creaking noise

[billy1561]

So i fitted new bars to my mtb last week and they have developed an annoying creaking sound. I haven't torqued them up as i dont own a torque wrench but i 'guess' i have the tightness something close to the old bars.
Could it be i need to check the torque somehow or should i have coated the 4 stem bolts with something prior?
Thanks

 

[Biker Joe]

I always give the bars and clamp bolts a very light smearing of grease before I tighten up the clamp. That stops the creaking.

 

[billy1561]

I always give the bars and clamp bolts a very light smearing of grease before I tighten up the clamp. That stops the creaking.

Hmm will give that a try see if it helps. Thanks Joe

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

tracked down some of my creaking to the bolt that goes through the headset vertically downwards... much quieter now - though a little worrying it is the 2nd time it has worked itself loose.

 

[billy1561]

tracked down some of my creaking to the bolt that goes through the headset vertically downwards... much quieter now - though a little worrying it is the 2nd time it has worked itself loose.

The one that sits over the star spangled nut from the stem? I think once the alignment of the wheel is completed it can be slacked off because its done its job. Don't quote me on that though.

 

[JonoB]

I keep a bike in my caravan in France and that creaks like an old dog until I strip it down every year and grease it. Expansion/contraction. I think it's just the nature of aluminium. Use Teflon or lithium grease. Works for me.......

 

[billy1561]

Quick update. Well i've greased the bolts but its as bad as ever

 

[compo]

You need to grease the metal to metal contacts. A wipe of grease actually on the bars, and on the steerer where the stem fits, then tighten the bolts. Because the grease is not retained and the surplus can squeeze out don't worry about the bars slipping. Also while you have your tub of grease out whip out your seat post and give it a smear where it goes through the frame.

 

[BimblingBee]

Give the bars a good clean and then refit. The creek is caused by flex, I'd try nipping the bolts up a little tighter. Are you sure its the bars though?!!

 

[billy1561]

Give the bars a good clean and then refit. The creek is caused by flex, I'd try nipping the bolts up a little tighter. Are you sure its the bars though?!!

Almost certainly as it was silent until i swopped the bars over.

 

[billy1561]

You need to grease the metal to metal contacts. A wipe of grease actually on the bars, and on the steerer where the stem fits, then tighten the bolts. Because the grease is not retained and the surplus can squeeze out don't worry about the bars slipping. Also while you have your tub of grease out whip out your seat post and give it a smear where it goes through the frame.

Thanks compo, i'll give that a go. I will report back after a short test ride. That won't be today btw in these conditions

 

[compo]

Thanks compo, i'll give that a go. I will report back after a short test ride. That won't be today btw in these conditions

Why have a mountain bike and not go out because of a little inclement weather. May I remind you of rule 9:

Rule #9
// If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.
Fair-weather riding is a luxury reserved for Sunday afternoons and wide boulevards. Those who ride in foul weather – be it cold, wet, or inordinately hot – are members of a special club of riders who, on the morning of a big ride, pull back the curtain to check the weather and, upon seeing rain falling from the skies, allow a wry smile to spread across their face. This is a rider who loves the work.

 

[billy1561]

Why have a mountain bike and not go out because of a little inclement weather. May I remind you of rule 9:

Rule #9
// If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a badass. Period.
Fair-weather riding is a luxury reserved for Sunday afternoons and wide boulevards. Those who ride in foul weather – be it cold, wet, or inordinately hot – are members of a special club of riders who, on the morning of a big ride, pull back the curtain to check the weather and, upon seeing rain falling from the skies, allow a wry smile to spread across their face. This is a rider who loves the work.

I've already had hailstones on my face and thunder and lightning chasing me this morning not to mention looking like a snowman when i got back home

 

[lulubel]

The one that sits over the star spangled nut from the stem? I think once the alignment of the wheel is completed it can be slacked off because its done its job. Don't quote me on that though.

Yes, it can, although there's no reason to.

Once the stem bolts are tight, that bolt (the compression bolt) doesn't do anything else. It's purely used to set the compression on the headset bearings before tightening the stem bolts.

 

[billy1561]

I thought as much, thanks for confirming