Why does my bottom bracket creak?
A creaking bottom bracket is almost always a press-fit unit that lost its grease, took in dirt, or seated poorly. Good news: you usually don't need to replace it. Cleaning, greasing the interface and reseating (or re-torquing if it's threaded) silences most cases. Note: sometimes the noise isn't the bottom bracket but the seatpost, pedals or chain.
The creaking bottom bracket is the star symptom of press-fit systems. Before spending on new parts, it's worth understanding where the noise really comes from.
Why it creaks (the real cause)
In a press-fit system the bearing is held by pressure against the frame. If water gets in, the grease is gone, or the frame is a few hundredths out of tolerance, the part micro-moves under pedaling and makes noise. Threaded units (BSA, T47) creak far less for this reason.
What usually causes it
How to silence it
In order: 1) confirm it's the bottom bracket and not the seatpost or pedals (a typical source). 2) Remove, clean and grease the cup-frame interface (on carbon, retaining compound is sometimes used instead of grease). 3) Reseat with a press, straight and fully. If threaded, just grease the thread and torque it. Replacing the bottom bracket is the last resort, not the first.
Can't locate the creak? Tell us when it appears (pedaling, standing, braking) and we'll diagnose it: Message us on WhatsApp
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to replace the bottom bracket if it creaks?
Almost never. Most creaks are fixed by cleaning, greasing the interface and reseating the part properly.
Do threaded ones creak too?
Far less. If a BSA or T47 creaks, it's usually from a dry thread or wrong torque, easy to fix.
What if it still creaks after cleaning?
It may not be the bottom bracket: check seatpost, pedals, cranks and chain. Noise travels through the frame and fools you.