How to Fix Creaking Bicycle Pedals

Creaking bicycle pedals could be a sign that the pedals are worn or loose and need adjusting or replacing. Loose pedals can pose a safety hazard, and it can also create a high-pitched noise. The pedal is a fairly simple part of the bicycle, and making adjustments to fix creaks is usually very easy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Wrench (pedal or Allen)
Grease
Cleats
Paper towel

Step 1

Look over the cleats on the pedals, if they are clipless. Worn down cleats can cause a shrill creaking noise on occasion, particularly if you are an avid bike rider logging hundreds, if not thousands, of miles on your pedals and cleats. An easy test to determine if cleats are the problem is to ride the bike barefoot and listen for any squeaking. If it goes away, you probably need new cleats.

Step 2

Wipe off any existing grease on the pedal's axle with a paper towel. Sometimes dirt and other sediments can get caught in the grease and create a creaking or squeaking noise on the metal. Wiping away the old grease gets rid of the particles causing the noise. Also, be sure to wipe away the grease in the shaft, as sediments can also accumulate here. Apply some fresh grease to the axle and spin the pedals a few rotations to distribute the grease or lubrication evenly.

Step 3

Grab the pedal on the outside end and see if you can jiggle it and make a rattling sound. If that's the case, tighten the pedal bolt with the proper wrench. Make sure to tighten it so that the rattling goes away, but make sure to leave the pedal loose enough that it can move smoothly.

Article Written By Jonathan Croswell

Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.

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