Bike Making Clicking Sound When Pedaling- Tips On How To Fix It

Have you ever experienced sudden clicking sounds from your bike while pedaling? The clicking sound annoys every rider who hears it suddenly after enjoying a smooth ride for some time. The sound prompts any sensible rider to stop and investigate its origin to fix the mess. If such a sound is left unattended, it might damage the bike or cause physical injuries to the rider.

What Should I Do If I Hear Clicking Sounds When Pedaling?

What Should I Do If I Hear Clicking Sounds When Pedaling

Please don’t ignore the sound when you hear it. It might be an indication of a faulty component that requires replacement. When bike parts become faulty, they demand immediate attention, or else they may cause extreme damage either to the bike or the rider. The best remedy is to stop the cycle and diagnose the source of the sound before acting accordingly.

Finding the origin of the clicking sound might prove to be a daunting task. If you encounter such a problem, compose yourself and try your best to pinpoint the basis of the disturbing sound. Eliminating the sound after diagnosing its source is a simple matter. However, if you find the task demanding, we are here to guide you to pinpoint the origin and solve the problem. Keep reading!

Tips to Identifying the Source of Your Bike’s Clicking Sound When Pedaling

Your bike may make different noises when riding. These sounds might be squeaks, clicks, or creaks. Besides the annoyance that the sound brings, it indicates that your bike is experiencing a problem and can’t perform typically.

A clicking sound is usually experienced when you pedal hard, intending to move faster. Fast pedaling will make your bike chain try to jump up and down the rear cassette to conform with the pedal’s demands.

The best way to determine the sound source is by pedaling slowly and listening keenly. If it persists, pedal slowly and try to pinpoint the component responsible for the sound. To guide you in identifying what might be faulty, here are some of the root causes of your bike’s clicking sound when pedaling:

1. Hard Pedaling

Hard pedaling is a situation whereby you pedal your bike with difficulties. When you experience such a situation, it is a clear indicator that your chain is dry. A dry chain is one sure source of a clicking noise when pedaling.

If your bike chain is poorly lubricated, it performs dismally.  Denying your bike chain a lubricant means that it cannot cope with the amount of energy you transmit while pedaling, hence the clicking sound.

A practical remedy is to lubricate the chain by using a lubricant spray or any other appropriate lube. Regular application of lube to your bike chain might save you from these annoying clicking sounds when pedaling.

2. The Derailleur Pulleys 

The derailleur pulleys might be another origin of the clicking sound when pedaling. To be sure about the sound source, inspect the pulleys closely and ensure that they are correctly lubed.

Applying a little oil in the midst points of the side plates and the pulleys makes the mechanism work better and eliminates cases of clicking sounds while pedaling.

You can as well remove the pulleys and grease them individually. After oiling, reassemble and fix them back. This simple process ensures that you have done away with the disturbing clicking sound experienced when pedaling.

3. Shaky Brake Pads

When pedaling, your bike can produce a clicking sound if the brake pads vibrate against the rims.

Ensuring that your bike’s brake pads are in optimum condition and appropriately fixed to solve the sound issue.

When brake pads are toed correctly, their fore part only makes contact with the rear part and eliminates the sound.

After you are done with the brake pads, ensure that the rims are clean as dirt residues can cause unpleasant sounds when riding. Suppose the rim has accumulated dirt particles; clean it using a solvent.

4. Loose Cassette Cogs

If your bike has loose cassette cogs, they might cause a funny clicking sound when pedaling. Ensure you scrutinize them to ensure that they are intact.

If you realize that they are the root course of the sound, remedy the situation by using a cassette locking device and an adjustable wrench. Ensure you tighten the loose cogs securely to eliminate the clicking sounds.

5. Loose Presta Valve Nuts

Be aware that sometimes Presta valve nuts may get loose, leading to reduced holding. If the nuts hold loosely, your bike produces a clicking sound when pedaling.

Confirm whether these nuts are tight if you experience the noise after counterchecking the cassette cogs, brake pads, derailleur pulleys, and lubricating the chain. If you discover that they are loose, tighten them. You can enhance the hold by introducing the O-ring below the nuts. 

6. Loose Bottom Bracket And Pedals 

Loose pedals and bottom brackets are likely suspects that contribute to a clicking sound when you pedal faster. You must ensure that the two components are steady to eliminate the sounds.

If you diagnose that the pedals are loose, ensure you tighten them using a pedal wrench. You also have to strengthen the cleat tensions to get rid of the sound.

Suppose your bottom bracket is loose, ensure you adjust it properly. Start by removing the crank arms and ensuring they are in a proper position before tightening the cups. Before winding up, see to it that the bearings are correctly adjusted.

7. Faulty Pump Position

If the pump is in the wrong position, it can brush the crank arm and produce a clicking sound when pedaling.

Check to ensure the pump is in a proper position. If not, reposition it well and check to confirm that it leaves enough allowance from the crank arm.

Conclusion

Riding a bike is a beautiful experience when the ride is smooth without noise incidents. However, when you encounter a clicking noise when pedaling, the ride becomes stressful. You might be having a non-functioning component such as a bent derailleur that can require expert attention. But before you visit a technician, diagnose the areas discussed on this page and see whether you can troubleshoot the problem.

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