How To Fix Bottom Bracket Noises

I show how to find and repair clicking, ticks, creaks, squeaks, knocks, clunks, or other strange annoying sounds coming from a bike bottom bracket or cranks while pedaling. I show the most common causes for noises and how to fix them. Keep in mind a noise can seem to be coming from the bottom bracket, but can really be coming from somewhere else to the pedals, cranks, seat/seatpost, loose chain ring bolts, or even bottle cages.
Please do not comment asking me to diagnose your noises. There are too many possible causes for noises. You need to isolate the source of the noise. This is why I made the video to show you some of the most common causes of noises coming from a bottom bracket, or seeming to come from the bottom bracket. Watch the video, and start working the problem. If you are not willing or able to do this, take the bike to a mechanic. I cannot analyze your bike through the internet. Thanks, RJ
Overhauling a bottom bracket:
• Replacing Bearings In ...
Install a sealed cartridge bottom bracket:
• How To Remove/Install ...
Remove/install cranks:
• How To Remove/Install ...
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[@RJTheBikeGuy]

For more bike repair videos hit the subscribe button 🛑 and click the notification bell ► bit.ly/SubRJTheBikeGuy

[@markwillner1179]

I was getting a clicking sound from my BB during my ride this morning that was driving me crazy.... googled "clicking bottom bracket" and this video came up. the first thing you suggested checking, loose chain ring bolts, solved my my problem! Thanks!!!!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Please do not comment asking me to diagnose your noises. There are too many possible causes for noises. You need to isolate the source of the noise. This is why I made the video to show you some of the most common causes of noises coming from a bottom bracket, or seeming to come from the bottom bracket. Watch the video, and start working the problem. If you are not willing or able to do this, take the bike to a mechanic. I cannot analyze your bike through the internet. Thanks, RJ

[@MoPoppins]

This video was SO helpful! Thank you, RJ. You covered all of the possible problems mentioned in the bike forums, but esp. for those of us who aren't familiar with the part names, the visual aspect of this tutorial provides that extra insight.

[@NathanKirton]

Is your dog making a lot of noise? Add some grease :)

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Nathan Kirton Yeah, my dog was on the deck barking.

[@NathanKirton]

+RJ The Bike Guy I'm really enjoying your videos. I recently got a Raleigh Technique 440 on Craigslist and I'm cleaning it up and changing out all the old grease. What I'm finding is if you don't have the right tools, it can become expensive :/ Thanks for all the good tips!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

But once you get the tools, then you have them. Sometimes you can find them used. Or make your own.

[@SergioMancini]

RJ The Bike Guy but the correct shoudnt be a threadlocker instead grease on the bolts?

[@guypierce8386]

Well RJ, you are right again. Tried to locate a rhythmic creak on a Trek MTB, for two weeks. After messing around & replacing, BB, pedals, crankset & chain. I finally watched your video & took a look at the shock absorbing seat post......a coup,e drops of oil is all it took.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Cool!

[@juanitasullivan3372]

Finally, a video that covers everything and I can understand it! Thank you!

[@lolitobenasa8665]

😷😷😷😷😷😇😇😀😀😀:-)

[@monstercolorfunco4391]

I love old bikes because they are so strong and simple. a steel frame of that kind can last 100,000 miles or 100 years! :D

[@hartleyhare99]

New model bikes are garbage compared to the old models☺

[@Mantis858585]

Thanks, I think my creak was loose chain ring bolts. Got it!

[@gunnarsandberg8132]

Some people are awesome and really gives you some understanding ♡♡

[@florinovidiumatei4233]

Sounds could also come from the pedal itself. Also chain related issues like not matching with the cogs or with the rings from the crankset.

[@reubenphillips6456]

I only get a cracking noise when I stand on my pedals and push down and I just had it serviced aswell

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

If you are having issues after you just had it serviced, then take it back.

[@reubenphillips6456]

RJ The Bike Guy sorry, this was my brother, but thanks for the help anyway! :)

[@donlyone5787]

I have the same problame but idk how to solve it.. it is very annoying

[@mtbshack2027]

I get the same thing

[@littlemisspookyness]

Reuben Phillips me too!! Someone help. What is that cracking sound and what can be done about it?

[@airrunner85]

Excellent video, comprehensive and straight to the point. Very grateful!

[@ghjgjihjgjyrdrgydsgr137]

I love what you wrote in the video description! Yes, I will do my best.

[@ray1904]

None of the videos I have seen cover my clicking noise which was coming from the bearings inside the pedals. The mounting thread bolts were fine. I flooded lube oil into the pedal bearings and this took away about half of the clicking. Then I replaced the pedals and this took away all of the clicking. If you like to stand on the pedals to give your butt a rest I believe this is hard on the pedal bearings.

[@msnoonan]

I had a clicking noise on the drive side at the bottom of the pedal stroke and it drove me nuts. The cartridge bottom bracket threads in the frame were all rusty and dried out and it looks like some water had gotten in there, but still tight. I removed the BB, cleaned the threads on the frame and BB with WD-40, then greased them, re-installed, and Bingo! No more clicking sounds.

[@DavidCulshawmer-r]

by the way I had this problem a few months ago when I had to fit a new sealed bb when I got new cranks , I found I hadn't tightened the drive side of the new BB first before I put the none drive cup in , I slackened the none drive cup and tightened the drive side to 40 nm then did the none drive cup and never had that annoying click click since

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+David Culshaw That would do it.

[@user-xw6wj2qh5n]

Have you done a video on how to helicoil a crank at the pedal end?

[@cfx270harding4]

thanks rj ive been trying to find a video on how to fix the creaking noise in the bottom bracket...

[@waltp3373]

Thanks for the tips. I'm getting a clicking when the left crank is at the top but only when I'm peddling light or medium pressure. I'm suspecting the bottom bracket since the bike has almost 9200 miles on it. I will check out your suggestions and your BB overhaul video. I see you have some war wounds on your knuckles.

[@waltp3373]

It turned out to be the pedal. The cheapest of repairs. It didn't cost anything. Silence! Thanks.

[@ahpchagi1]

Thank you for your help I just need to get some tools to fix the problem

[@thesstvscienceexplainer7950]

This video is really helpful to me. But, What can I use as an alternative of the grease?

[@TravisTutorial]

Excellent video, this is exactly what I needed for my daily rider Fuji, thanks RJ!

[@jaysondocot1870]

you're a savior RJ for bicycle enthusiast... keep it up! God bless you 🙏

[@labrat3305]

Hey thanks dude, really helpful upload. Your a legend.

[@F3udF1st]

*you're

[@clockwork9827]

i have suggested this channel to my local Cycle Salvation repair-restore bike shop. i hope they're not offended; the vids is calm, thorough & not overly complicated

[@TorontoPopulistConservative]

My sound was not in the video. It is a grinding noise that occurs when I put a lot of power on the pedals. It really sounds like bearings in the bottom bracket but it may be my dry chain. It started recently after cleaning winter grime off my bike. Ocassionally something in the drivetrain skips under high torque as well.

[@oguzbayram]

if there was a bicycle religion you could be the prophet :)

[@user-kx7wo6qc7d]

What up. Thanks for the video. My bots were coming out on the other side of the front pedaler. I tight them up and the sounds is gone. I have a 1990 Tom Ritchey 4130 old school all equipped in deore that I just bought in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. The sound just appeared 1 day after I got it. I knew something where getting untight. Thanks

[@naturandmor]

Helped me a lot. Thank you 👍

[@XGaming1]

My bmx bike keeps making popping/creeking sounds when ever I pedal and it comes from the chain/bottom bracket/crank arm area. It only does maybe once every hour while I’m riding and it’s been doing that for almost a year. Yesterday it did it a few times and then three times within ten minutes and then my chain broke and I fell on the ground while pedaling. The link snapped on both sides and I have no idea what caused it. I bought a new chain and installed it but it’s still doing that creaking this every once in a while. I rode about 25 miles today and it creaked maybe 10 times threw out the day. My bike is a FitBikeCo bmx from 2012 and it’s in great shape, I greased it well and everything is super tight. The chain has always tight with a bit of play so I have no idea what caused this and I really don’t want it to break agian and throw me off. Please help.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Take it to a shop, or figure it out. I can't diagnose the bike without working on it.

[@XGaming1]

RJ The Bike Guy I’ve had too many bad experiences with bike shops that I vowed to never go to a shop agian for bmx bike problems. At least in my area all the shops are for mountain and road bikes. I walked in my bmx and they look at me like I’m an alien trying to take my flying saucer in for an oil change. I just can’t figure out what could have broke a solid metal chain like that. The same thing happened to my brothers bmx bike last year, his chain snapped and he flew off, his bike still creaks and pops just like mine does. So strange and confusing.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@XGaming1 Then figure it out.

[@XGaming1]

RJ The Bike Guy Yes sir.

[@dodskieful]

hi what do tou call that tool for your bottom bracket. thanka.

[@unitegamer688]

Hi RJ I have one problem replace a new Square shape Bottom Breaket the problem is after 3 days it's nut looses and it happen again and again what I do to fix nut on bolt permanently.

[@vallenlen4301]

this kinda problem would happen often if the bicycle sit pose was to low because of the over pressure on the crank set and the bottom bracket.I had this kind a problems before but after i make my bicycle sit little bit higher.The squeaking sound no longer happen. Its was comment to happen on old bottom bracket set.

[@mcramdeevalienta5576]

Hello may I ask what type of bottom bracket is in the video??

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Square taper.

[@that70sschwinn]

Great detail, are you using the Park Tool CWP-7 Compact Crank Puller at 4:30? if not, is this tool comparable and would it work on a 70's Campagnalo spindle?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

CWP-7 or similar. Yes, it should work. The newer pullers come with a couple different tips.

[@that70sschwinn]

Thanks RJ

[@SnoopyDoofie]

I get a noise on my right side while pedaling. It happens exactly every 180 degrees and at the point where my foot is at the furthest distance towards the front of the bike. It also only happens when I apply a fair amount of pressure on the pedal. If I'm at a cruising speed on level ground, I won't hear it, but as soon as I need to exert some force such as going up hill, the noise occurs. I also tried exerting force on the left pedal to see if it occurs there but it does not. So what is the most likely cause? What part in the video should I focus on?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

It can be a dozen different things. Go through the video.

[@sddogtrainer]

thanks for great videos. can you tell me what your grease gun is and can you load your own grease? I'm obviously new at this but having fun learning. thanks

[@sddogtrainer]

maybe a video on loading and prime the grease gun?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+sddogtrainer The grease gun is a Dualco: www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0025UGOVW/ref=nosim/youtube25-20

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+sddogtrainer And I have a video on loading it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKrWoWaMm76rjKs

[@bucketrobbert]

help got a back wheel quick release wheel that was mayking a horrible clicking sound found out bearing axle are whatever you call it was bent replaced that with a solid wheel axle fresh bearing the lot its still clicking cannot see where the sound coming from and why .i fort it might be the chain checked for kinks no kinks it also makes the sound when free wheeling any suggestions

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I have no clue what you are describing. But the same with any sound, you need to try to figure out where it is coming from which may not be where you think it is coming from. And jst start working though it. Maybe overhaul the hub.

[@bucketrobbert]

its ok just watched 1 of your videos its fixed i found out i also tightened the corns a tad to tight plus they may be to many bearings in i will check tomorrow

[@bucketrobbert]

i salvaged a axle of a old wheel and rebuilt up on that '''and thats the word i was looking for axle not crank sorry lol

[@setup1669]

What if youee botom bracket makes noises only when you push the peddal hard to increse speed or to go up a hill.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Go through the video. These are the same steps I would have to go through to give you an answer! Or take it to a shop. There aren't short cuts!

[@astig97]

thanks.. really helps a lot... nice vid

[@trueblue374]

When there is a grinding crunching noise that means its more serious. When peddling I can feel the grinding and crunching. Does it mean I need a new bracket or do the ball bearings need replacing?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

You have to open it up and see. Sounds like at least new bearings. But maybe you have a cartridge BB, so it would mean a new BB. Maybe there is other damage in there. Maybe it is not the BB at all. You need to figure it out. I am not looking at your bike.

[@trueblue374]

+RJ The Bike Guy Thanks for reply back. I'll have to take it to a bike shop and let them have a look at it. Most probably the bearings are worn out and need replacing. I'll get it seen to as soon as possible because its getting harder to peddle and the grinding is getting louder.

[@roo_297]

Should I try finding and fixing the problem right away? or is it safe to still ride for awhile? My pedals feel like they click from pressure

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I would fix it now. You don't want to have something fail in the middle of a ride. And it could be a simple fix.

[@roo_297]

Alright yeah that makes sense, thanks for the feedback!

[@BennysCraft]

the same thing happens from my bmx

[@swagmuslink2862]

+True Star_Killer yeah me too

[@saurabht3540]

(non-drive side)spindle axle and crank socket don't have a good grip on each other, the crank socket is servery damaged. Due to covid19, there is bicycle shortage, I want to get by with my current bicycle for few more months. Is there any way like even soldering/welding to make them fit together for may be 6 months.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Maybe loctite or epoxy. You can't weld aluminum to steel.

[@thetruthissweet2847]

I have a ?. When I peddle, nothing happens as in nothing catches to propel me forward. Is this bad bearings? I have an old 10 speed bike.

[@newttella1043]

Sweet Sounds like your rear hub is toast. Maybe a rebuild will fix it? If the bike is cheap, the whole rear wheel might be very low quality and not worth the time or money to fix, you may be able to get a used wheel for a few bucks instead.

[@thetruthissweet2847]

Newt Tella: thanks. Someone gave me a more modern 10 speed version frame and I will transfer good parts from older (good condition) 10 speed to the one given to me. Someone told me recently it probably was a back of bike problem.

[@bellavia5]

Handlebars and stem can make creaking noises also.

[@englishwoodsman]

thank you

[@CM-hb9ob]

rj are you abel to put one of thoses lockrings from a bottom bracket and put it on a fixed gear cog?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+ChristianXRdz2 channel From an English threaded bottom bracket, yes. This particular BB is Italian threaded.

[@lampaduck9679]

Can I use all purpose oil?

[@richardfabrizio8998]

Thanks rj

[@dakota2410]

every time after coasting and start pedaling i hear and feel a hard clink noice any help?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Nope. You gotta work the problem and isolate the issue.

[@neoneo567]

Another informative video from you. Thanks a lot.

[@janertl38]

thanks it worked liked

[@stevenjohnson165]

Is that a Lemond or a Mondial, with sew-ups? What size?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Steven Johnson Legnano. 700c tubulars.

[@stevenjohnson165]

+RJ The Bike Guy Sorry, I meant frame size. Interesting Bike.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

58 or 59cm I think.

[@stevenjohnson165]

+RJ The Bike Guy Thanks, should be a fun ride. Sew-ups ride so nice.

[@sivashibu2916]

When im pedalling hard there is sqeaking and creaking from the bottom bracket.I have an open bottom bracket

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Go through all the stuff in the video! Good luck!

[@jsmithepa]

Don't forget about the cleats! because that's what end up to be my easy fix. We automatically blame the BB because it makes noise every time we turn it. My stupid cleats were making the noise, Grrrrgggg.

[@jawedgaming7431]

Dose this work on every bike?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

No solution works on EVERY BIKE!! These are the most common problems.

[@jawedgaming7431]

@@RJTheBikeGuy well I tried it on mine and it dose not work

[@jawedgaming7431]

@@RJTheBikeGuy is there a reason for that?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

You went through everything in the video? Then take it to a shop. I cannot diagnose it through the internet.

[@petersymons7817]

Thank u

[@harriethare9266]

Get rid of the pain in the ass bike. No more noise. And STRESS😂

[@johnplink]

What's the name of the tool used at 5:06?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000AOA2G8/ref=nosim/youtube25-20

[@drstock2k]

I have a parlee with a noisy bottom bracket, anyone know how to fix a modern bicycle. ??

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Did you follow the video?

[@blockvibez284]

So basically grease everything up and tighten it down

[@TuCanSam2014]

every time i pedal it pops and i can feel it pop its a really loud poping noise and you can feel it .. help lol im a noob at bikes btw im riding a bmx ..

[@ManBricks]

my bike pettle wobbles I pulled my pettle off and the bike pettle is rotted out

[@jarredkammerer7565]

always make sure you check your crank arm threadings as well as putting grease on the threads of new pedals before putting them on.

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

Is the pedal falling off ?

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

FishingWithNick, just put your pettle to the mettle :-)

[@Letsgetbusy293]

Bottom bracket noise is unique

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Not really.

[@dougmiller7258]

Took my pedals off and greased them noise gone.

[@vdrp_ravisandani3963]

Sound is comming from front gear

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I was just using this bike as an example of where sound might be coming from. Sounds can come from anywhere!

[@TheMidgetGamingYT]

How the fuck do you get seat from a "bottom bracket"

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Because sound travels. What sounds like it is coming from a bottom bracket can actually be coming from an entirely different part of the bike. As you pedal, your weight is shifting back and forth on the seat in sync with the pedaling. So it may cause a sound that seems to be tied to the cranks. But isn't.

[@TheMidgetGamingYT]

Ok thanks and sorry for saying "fuck" but i have a new back wheel and its making a clicking noise when im pedaling on my bike but i put the wheel on my friends bike and it dosnt make it would that to be with the chain and the driver ?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Could be a worn chain and/or worn cogs. Try to isolate where the noise is coming and fix it.

[@TheMidgetGamingYT]

Okay thanks so much

[@newhampshirebound8551]

And sometimes a squeak is a cracked frame. Experienced that a few times.

[@broccoli5408]

I reckon you are going have to serve somebody.

[@kimbaptempura4073]

WHY THE FUCK WILL NO ONE TALK ABOUT THE CRANK CLICKING FORWARD!? 1000000 videos on this nonsense. If it can be fixed with oil it aint worth a video.

[@anocri]

1:40, bro, you right hand is bleeding. Wear gloves when you are working on bikes, cars, and other household stuff.

[@metiks111]

If the yellow button is yellow click it.

[@howardg7162]

Peddle washers

[@kingharet655]

Check the handlebars maybe the sound coming from them. Wtf

[@Shy-Shy23]

Quotation marks are used to reference parts of speech that are cited from a different source. He just needs punctuation.

[@johndavies9641]

Gull shitttttt.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Excuse me?

[@Sajied_]

You had hurt your hand

[@priyankapriya5991]

Make video in hindi

[@mtbshack2027]

Would wd40 work for grease

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

No.

[@stayinpresent-]

Chutia

[@carbuttpartyon6336]

hey tutorial heads

[@jlawlor7560]

Just submerge the bike in grease , boom fixed .

[@marc-alexandreboechat5091]

Exactly what I thought looking at the first half of the video ^^

[@clockwork9827]

funny

[@astromann7449]

Tri-flow bath.

[@cliveden239]

rip rotors and breaking pads

[@astromann7449]

@@cliveden239 Use feet, like Fred Flintstone

[@clintpressley8337]

You can become the Scotty Kilmer of bicycles. You are a genius.

[@gregnixon1296]

Clint, THAT is quite a compliment. Rev up your pedals!!

[@diebrian1]

What an epic comment!

[@synxaii3069]

@@gregnixon1296 *craaackkkkkkk*

[@tulsinarayantaye597]

Are you mad I watched this video because I don't have anything to repair but it was more wierd then a nightmare I will never forgive you ❤

[@williamschneider441]

Thanks alot RJ!! I didn't expect you to upload a whole video just to answer my question... Pity I can only like it once!!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Billy Schneider I planned a different video, but shot this one instead. I hope it helps.

[@desmond_2093]

thanks for the vid

[@chrispools]

@01:19 Pleas for the love of god dont slip, look at them teeth

[@colinely5792]

I was thinking the exact same thing! He's either done this 1000 times or he's never done it before lol

[@marble25]

he did slip. look at the top of his right hand

[@DavidCulshawmer-r]

one thing I've had in the past is dirt/grease on the square taper after a lot of winter riding , cleaning the square taper spindle and inside the crank arm has solved this problem on the few occasions that its happened to me :)

[@PardonTheInteruption1]

I usually getting a clicking sound and I can also feel it on my right foot from the pedal. It's weird how the noise comes and goes. It usually stops after a little while of riding my bike. Thank you for the video. It seems to be very informative.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Check all the stuff in the video. These are the most common causes.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Marine grease is amazingly sticky, best choice. Bel Ray is my favourite.

[@etiennedeklerk]

your tip about checking the seat post is a good one. Pity I only discovered it after overhauling the crank.

[@beeboz1]

Very clear and concise but I will still need to take my bike to the bike shop however I will now be able to give the impression I know what I'm talking about!. Thanks for posting

[@chickennuggies7542]

It would appear this man thinks grease fixes everything.

[@manuelluis5456]

Nick Dahms ,,, most of the times : Yes . 100%. i may use tholuen or petrol to purify at first . Then grease or Valvoline BEFORE problems arise .

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

Nick Dahms I'm looking for the part where you clean the offending part before you grease it up. Any dirt or grit that may be aggravating the situation would be eliminated.

[@ProdByAB]

RJ The Bike Guy is it possible that a creaking sound may be coming from the the crank spindle my bike creaks. I watched another video and he said that that may be is and you should grease it.

[@tommyj7766]

This is what my bike is doing at the moment, waiting on my new tools being delivered to sort the problem, thanks for sharing the videos very well explained

[@SatanenPerkele]

My pedals started with horrible harsh clicking noises that you can feel in your feet when you're pedling after I lended it in for a flat tire. Wtf did they do to my bicycle?? 😭💔

[@ilya_tolstyi]

Wow, dat crankset

[@thothheartmaat2833]

just got a walmart roadbike.. its super fast and light and amazing but clunks all the time when pedaling.. ive always had mountain bikes and had a 29 inch that was pretty hard to pedal.. this thing is crazy fast.. going 30 on the trails easy.. started out with no clunk but its getting worse.. ive only ridden it 3 or 4 times..

[@professionalretard527]

What would cause grinding in the pedals it usually only happens when I pedal standing but sometimes when I pedal sitting

[@aidanmacdonnell244]

Sane

[@thomassharwin5310]

bearings in peddles

[@mtlnascarfan]

I've been having an annoying clicking sound which I thought was from my bottom bracket so I changed it from an adjustable BB to a sealed BB but I still have the noise. I went through your checklist and it's down to the back end (freewheel or rear axle). I'll keep you posted in this thread. Thanks for posting, RJ!

[@jimbob036]

Ooh, I wouldn't have put my hand behind the wrench like that when I was removing the pedal!

[@edwardprete]

good video, thanks for posting.

[@hartleyhare99]

Changed my freehub, chain & cassette, pedals yet still hear a slight ticking noise while peddling😢No noise whilst freewheeling. Im thinking its the b.b but there's no play in the pedal arms. Mega frustrating after having spent £130 to get the bike 100%🤢😢🤢😢🤢😢

[@michaelpegasiou4531]

My annoying noises sounded like the bb but we’re from where the seat rails go into the seat.Used chain wax to drizzle into the joins and it’s stopped.