How can I diagnose a consistent high pitch noise that matches my cadence?

Asked Jun 22 '20 at 14:22

Active Nov 04 '22 at 11:02

Viewed 485 times

I've been cycling on my Trek Emonda S4 for about 530 km so far and I've noticed a high-pitched but quiet sound while I'm out. It increases in volume and pitch as I increase my cadence. I'm concerned I could be doing some damage to it. The crankset is my suspicion. Is it possible that I haven't lubricated it properly or often enough?

edited Nov 04 '22 at 11:02

RosePumpkin

asked Jun 22 '20 at 14:22

CanadianBagpiper

3

Have you tried turning the pedals whilst standing next to the bike and lifting the rear wheel? This might give you a better idea where the sound is coming from and what the cause might be. – Bono Jun 22 '20 at 14:29
4

Try to move various things independently. While standing lift the rear wheel and turn the cranks. Is the noise still there? Is it also there when backpedalling? The first thing to try is to lube the chain. What if you turn the rear wheel alone? You can also try turning the cranks without chain. – Vladimir F Героям слава Jun 22 '20 at 14:45
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When I get that it's my joints squeaking! – Daniel R Hicks Jun 22 '20 at 15:22
When you say the crankset is your suspicion, do you actually mean the chain? – Weiwen Ng Jun 22 '20 at 16:52
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@DanielRHicks A squirt of oil should fix that... :-D – Andrew Henle Jun 22 '20 at 16:59
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That sounds like something rubbing - maybe in a bearing. What kind of pedals? Is the sound steady or does it rise and fall in sync with your pedaling? – Andrew Henle Jun 22 '20 at 17:06
@AndrewHenle - I prefer a shot of something! – Daniel R Hicks Jun 22 '20 at 18:01
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@AndrewHenle Hips, knees & ankles rarely have grease nipples. – Carel Jun 22 '20 at 18:30
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540km, what age is the Trek? The warranty could still cover that (?) Take it to the seller. Could be a misaligned BB. – Carel Jun 22 '20 at 18:32
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For years, I would hear a similar sound from time to time. I finally figured out it was slight shoe rub onto a crank arm. Not enough to cause paint wear, but just enough to make a high pitched sound. Similar to a small bird chirp.
If you have this problem, see if slightly rotating your feet change the sound.
– nogasbiker Jun 24 '20 at 08:00
1

Did you ever find a cause? Feel free to post your own answer if so. – Criggie Nov 04 '22 at 11:53

How can I diagnose a consistent high pitch noise that matches my cadence?

0 Answers0