenging physical and mental event at your foreign destination. ;) Thanks again for your videos. Cheers. John in Greece.

[th_js]

Same as Canyon Grail! Great video, thumbs up 👆

[ThunderStruckMTB]

I've read about this on not a real warm and fuzzy feeling having to use freakin' superglue though. Hopefully it lasts a while for you and thanks for putting this out there.

[alradhi]

is this a common problem for welded alloy rim?
I have OEM WTB rim. rumor says it have welded seam. I use it for commuting over a year now and not have clicking noise experience

[coryedd]

I have a set of Grail rims and they're making the exact same sound. They have been making this sound for at least a couple years and I have never been able to figure it out. Was the super glue a permanent fix or has the problem come back since?

[peterbee]

Has anyone tried the carbon cb7 grail. I have been riding with the grail on my road bike for winter wheels for a year on schwalbe pro one but want to save weight.

[richardyoung]

Clint, great info on the process. Is the glue still holding after 1.5 years?
I'm about to do the same to a front Arch wheel. Thanks!