The stem on my Cannondale T800 is creaking when I twist the handlebar along the stem axis (when riding hard for example). The bolts are already very tight so I don't think the problem comes from that.
I was thinking about applying a bit of grease (or wd40?) between the stem and the steering column and the handlebar, but I have read conflicting advice about doing this. Some people say you should never grease a threadless headset whereas other say that a big of grease helps with creaking noises. I don't have a carbon steerer (I think it's just steel or aluminium) so maybe grease is ok?
The stem on my Cannondale T800 is creaking when I twist the handlebar along the stem axis (when riding hard for example). The bolts are already very tight so I don't think the problem comes from that.
I was thinking about applying a bit of grease (or wd40?) between the stem and the steering column and the handlebar, but I have read conflicting advice about doing this. Some people say you should never grease a threadless headset whereas other say that a big of grease helps with creaking noises. I don't have a carbon steerer (I think it's just steel or aluminium) so maybe grease is ok?
Cheers, Arnaud.
This usually comes from the place where the stem meets the steerer tube. Definitely remove the stem, grease the outside surface, and replace the stem. This will not cause any harm at all. Failing to do this may cause harm, so do it.
The noise sometimes comes from the place where the handlebar meets the stem. This can be less convenient to grease.
These noises often come from much more mysterious places, such as the place where the pedal meets the crankarm. Soemtimes, it's the saddle. And you could swear it's coming from a different area of the bike.
The stem on my Cannondale T800 is creaking when I twist the handlebar along the stem axis (when riding hard for example). The bolts are already very tight so I don't think the problem comes from that.
I was thinking about applying a bit of grease (or wd40?) between the stem and the steering column and the handlebar, but I have read conflicting advice about doing this. Some people say you should never grease a threadless headset whereas other say that a big of grease helps with creaking noises. I don't have a carbon steerer (I think it's just steel or aluminium) so maybe grease is ok?
In my experience, modern Aluminium bikes seem to be far more prone to developing random creaks. I can elminate those associated with my bike by stripping the stem and handlebars and applying copper grease to all surfaces before retightening. Other places where this works are seatpost and saddle rails. And if you have Aluminium STI lugs on the frame and the steel ends on the outer, dirt can get in the gap and produce some amazing creaks when turning.
Which reminds me that I need to do all this again as my Giant is currently creaking like an old ship!
The stem on my Cannondale T800 is creaking when I twist the handlebar along the stem axis (when riding hard for example). The bolts are already very tight so I don't think the problem comes from that.
Before you mess with this just check that the QR on the front wheel is really tight. My headset creak went completely when I did this. I was surprised as I was certain it was the head set.
Ok, I've tried a bit of grease on the steering column, handlebar, and all the nuts and bolts but the creaks are still there, it seems even worse...
It seems a lot of people have creaking noise problems and just live with it, so I'll try to ignore the noises in the future 🙂
Cheers, Arnaud.
Simon Brooke said:
in message <[email hidden]>, Arnaud
(') said:
Hi,
The stem on my Cannondale T800 is creaking when I twist the handlebar along the stem axis (when riding hard for example). The bolts are already very tight so I don't think the problem comes from that.
My Cannondale (Jekyll) stem (or handlebar) also creaks horribly under similar circumstances. I had honestly not thought of grease to cure it, but I may try. Let us know how you get on.
