Clicks and creaks

[tuffer]

Only had my MTB for 5 months and it has already developed some annoying clicks and creaking from the chainring/pedal/crank/bottom bracket area. The first click is a regular single beat in time with pedaling and I can't seem to narrow down the source. The creaking sound is when under load and I am stood up on the pedals for a short climb, sounds like it could be from the chain rings.
What is the best way to go about eliminating these sorts of issues? I regularly clean and oil the chain but I have yet to strip anything down and grease it, I am a bit of a spaz to be honest so would probably F it up. Should I just take it in for a service?

[BliarOut]

If you've ridden through winter it's probably the BB. I'd check all nuts and bolts first. If that doesn't do it grab the
Pedals and try pulling them side to side to check for play.

[Funkateer]

Check the tightness of the chainring bolts. A mate had the same sort of creakiness/clickiness, and it went after tightening the chainrings.

[shouldbworking]

My moneys on the pedals. Or the nut on top

[tuffer]

My knees are pretty shot so it could be them I think it's the chain ring bolts, will give them another tweak over the weekend.

[Ray Luxury-Yacht]

Having worked in a bike shop, I can pretty much tell you this kind of clicking / creaking is usually from the crank arms, where they mount onto the bottom bracket spindle.

Remove the crank arms (you'll need a special 'puller tool' - around a tenner from most bike shops or ebay) then apply Copper Grease (can get from most Auto parts shops or Halfords) to the ends of the bottom bracket spindle, then re-fit the crank arms.

Problem gone!

[caiss4]

I've been getting this regular clicking noise for a couple of weeks and it was also apparent the BB was shot so I assumed that the noise was further proof I needed to change the BB.

Anyway new BB went on yesterday after washing out half of Salisbury Plain from inside the frame! All nice and firm, no unwanted play. Went out this morning and for the first 30 mins still had this clicking but now its gone

[tuffer]

Ray Luxury-Yacht said:

Having worked in a bike shop, I can pretty much tell you this kind of clicking / creaking is usually from the crank arms, where they mount onto the bottom bracket spindle.

Remove the crank arms (you'll need a special 'puller tool' - around a tenner from most bike shops or ebay) then apply Copper Grease (can get from most Auto parts shops or Halfords) to the ends of the bottom bracket spindle, then re-fit the crank arms.

Problem gone!

I am going to try this next week, thanks for the tip.

[tuffer]

caiss4 said:

I've been getting this regular clicking noise for a couple of weeks and it was also apparent the BB was shot so I assumed that the noise was further proof I needed to change the BB.

Anyway new BB went on yesterday after washing out half of Salisbury Plain from inside the frame! All nice and firm, no unwanted play. Went out this morning and for the first 30 mins still had this clicking but now its gone

We still need to join you for a ride out, think we may be free next week if you are heading out on the Plain.

[caiss4]

tuffer said:

We still need to join you for a ride out, think we may be free next week if you are heading out on the Plain.

Yes, should be and the ranges are open every weekend in June. Imber is open this week until Thursday btw.

Another source of creaking can be the seat post clamp. One of the guys had this regular creaking noise. Tried everything with no joy until one day he went to adjust his saddle, opened the clamp and it disintegrated. Metal fatigue. New clamp, no creak.