A thrumming in the works

kaikane said:

I've recently noticed a thrumming vibration that I can feel through the pedals. I'm thinking it might be worn bearings in the crankset. Does that sound right? Is it a hard job to replace the bearings myself?
Thanks.

I see you are from the Pacific Northwest and as a Seattlite, I know that we have recently entered the rainy (dirty chain) season. Try cleaning and lubing the chain.

John M said:

I see you are from the Pacific Northwest and as a Seattlite, I know that we have recently entered the rainy (dirty chain) season. Try cleaning and lubing the chain.

Thanks. I'll try that. I forgot to mention that I also got some new "slick" tires. It may just be the new "lack of tread" that I'm feeling (or not feeling as the case may be.)

kaikane said:

Thanks. I'll try that. I forgot to mention that I also got some new "slick" tires. It may just be the new "lack of tread" that I'm feeling (or not feeling as the case may be.)

Does it only happen under load such as pedaling hard in a big gear? If so check for rear wheel brushing against the brake pads through flexing or possibly excessive movement in the hub bearings. Easy to test, just ease your brakes away from the rim and see if it goes away.

pod said:

Does it only happen under load such as pedaling hard in a big gear? If so check for rear wheel brushing against the brake pads through flexing or possibly excessive movement in the hub bearings. Easy to test, just ease your brakes away from the rim and see if it goes away.

It's not the wheel brushing against the brakes. It's a constant internal kind of vibration as I speed along a flat and fairly smooth road. I think it might just be the new tires.

kaikane said:

It's not the wheel brushing against the brakes. It's a constant internal kind of vibration as I speed along a flat and fairly smooth road. I think it might just be the new tires.

If it occurs only when pedaling, it is likely to be associated with the drivetrain. If it also is present when coasting, it is probably something with the wheels, like a gritty hub.

I would be surprised if it is the tires. Vibration from tires is usually associated with use of a knobby tread tire on smooth road.

John M said:

If it occurs only when pedaling, it is likely to be associated with the drivetrain. If it also is present when coasting, it is probably something with the wheels, like a gritty hub.

I would be surprised if it is the tires. Vibration from tires is usually associated with use of a knobby tread tire on smooth road.

Good question. I'm not sure if it happens when i coast. I'll check that out. thanks.