Have you ever heard clicking noises coming from your bike’s hub but weren’t sure what it meant? It’s not uncommon for cyclists to hear strange Hub noises coming from their bike and have no idea what it is trying to tell them.
The hub is the central rotor on the bike that houses the bearings and the axle, and with good maintenance of your bike, those bearings should remain silent. This is especially true if you’re using a coaster or internally-geared hub. Unfortunately, many cyclists experience various strange noises coming from their hub and do not understand why, or what it is trying to tell them.
Fortunately, with a bit of knowledge and understanding, cyclists can decode the Hub noise and understand what their bike is trying to tell them.
Firstly, if you hear clicking noises coming from your hub at all times, it is likely the bearings are worn and need to be replaced. The most common reason for this is that the bearings need to be lubricated often to keep them running smoothly. If the bearings have not been lubricated in a while and are becoming too dry, you may start to hear clicking from them as the components start to rattle against each other.
Additionally, if you’re riding with a lot of torque (i.e. shifting gears or going up a hill) while the noise may still be present, it can be quite louder and sound like a rattling. This can also mean that your bearings are worn and need to be replaced.
On occasion, you may notice a kind of humming sound that is louder the coast-down hill or during light pedaling. This is usually caused by the rim or spokes. If you notice this noise, inspect the wheel and ensure the spokes are all even and the rim isn’t bent in any way. If everything looks alright, and the noise still persists, it might be time to replace the rim or spokes.
You may also hear a creaking, cracking or grinding sound during the performance of your bike. If this sound arises, it is important to inspect the bearings and other components of the bike and make sure they are all properly lubricated. If all of them are in good condition, you may just simply need to tighten the screws and bolts of the components.
It’s important to remember that the hub noise from your bike is another way for it to communicate with you. If they remain unchecked for a long time, it can lead to problems such as loss in speed and performance, instability and even an increase in repair expenses.
To ensure you get the most out of your bike and it runs smoothly, pay special attention to your hub noise and decode what it is telling you. With proper maintenance and addressing the noises correctly, you can keep your bike healthy and enjoy a smooth ride.