Crank Spindle Sear Causing Creak?

[jwess1234]

Is it possible to wear down a crank spindle so much so that it is the source of a creak? A mechanic suggested this might be a cause--it is definitely at the crank area (non-evo SuperSix). New BB30 bearings with only 400-500 miles. Crankset likely has 15000 miles.

Thanks in advance for any input.

[93KgBike]

Check the tightness of your pedals to the cranks, first. ride.

Seatpost clamp, second. ride.

Seatpost collar, third. ride.

use a torque wrench on the seat clamp if the seat rails are carbon.

[Lifecycle]

Had one one time ..
Took a few rides to figure out ...
as it only made noise when I would stand or climb🤔

Checked everything you recomended ( above)
Turned out to be a bad spindle in the Pedal itself 😅

Went away with a new set 😄

[CiclistiCliff]

Place your foot on the NDS chainstay behind the BB shell. Press slightly while holding the seatpost clamp area and handlebar.

Now repeat on the DS.

Does it creak?

If yes, the frame is dead. Warranty it. Also look for surface cracks around the bb shell/sleeve and behind the seat tube/bb shell area.

Crude method? Yes, kinda, but I've found many damaged frames this way after chasing creaks and whatnot.

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If they used FSA bearings, they're known for their outer race deforming a bit while being pressed in and that'll cause noise prematurely. This is coming straight from Cannondale. Nothing printed, but considered a 'known issue' .

//

I have seen aluminum spindles have enough marring on the bearing surface that it caused noise as the interface was not even.

[jwess1234]

Thank you all for your advice and expertise! Checked all the other potential symptoms, not the cause. Brought to a second shop after I thought the first one wasn't very skilled--and second reputable shop put in Wheels MFG bearings and they didn't creak for a while.

Going to try the following--wouldn't mind warrantying for a new Cannondale Frame :) If it doesn't work, looks like its time for a new crankset...

Place your foot on the NDS chainstay behind the BB shell. Press slightly while holding the seatpost clamp area and handlebar.

Now repeat on the DS.

Does it creak?

If yes, the frame is dead. Warranty it. Also look for surface cracks around the bb shell/sleeve and behind the seat tube/bb shell area.

Crude method? Yes, kinda, but I've found many damaged frames this way after chasing creaks and whatnot.

[peanutgallery]

I have seen hub axles blow out in a similr situation with pf bearings

Not a surprising conclusion