Stem Handlebar Interface Creak Noise

Kenny said:

I have a handlebar which is 25.8mm in diameter and a stem where the
clamp area is 26mm. The stem is one of those with four bolts to bolt
down the stem plate.The stem clamps down pretty snug to the handlebar,
but when riding I hear creaking whenever I put pressure on the bars. I
greased everything, the bolts that clamp on to the steerer, the stem
plate bolts, the handlebar part which interfaces with the stem and the
inside of the stem plate. No luck. I did notice something though, after
tightening the stem plate bolts all the way, I'd test for the creaking
sound by rocking the bars from left to right and putting some weight
into it. Of course the creaking sound would still be present, but also
that the stem bolts have begun to come undone ever so slightly. Any
ideas besides buy new handlebars that fit the stem?

I've seen more than a few handlebars cracked there, causing creaking.

Of course, use a torque wrench to get all four bolts the same tighness.
Double check to verify that the creak isn't sneaking out from the
brake lever bar interface. I was fooled by this once.

Having a bar or stem break is a very scary outcome. Good luck and be safe.

Qui si parla Campagnolo said:

Kenny said:

I have a handlebar which is 25.8mm in diameter and a stem where the
clamp area is 26mm. The stem is one of those with four bolts to bolt
down the stem plate.The stem clamps down pretty snug to the handlebar,
but when riding I hear creaking whenever I put pressure on the bars. I
greased everything, the bolts that clamp on to the steerer, the stem
plate bolts, the handlebar part which interfaces with the stem and the
inside of the stem plate. No luck. I did notice something though, after
tightening the stem plate bolts all the way, I'd test for the creaking
sound by rocking the bars from left to right and putting some weight
into it. Of course the creaking sound would still be present, but also
that the stem bolts have begun to come undone ever so slightly. Any
ideas besides buy new handlebars that fit the stem?

I've seen more than a few handlebars cracked there, causing creaking.

Well replaced the stem with another one I had laying around. It's 25.8
and made by 3TTT. the same company that makes my bars. Well wouldn't
you know it, no more creaking. Now the weight weeny in me is saying
"should I get a new stem or get new bars?" Because my stem replacement
is about 60g more that the one it replaced.

Kenny said:

Well replaced the stem with another one I had laying around. It's 25.8
and made by 3TTT. the same company that makes my bars. Well wouldn't
you know it, no more creaking. Now the weight weeny in me is saying
"should I get a new stem or get new bars?" Because my stem replacement
is about 60g more that the one it replaced.

What about shimming the previous arrangement? One little Coke can section
should do the trick. (Make sure the other stem isn't damaged, of course --
esp. the bolts and threads.)

Bill S.

Bill Sornson said:

What about shimming the previous arrangement? One little Coke can section
should do the trick. (Make sure the other stem isn't damaged, of course --
esp. the bolts and threads.)

Bill S.

I tried using soda can metal for shimming material before. I used it to
shim my seatpost because I couldn't find a proper shim. It worked
temporarily, but due to the metal's thinness they wore out in no time.
No, one would need a proper shim like the ones they make to convert
stems from 1 1/8" to 1" or seat post shims. I'm not going to knock
myself out over this, I'm either going to buy a new bar that is 26mm at
the clamp area or get a new stem that is 25.8mm. But most likely I'll
just live with the extra 60grams.

Kenny

I had that problem and I fixed it with teflon plummer's tape. One layer
around the bars were the clamp makes contact.

A very thin (say .003" or less) shim made of a soft "self lubricating"
metal like brass would work too.

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Group: rec.bicycles.tech Date: Wed, Jul 5, 2006, 3:52pm (EDT+4) From:
[email hidden] (Bill Sornson)

Quoted message said:

What about shimming the previous
arrangement? One little Coke can
section should do the trick. (Make sure>the other stem isn't damaged,

of cou

Quoted message said:

se -- esp. the bolts and threads.)

Quoted message said:

Bill S.

Someone's been readin' my MacGyverisms. :-3)

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Comments and opinions compliments of,
"Your Friendly Neighborhood Wheelman"

My web Site:
http://geocities.com/czcorner

To E-mail me:
ChrisZCorner "at" webtv "dot" net

Chris Z The Wheelman said:

I had that problem and I fixed it with teflon plummer's tape. One layer
around the bars were the clamp makes contact.

A very thin (say .003" or less) shim made of a soft "self lubricating"
metal like brass would work too.

- -
Comments and opinions compliments of,
"Your Friendly Neighborhood Wheelman"

My web Site:
http://geocities.com/czcorner

To E-mail me:
ChrisZCorner "at" webtv "dot" net

Thanks for the tip. Will give it a try.

Kenny