Shimano XT Pedal Creaking Issue

[simpsonn]

Has anyone had issues with these pedals creaking and feeling squishy? I have the XC version (smaller ones) and the left pedal first developed a creak but now feels almost squishy when pedaling. I've tried dropping some chain lube on the internals and even sprayed some dry lubricant on it with no such luck.

[sjbraun]

Check you cleats. Every time my SPD pedals started to creak, new cleats were the answer to quiet pedaling.

[Matthew]

Maybe a cracked sole? Could be why it feels soft?

[GregL]

Never had my XT SPDs feel “squishy,” but I had lots of creaks. After much frustration, I traced the creaks to the cleat-pedal interface. I now apply Boeshield to the cleat-pedal mating surfaces every few rides. No more creaks!

Greg

[charliedid]

Originally Posted by GregL

Never had my XT SPDs feel “squishy,” but I had lots of creaks. After much frustration, I traced the creaks to the cleat-pedal interface. I now apply Boeshield to the cleat-pedal mating surfaces every few rides. No more creaks!

Greg

Me too

[dddd]

I've broken the bridge of material between the slots in the sole a couple of times, and was the cause of much squishiness before the cleat finally pulled free from the sole.

When using mtb pedals/shoes on road rides, squeeks occasionally develop with some shoes. I've had to pull over and collect a couple of large, waxy-looking leaves which I then managed to position between pedal and shoe as I clipped in. This effectively lubricated the shoe/cleat to pedal interface for the ride duration.

I think that the exact formulation of the shoe tread material is a major factor here (not that the metal-to-metal bits can't also cause squeeking, especially when the face of the tread has worn down sufficiently to cause slop movement).

[bigbill]

A quick go/no go for SPD pedal creaking while out riding is to squirt some water on the pedals. If the creaking goes away for a few minutes, it's an interface issue that is solved with some kind of spray-on lube or wax. My wife makes soap and I have an old bar that I rub on my cleats about once a week. I live in the desert, I'd do it more often if I rode in the wet. I'd rather leave some shavings of an all-natural soap on the trail than oil.

[JWB475]

Also make sure the cleats are aligned/centered when you pedal. That tends to fix most of my creaking problems (so does a little pre ride spray with some WD-40).

[drewskey]

Does the pedal body jiggle up and and down easily? Your bearings might be dry.

I recently re-greased my pedals using this reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVmSrsnVUGI

[caneye]

Originally Posted by drewskey

Does the pedal body jiggle up and and down easily? Your bearings might be dry.

I recently re-greased my pedals using this reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVmSrsnVUGI

+1

Needs to be greased.
Lube will be temporary fix only.

Don't ignore it when it develops lateral play.

[simpsonn]

Thanks everyone, great info. I'll check for play in the pedal body first and then swap out to new cleats if that isn't the issue.