Expert: Aaron Wixon - 10/10/2006

Question
I was hearing excessive noise coming from the bottom bracket as well as the crank rubbing the derailure at one point in the rotation. I took the bike to a local shop for a "bottom bracket overhaul". I didn't get a chance to do any long ride until a week after getting the bike back. About 60 miles into the ride the clicking started occuring in the bottom bracket. At a rest stop I had a mechanic look at and he adjusted the tightness of the right hand side and this helped to quite it down a little. He said that the bracket was probably shot. This is a Raliegh Technium about 18 years old. I love the bike and want to keep it forever. Let me know what I need to do to repair this issue. Thanks

Answer
Chances are likely that you have a generic or low end shimano bottom bracket with a square taper configuration. While the design itself is not likely to make noise, it could be creating some noise if the bearings are shot. If you replace the bottom bracket you could likely fix the problem but it is also likely that it could simply be some interference with the threads. I once had a cronic bottom bracket noise problem. I removed the cranks, and bottom bracket, cleaned the threads on the frame, and coated everything in assembly lubricant. It has been fine since. If your handy with tools and have the proper bottom bracket tool and crank puller, you can uninstall it quite easily and grease up all the threads on the bottom bracket. A situation like this is a bit difficult to figure out but you must check everything. Remember, lubricant is your friend with the bottom bracket. Just don't use too much. Good luck with this and if you want to replace the bottom bracket assembly, It could be relatively cheap. Even at your local bike shop.