Pinging or knocking heard from bottom bracket

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kovacsa

Active Member
Hey All, Without taking the bike apart, I was hoping to figure out what a knocking or pinging sound is due to. It seems like it's coming from the bottom bracket. It happens at the same point in my peddle cycle (although that point has changed over time). I suspect something is loose like a ball bearing or something is cracked.. It only happens when I'm peddling and there is load on the chain. Any ideas? Thanks!

Audio: https://vocaroo.com/i/s1bidFnmnnGa
 
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berty bassett

Legendary Member
Location
I'boro
Fwiw I think bearing noise is usually a bit haphazard and not at the same point
I would try -
Make sure you are not catching cable with shoe each time ( or catching anything )
Standing up to make sure not seat post
Putting hands right near steerer to try to eliminate any noise that might be handlebar related
If it still happens then head towards the crank - make sure chainrings are tight
Maybe wd40 on cleats and pedals ( be warned - makes it lethal to walk on tiles )
After that I would try the cups but it’s a bit of a faff
Good luck
O just in case - make sure it’s not a magnet on wheel for speed sensor catching
 
OP
OP
K

kovacsa

Active Member
Fwiw I think bearing noise is usually a bit haphazard and not at the same point
I would try -
Make sure you are not catching cable with shoe each time ( or catching anything )
Standing up to make sure not seat post
Putting hands right near steerer to try to eliminate any noise that might be handlebar related
If it still happens then head towards the crank - make sure chainrings are tight
Maybe wd40 on cleats and pedals ( be warned - makes it lethal to walk on tiles )
After that I would try the cups but it’s a bit of a faff
Good luck
O just in case - make sure it’s not a magnet on wheel for speed sensor catching
These are great tips, thanks. I didn't know how to test the seatpost as someone also brought this up as being a possible cause.

What do you mean by, "try the cups"?
 
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fossyant

Ride It Like You Stole It!
Location
South Manchester
Ah, I'd take the cranks off, loosen the BB cartridge and tighten back up - a bit of grease on the threads.

Then starts the process of finding the noise if that doesn't cure it. Check for flapping shoe laces etc - believe me, it happens
 

Cycleops

Legendary Member
Location
Accra, Ghana
I'm afraid you need to do a bit of dismantling to check the components to find the problem.
You'll need a few tools, a 10mm Allen key (some use 8mm), a crank removal tool, a spanner and splined removal tool for the BB cartridge.
These videos might help you;


View: https://youtu.be/3poD05IeGpg


Then follow the advice above.
 
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Cycleops

Legendary Member
Location
Accra, Ghana
Perhaps before you start pull the cranks from side to side to feel for play in the BB. If you can move them more than just a fraction you might have found the cause of the knock. Then proceed as above.
 
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