Why does my bike squeak?

Any person who works in a bicycle repair shop will agree that this is one of the worst complaints a customer can hear. Why is the bike squeaking? It needs to be investigated. An experienced bike mechanic can usually quickly pinpoint the cause. However, it's almost always necessary to ride the bike to make sure the source is identified. And I can't count the "I've checked everything, but it's still noisy" stories. That's why I've prepared an article that I hope will help anyone irritated by strange noises.

Squeaky bike brakes

When they make noise when braking, that's a separate issue – it's usually due to worn pads, discs, or rims. However, sometimes they're responsible for unbearable noises while riding. How to check? The easiest way is to spin the wheel in the air. If it spins with resistance, unevenly, or is just making noise, you've got a suspect. In such cases, brake adjustment is usually necessary. Sometimes you also need to straighten the brake discs – that's definitely a job for a service shop. Squeaky brakes on a bike can also be caused by wheel runout. First, check that the wheel is securely mounted and that there's no play in the bearings. If not, you'll need to have the wheel trued .

Why does my bike squeak? Bearings of all kinds.

The most common cause of squeaks and squeaks is the pedals . For this reason, every bike repair shop has a kit just for quickly replacing them and checking if the problem has resolved. The next suspect is the bottom bracket . If the squeak is cyclical and coming from the bottom, and the pedals have been eliminated, it's most likely the bottom bracket. Squeaks can be caused by the bearings themselves or their housings at the connection to the frame. The latter is especially common with press-fit bottom brackets, so it's important to install them with appropriate glue. However, because the crankset requires removal and the overall hassle, it's also worth checking (by rotating) the headset and wheel bearings. Any play is a strong indicator (and a problem that should be addressed immediately). The rear wheel, especially due to its more complex structure and load, can sometimes squeak due to a bent seal or worn bearing.

For full-suspension bikes, all movable joints should be added to the list. It's best to check them by pressing on the saddle while the bike is stationary. You can also remove the shock and check how the whole thing works "in neutral."

Seatpost, saddle, stem?

A bicycle also has many fixed joints that, when subjected to stress, can have a squeaky feeling. Therefore, besides replacing the pedals, the second most important step in solving "why does a bike squeak?" is cleaning and lubricating the seat post. This treatment can be surprisingly effective, and it also prevents seizing. The seatpost (less often the saddle itself) and the stem are also common sources. With adjustable stems, squeaking is practically the norm. Lubricating all the joints usually helps.

Why does my bike squeak? The reasons are very sad.

There could be another source: a crack. This most commonly occurs in carbon frames (and forks), so if you have a carbon fiber bike, don't ignore any suspicious sounds. The next stage of a crack could involve picking up the teeth from the road. Repairs can be expensive or impossible, but a potential accident would be very dangerous. Fortunately, such damage is relatively rare. With lightweight handlebars and seatposts, the most common cause is overtightening the clamps, so we strongly recommend using a torque wrench and carbon paste.

If you still can't figure out why your bike is squeaking, don't waste time and visit our service center . We guarantee we'll find the cause and provide you with repair options.