All tips
Bike makes noises
Creaking, rattling, squeaking or rubbing – where does it come from?
1. Problem
The bike creaks when pedalling, rattles over cobblestones, squeaks or rubs. Noises are annoying – but above all they are a sign that something has come loose or is wearing out.
2. Cause
- Creaking when pedalling: loose pedals, crank, bottom bracket – or saddle and seat post
- Rattling: loose mudguards, rack, kickstand, lock or chain guard
- Squeaking: dry chain or dirty brake
- Rubbing: brake or mudguard touching the wheel, wheel out of true
3. Solution
- Listen to when it happens: only when pedalling (drivetrain), when rolling (wheels, parts) or when braking
- Tighten all bolts on mudguards, rack, kickstand and saddle
- Clean and oil the chain (see “How to oil a bike chain properly”)
- Turn the wheel slowly and see where it rubs – align the brake or mudguard
4. Workshop tip
Creaking when pedalling often has a surprising cause – very often it's the seat post or a pedal, not the bottom bracket. We usually find the source with a short test ride at the shop.
— Bike Haus Freiburg
Matching spare parts
Rather have it repaired?
Come to our workshop at Heckerstraße 27 without an appointment – small repairs are often done right away while you wait.