Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.

New: Take Part in the March Giveaway: Coming Soon 3/24


Rear wheel groans when I pedal out of the saddle
#1
It sounds like a brake pad rubbing as the frame or wheel flexes, but that's not it. When I'm climbing or accelerating quickly, and get out of the saddle to pedal hard, I get a groan from the wheel. I know it only happens on ONE downstroke, but I don't remember if it's left or right or if it varies.

Not sure what it is. Could it be:
--loose spoke(s)
--something screwy in the hub
--???

Thoughts?

Thanks!
  Reply
#2
Have you confirmed that the noise is coming from the wheel by swapping wheels to see if the noise follows the wheel? In my experience it is fairly common for crank sets to creak or groan under stress. Can you reproduce the noise on a trainer or by putting your front wheel against a wall, full braking, and then standing on the pedals? This could be a two or three person job I suppose--one to hold the bike, another to stress the bike and the third to "look" for the noise.
  Reply
#3
Great advice...I'll try that soon and come back to update the thread.

(01-20-2010, 05:19 PM)j beede Wrote:  Have you confirmed that the noise is coming from the wheel by swapping wheels to see if the noise follows the wheel? In my experience it is fairly common for crank sets to creak or groan under stress. Can you reproduce the noise on a trainer or by putting your front wheel against a wall, full braking, and then standing on the pedals? This could be a two or three person job I suppose--one to hold the bike, another to stress the bike and the third to "look" for the noise.
  Reply
#4
A little trick I have used before is whoever is checking for the source of the noise can roll up a piece of paper and put it up to their ear for precise hearing. As goofy as it sounds it does work.
Good maintenance to your Bike, can make it like the wheels are, true and smooth!
  Reply
#5
It could be the hub bearings. What kind of wheel is it?
  Reply
#6
Check that your crank arms and pedals are tight. A lot of creaks and groans can come from this area.
  Reply
#7
Also check the chainring bolts. I've seen the chainring or its parts including the bottom bracket cause everything from a small squeak to a creak to a thump on pedal strokes.

Of course, it could be your headset.Big Grin

*edit* It could be a LOT of things. Check everything everyone has suggested.
Dedicated scholar of bicycles
  Reply
#8
If there is a Harbor Freight store near you they sell a mechanics stethoscope for a couple dollars that may be of value. It has a metal probe that helps isolate the source of noises. WARNING: you will end up rebuilding/repacking/replacing all of your bearings after you use this tool!
...j
  Reply
#9
Aw...That's half the fun of wrenching on your own bike!Big Grin
Dedicated scholar of bicycles
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
Expensive bikes with crappy wheels
Today 10:15 AM
Santini fluted frame
Today 07:44 AM
Where are you from and What is your favo...
Yesterday 11:43 PM
2007 Trek Pilot S.P.A. 5.2
Yesterday 07:06 PM
2010 Specialized Hardrock
03-26-2024 09:16 PM
1990 Specialized Rockhopper How to Fluff...
03-25-2024 07:05 PM
Thread busted on right pedal crank
03-24-2024 08:52 PM
Trek domane tyre
03-24-2024 05:48 PM
Modern rims crack at spoke holes
03-24-2024 05:32 PM
Cup & Cone — Simple & Durable or PITA & ...
03-24-2024 04:53 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. Painkiller
21 posts
no avatar 2. ReapThaWhirlwind
16 posts
no avatar 3. Jesper
15 posts
no avatar 4. meamoantonio
15 posts
no avatar 5. GirishH
15 posts