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I started get some serious creaking noises today, which can be reproduced by laterally loading the rear wheel. Took the wheel off, put it back on, did the axle nuts up nice and tight, still creaks. I reckon I've ridden somewhere around 25,000 km on it (commuting, on road). Recently there has been some 'wobble' from it as I pedal too- usually stops when I stop pedalling for a second or change gear. Oh, and the rear has started to feel a litle flexy, but all the spokes seem fine. What do people think?
What are the rear cones like? When did you last have it serviced?
Broken axle/cracked frame?
Never been serviced (natch). I opened it up about a year ago, it looked spotless then! But I guess opening it up again won't do any harm.
I haven't looked at the cones, but there is no play so I had assumed that they're ok
I looked for a crack in the frame and couldn't see one, haven't checked the axle. It's a 5 year old steel frame (Surly Troll) and nothing moves when I'm yanking the wheel to recreate the creak, although it could still be cracked of course...
You could put another wheel in (and your alfine in another bike) to confirm if the creak is the frame or wheel for starters. Then check cones, then spokes (again) and nipples, then it might be service time...
Hmm. So, I've taken everything apart. The innards look fine, I've tightened up the cup'n'cones until there's no play and put everything back together but there's still a creak. Aaaargh! I haven't been able to try a new wheel in there yet, I guess it's the next thing to do. It's a bit worrying because the back is now so flexy it feels like I have a flat tyre!!
As a man that has destroyed a few alfines, I suspect that it's spokes or rim, or almost anything but the internals - they tend to go "crunch-bang" and stop working.
Could be the centre-lock disc or spokes?
Have a good look at the welds, where the rear dropout section is joined on the disc brake side I think. You could do this with the wheel out. I recall hearing something similar with someone running a Rohloff. Having said that, cranks, chainring bolts and pedals are worth checking out too.
Cool, thanks peeps. It does feel like a spoke (or two!) has gone. I'll have a look at the dropouts too...
Just looked at the dropout welds, all looks good..
Look like it was a nipple. It finally popped last week, I replaced it and the wheel no longer creaks. That's the second one to go though, so I'm guessing that they're all on their way out now...