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Hi everyone!
Recently I started to hear a whirring sound from the bottom bracket - which also caused vibration in the cranks which was noticeable through my feet and legs.
I thought it's probably a warn-out bottom bracket, or the bearings are worn or whatever.
So last night I installed a brand-new "Shimano BB-5500 105 Octalink Bottom Bracket". All that to hear the whirring noise again this morning going to work!
The exact scenario is:
Going down-hill at a good speed, chain in big-ring and in one of the smaller sprockets.
Then there's a point where more pedalling does nothing (going fast-enough), so I stop pedalling and bring the drive-side pedal down closest to the road, and the left-side pedal up in the air (that's usually my preferred resting position).
Exactly at that point, high speed and just after stopping pedalling, is when this strange whirring noise starts.
Even with a new bottom-bracket! I'm lost at this point. I'm pretty sure it's installed correctly.
Any ideas? Thanks!
Stealth installation of electric motor?
It's making a noise when you're not pedaling? Doesn't sound like bottom bracket problem to me. Last time I had a noise like that, it was the end of the front gear cable rubbing on the back tyre. Gear cable or something humming in the breeze? Tyre slightly out of balance and vibrating through the frame?
Just because you can feel it through the pedals, and it seems like it's coming from the BB area, doesn't necessarily mean that it is BB related. The fact that it happens when you're not actually doing anything that involves the BB axle rotating suggests that too (and the fact that it happens after a BB change.)
Loads of other stuff to check. Hub bearings, loose spokes, maybe a loose brake pad?
freewheel bearing probably shot if it does it when your freewheeling, get the wheel out and check for excessive play from the axle
Hmmm. Good point.
Never thought to check it. Do I need any special tools to open up the hub? Or to check the freewheel bearings?
Cheers guys.
Normally a selection of cone wrenches/big allen keys depending on what hub it is. Best to see if there is serious play in the axle first before thinking about taking it apart.
Is your hamster still in its cage at home ....?
take it to your lbs if it's the freehub, check front as well. Check every single bolt on your bike is done up!
Mavic freehub?
There was such a thread just this week.
When the seal/bushing goes, it makes a whirring noise, and the chain goes loose.
 Best to see if there is serious play in the axle first before thinking about taking it apart.
Will do.
Mavic freehub?
There was such a thread just this week.
When the seal/bushing goes, it makes a whirring noise, and the chain goes loose.
Yeah! It's a mavic freehub. You got a link for that thread? Thanks
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/fun-with-draggy-mavic-freehub/
They're really easy to take apart. 2 5mm allen keys or a 5mm allen key and a normal spanner, depending on exact model. Don't lose the washer that's inside.
Makes a horrible whirring / buzzing / wailing noise. First time it happened to me I had to get someone to ride right beside and watch and listen to the bike to work out where the noise was. Then google told me it's a common occurrence on loads of different Mavic road and MTB hubs.
Awesome. Thanks man!
Makes a horrible whirring / buzzing / wailing noise.
Exact description of my problem 🙂
First time it happened to me I had to get someone to ride right beside and watch and listen to the bike to work out where the noise was.
I was already of thinking of getting someone to do that haha. But now I know what it is.
Really appreciate all the help!!