Creak when I don’t clean my bike!

[Lordbenny]

I recently replaced my mountain bike’s bottom bracket, rear cassette and chain because of creaking, (the bottom bracket bearings had had it). All done properly with correct grease etc. It was running super smooth after my first ride however on my second ride, I didn’t clean my bike after the first one, if started creaking! I then gave the bike a good clean and took it up the road and the creaking had disappeared…what do you think was causing the creaking? Im not 100% sure exactly where is was coming from to be fair! Do you guys re-grease your bottom bracket every time you clean your bikes?

[Barchettaman]

No.

Mysterious creaks are often difficult to diagnose.

Seatpost?
Pedal bearings?
BB preload?
Headset?
Frame crack?

[JimbobVFR]

Beat me to, I was going to say the last creak I fixed was actually a slightly loose chain ring bobbin. Thoroughly cleaning the surfaces and refastening sorted it out.

It's not necessarily your BB at fault.

[TheDrownedApe]

Barchettaman said:

No.

Mysterious creaks are often difficult to diagnose.

Seatpost?
Pedal bearings?
BB preload?
Headset?
Frame crack?

Seatpost is your first answer for a reason: it's my 1st guess too. The completely un-obvious choice that tends to be the answer.

OP,, it sounds stupid but does it creak if you are standing?

[Matt_N]

Check the QRs / axles, apply a light coat of grease on mating surface.

[mike9009]

Had this happen years ago and recently with my lads bike. Pedal bearings. Trial by swapping some from a known good bike.....

[Lordbenny]

Thanks for your reply’s…will give it a good look at tomorrow!

[RC1807]

I was baffled by a creak on my older road bike. Turned out to be the saddle rails!