Identify Creaks & Noises On Your Mountain Bike | GMBN Tech How To

A mountain bike that works properly is a joy to ride, but, pedalling some creaking and groaning lump is enough to drive anyone mad. Some are easily cured, some require slightly more specialist attention.

To save not only your sanity but your components, it’s a good idea to locate the cause of these noises because if something is moving around and creaking it’s probably doing damage as you use it. Doddy will guide you through all the most common culprits of a mystery creak groan or squeak.

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[levingamm]

Best tip is to buy a really loud hub then you don‘t hear the noises

[joedean]

#askgmbntech What do we do if the creaking and groaning is coming from the rider?

[rickydejong]

To sum up the video: You got a creak? Rebuild your complete bike!! 😂😂 Nice video Doddy!! Very helpful!!

[b.s.adventures]

Great tips.
Had a customers new bike that had a loud creak under hard braking.
Chased it round and round, checking all the usual suspects. Headset. Bars. Stem. Brakes. Wheels. Etc.
Ended up being where the steer tube press fit to the upper crown on the fork. Hadn’t seen that before.
Manufacturer warranted it.

[willian.direction]

Thanks Doddy now where do i spray to stop my old body creaking. cheers Mate

[alexnice]

My recent personal experience on my 6 months old carbon mtb: I had creakings when more pressure was exercised on the pedals, mostly on uphills. I supposed it came from the bottom bracket and based on this video I ordered grease (I still didn't receive). I cleaned my bike and while removing the rear axle I heard the creaking sound, so I had the idea to thightened it more. And it solved the creaking. What is surprising is that on my aluminium bike if I tighten hard the rear axle, there is a rubbing sound so I have to tighten it lightly, reason why I also tightened 'lightly' the axles of my carbon mtb. Thanks for your useful vids.

[omaha]

I found a nugget of gold!!!
CREAKY SPOKE ADVISE
8:15 - 9:40
Thank you GMBN!!

[mikieson]

so...basically completely take your bike apart..clean it thoroughly, use grease and thread lock..reassemble..:D

[ethanpowell]

Dude, can you do a video on advantages and disadvantages on different suspension linkage types? Cheers

[mypandabear]

Seat post clamp is the first suspect usually if the creaks rhymes with your pedal cadence.

[matoatlantis]

Thank you! :)

I was servicing my free hub. When I was done there was this weird creak I was not able to pinpoint. It didn't show up on stand, only when I rode my bike. I disassembled everything, put in the axle only but the sound was still there.It was of course loose spoke. I got the idea from this video, I admit I was too focused on the hub this didn't cross my mind.

[gtflyer]

Thankfully, due to Doddy's tech tips, my hardtail is Silent...Great video..

[yspegel]

create a creak, ride behind a friend up to the point he does try to ride away from you because of the creak. Ask on the end if he liked the motivation training

[richardadcock]

I had a really bad creak from both wheels…turned out to be dirt stuck where the spokes rub together. A proper cleaning with special attention to the spokes fixed it.

[richardpenman]

I finally found my creak! After changing bottom bracket, lubing pedals and suspension pivots with no luck...I disassembled my chainring and cranks. they were dry, gritty and a little loose. that did the trick

[recko]

Doddy here is a top tip, use acetone to remove silicone from disc rotors.

[TK-zhck]

Thank you Doddy for all the good information I've now got something to work with although it seems like a hell of a lot but maybe I can finally end this creaking before I go nuts.

[gibbykirwan]

Great timing. My seat started creaking like made on today's ride 👌

[chrisl.]

Thanks, Doddy! I love the Tech channel videos but this one is especially helpful to me now, since I do have a handle bar that's been creaking for quite some time now and I couldn't find out why. Gonna try your tips first thing tomorrow morning :-)

[patsplace]

I had a rattle for 3 years and finally found it, loose items in patch kit inside my rack bag. Though for sure it was in the drivetrain. I also discovered my rear swingers(chain stays) have a side to side wobble now and need a new frame bushing, or I need a new bike, it's a 1998 Manitou F/S with Bazooka rear shock and 18, 000 miles.