Strange squeak from EBB

[Matt2matt2002]

A strange bird like squeak from EBB.
Not from peddles.

Not consistent with peddle stroke.
Not related to stress on chain.

Recent EBB maintenance was when chain changed and slight readjustment of EBB.

I'm away in tour at the moment so no data in EBB life time. Perhaps 6+ years. Not submerged. But I'm in Scotland, so a wet environment.

Both bolts on EBB secure.
Chain running on the slack side within a Chainglider.

It's not a rubbing sound. For 10 or 20 seconds in a minute there is no sound.

No drag detected.
Peddles revolve fine.

Thoughts folks please.

I know it needs sorting, but how serious?

I can grease each side of EBB when home but no tool to remove cranks and withdraw EBB completely.

Best

Matt

[PH]

However annoying, squeaks are rarely terminal.
What I'd do:
Chain off, check the cranks spin free and even
look for looseness or play in every interface.
Pedals - crank
crank - axle
BB - shell
Shell - frame

If nothing has play, then it could be a dry bearing, unless you're on a round the World trip, that'll get you home.

Sounds on a bike can be deceptive, often they don't originate in the area you think you hear them, I've been fooled a few times.  A quick check round all the screws and bolts wouldn't be a bad idea.

[Matt2matt2002]

Many thanks.
Yes, a better check is due.

Rain and winds on Shetland / Orkney make is hard to investigate properly.

I should be back on the mainland Saturday where better weather will allow further investigation.

Thanks for your thoughts

No crank movement detected. At the moment.

Best

Matt

 

[JohnR]

As already noted, the sound may originate somewhere else. Check that wheels and chainring bolts are tight and brakes are adjusted. Does the sound stop if you are coasting downhill? A bit of lube on the chain might help. If there's a tight spot it will come round once per chain revolution.

[Matt2matt2002]

Thanks folks.

The squeak/ sound does not link to a wheel or peddle revolution.
No squeak when not peddling.

New chain fitted 3 weeks ago and then EBB adjusted slightly to take up some excess slack. Yes, I know the chain should be on the slack side, so perhaps I took out too much slack?

I use a Chainglider and in the last few weeks the front part no longer clipped together. I used tape to secure it while awaiting delivery of a new part.
But the squeak had a metallic ring to it, so doubt it's the Chainglider.

When back home I can strip things down part by part to investigate properly.

My concern was that it's an EBB internal issue.

Best
From a squeaky Matt on Orkney.

[JohnR]

I wonder if there's a tight spot on the chain due to the chainring not being 100% concentric.

[mickeg]

Almost two decades ago, had a squeak, in my case it was with a pedal stroke.  One of my square taper crankarms was a bit loose.  I was fortunate to fix it in time before any damage done to crankarm.

Could it be an ungreased seatpost or seatpost shim?

Does it squeak if you pedal backwards?  Backwards, you would have no tension on the chain or any other drive train components, other than the weight you are applying to the pedals and cranks/bottom bracket.

If you stand next to the bike, for example on the right side of the bike, left hand holding saddle, right hand on handlebar and holding rear brake so bike can't move.  Standing on your left food, put your right foot on the pedal and press down on it.  Was there a squeak?  That is how I discovered one of my strange clicking noises, as when I was standing next to the bike then my ears were better able to tell were the click was coming from.  Try the same thing from the other side of the bike.

[Matt2matt2002]

Many thanks folks.

I'm still away on tour  . Orkney today.

My investigations will continue

The chain idea is one I think may provide the solution.

Best, a wet and windswept Matt

[Matt2matt2002]

Back at the ranch now from my tour of Orkney and Shetland.

The mystery has been solved.

It was the Chainglider.

A few days before departure the front part of the 'glider came apart and entangled themselves around the cranks.
Not good but fortunately not at speed.

I bodged the halves together and ordered a new section from SJS Part 0350F 38E1.

The squeak appeared while away.
It didn't occur to me that it could be the 'glider since the sound had a metallic bird like chirping ring to it.

Back home I removed the old 'glider, checked the ring bolts, chain tension and went for a quick squeak free spin around the block.

Time and light against me now so I'll fit the new Chainglider tomorrow.

Reading the fitting blurb I see ' Capacity at least 15,000 Km'.
Mine has been on since 2015 so I'm pretty sure I have exceeded that distance.

Once again, many thanks for all suggestions.

Best
From a squeak free Matt.

[martinf]

Back at the ranch now from my tour of Orkney and Shetland.

The mystery has been solved.

It was the Chainglider.

Slightly disappointing, I was hoping it would be one of these:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orkney_vole

[Matt2matt2002]

Back at the ranch now from my tour of Orkney and Shetland.

The mystery has been solved.

It was the Chainglider.

Slightly disappointing, I was hoping it would be one of these:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orkney_vole

Ha ha, but I think I did see one of those.
Can't be certain since they move pretty quick and I had my head down against the rain.

Back to the Chainglider: new part fitted quickly with no need to cut down the length.
I must check my stats to see if I exceeded the 15,000 Km guide.

Matt