clicking creaking drivetrain on SS

so - my genesis flyer (currently running SS on a Halo Clickster freewheel) has started making a horrid clicking and creaking noise whenever any power is put down - you can feel the creak through both feet and its quite loud. it started after being off the bike for a few weeks.

the chain isn't particularly worn, but the freewheel cog teeth are (I have a new one on order) the spider bolts are secure, the cranks have no play, and the BB spins smoothly with the chain off - ive had a good look at the freewheel and it seems okay, spinning freely and everything.

I dont have a freewheel tool so cant get the thing off, I DO have a white industries freewheel on order, which should arrive in a couple of days...an lbs will put it on for a few dollars...

..my main concern is, could I have missed anything? does that clicking/creaking sound like dying freewheel bearings?

thanks!

Change the chain and freewheel.

Check the BB is nipped up tight into the shell.

Check the pedals are on tight.

Make sure the rear wheel is in square.

I agree with @Hefty. Strip is down and remove the BB. Re grease and refit. Same with chainset and pedals. Is it a square taper BB?

thanks

bb is snug, pedals are in good shape and on tight, ive adjusted the rear wheel (and chain tension) a few times and initially making it a tad looser made the sound a bit better but it soon came back just as bad.

It is a square taper BB yes - I haven't pulled it out yet, but like I said theres no play and it spins smoothly with the chain off

Presumably if you've tightened the BB you've also had the cranks off and refitted, in which case I dunno. Give it to your lbs.

Do check also for play in the rear hub bearing. If it is worn, the wheel can start wiggling.

thats a good point...there is a tiny bit of play in the back wheel (a couple of mm) and its a pretty old wheel......original alex rims rear wheel from 2012/13 flyer I think

Are the chainring bolts properly tightened? I find that is often a source of noise.

Also saddle. I was being plagued by a creak which I isolated to the saddle (by standing up and putting the power down etc) so I greased the fuck out of the underneath of it. Creak gone.

yes they are extremely tight (too tight? is that a thing?) and the sound/feel is definitely from something connected to the drive train. You can feel it as soon as you put down any power, seated or standing, and not if applying very light pressure

turns out it was the freewheel - its amazing what a difference it makes, feels like a new bike.

Clickster in the bin - ENO all the way now

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