BIKE: Creaking bottom bracket

[Art]

This happened to me twice.

The first time it turned out to be the seat, but
really sounded like the cranks because it creaked at
the same cadence as my cranks.  A little oil on the
posts solved that.

The second time it was the bottom bracket due to age
and riding in rain.  I went to the bike shop and they
told me what tools I needed to buy and how much it
would cost for them to do the job ($20 if the cartige
bottom bracket was still good).  Some crank types are
easier (require fewer tools) to work on than others. 
I bought a standard hex wrench at the hardware store
($0.85 instead of $3.75 at the bike shop).  

Some sources of information about how to do the job
and tools can be found at your bike shop, 
the yellow bike project
http://www.austinyellowbike.org/, 
online such as 
http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQindex.shtml
or search google
or in books such as "Zen and the Art of Bicycle"
Maintenance or Park Tool's book available at bike
shops.
You probably can get these books out of the library.

All I needed to do was remove the cranks and grease
the bottom bracket threads and the creaking stopped. 
The cartrige bottom bracket itself is still good.

I spent about $10 on tools and a couple hours working
on it.  It was fun and gave me a sense of satisfaction
that I am able to work on my bike.  


--- Kevin Winert <kwinert1> wrote:

> I have a very loud, creaking bottom bracket
> (although
> the creaking could be my knee). I read on line that
> usually this means it needs to be tightened or
> adjusted, perhaps greased.
> 
> Does anyone have experience with this?
> 
> Thanks,
> Kevin Winert
> kwinert1
> 
> 
> 		
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