Clicks and creaks checklist

Right, we have had repeated threads about clicks and creaks on a bike. I think we should consolidate all the things you could check out into on single checklist that we can refer noobs to.

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Most people say that they think the clicks/creaks come from the bottom bracket area but often it turns out that this wasn't the case so you should really check out all the things on this list.

I'm gonna start with:

• Tighten crank bolts
  
• Tighten chainring bolts
  
• Grease chainring bolts threads
  
• Check spoke tension
  
• Try less chain tension
  
• Grease crank tapers
  
• Check pedals aren't too tight
  
• Grease pedal threads
  
• If unsealed bearings in pedals or hubs, take apart and regrease
  
• Tighten bottom bracket cups
  
• Grease bottom bracket cup threads
  
• Tighten handlebar stem interface
  
• Remove seatpost, clean, reinsert
  
• Remove saddle from seatpost, clean, reinsert.
  
• Lightly lube the front bolt if you ride a Brooks (drove kam nuts for a few days)
  
• Remove bars from stem, clean, reinsert.
  
• Clean cleats and pedals, possibly lube surface (Look are notorious for squeaks)
  
• Check your shoes. KDence' unidentified creak turned out to be a crack in the sole plate
  
• Check for cracks, cracks are creaky. Driveside dropout and the headtube are common places
  
• How old is the chain in relation to cog and chainring?
  
• Have you just changed something?
  
• Has a torque wrench ever gone near your bike? I.e. are all the parts (particularly the crank) at the correct torque?
  
• Replace pedals
  
• Replace BB
  
  
  
  
  

Please post mechanical issues to check out in this thread and I will update the list.