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forum
Shimano M540 SPD Pedal Creaking
I've had the M540's for about 6 weeks now and the left pedal has developed a creak on just one side (double sided). The sound is very similar to a bottom bracket creaking noise, at first I thought it was this as it only happens when I'm putting power down on the pedal.
Even though they're relatively new and haven't been that dirty, I've tried (separately) throughly cleaning the pedals, lubing, GT-85, and degreasing them but no matter what I've tried it still creaks and it's just on the one side of the left pedal! Any ideas on what I can do to stop it?
If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.
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9 comments
I've had creaking from my M520's and cured it by a few drops of chain lube on the pedal where the cleat contacts the pedal.
In my case I found that the creaking is the rubber shoe sole rubbing against the pedal. Quick spray with grease/oil before setting off lubes the cleat and surrounding sole area - result no creaking. Do remember to clean it off periodically though as it will build up where you don't want it.
I would tighten the tension screw down and then slack it off a fair few times to see if it relieves the noise, add oil to the spring and the jaw as you do so.
Just don't whatever you do take the tension grub screw all the way out as you will not get it back in again.
The noise will probably go away with use and wear anyway.
That's fine, thanks anyway!
I would have thought that as the noise is only coming from one side of one pedal, that the grease inside the cartridge isn't an issue (could be wrong). Also seeing as they are only a few weeks old that a service isn't required just yet.
Sorry for the confusion got my pedal numbers mixed up. My bad
These don't have allen key screws (apart from the ones you adjust the tension with and the larger ones to attach to the crank). There's 6 normal screws on each pedal holding the cage, so would the setup be the same inside and do as you recommend?
I have actually taken them off the bike today to give them an even more thorough clean! Will see tomorrow if that has helped!
I think mike and ciderman are referring to different things. Are you just cleaning the outside of the pedal without removing the spindle cartridge?
On most Shimano SPD pedals, you do a basic service as follows.
- Remove the cartridge, by undoing the lock nut on the spindle. Some pedals have a Shimano specific nut, which requires the PD40 tool (a few pounds on ebay).
- Clean all the old grease out of the cavity and on the cartridge.
- Fill the bottom of the pedal cavity with new grease.
- Put the cartridge back in and tighten it up.
- The new grease gets pushed into the cartridge and old grease inside it comes out the top.
I think the comment about the nut on the end, is about dismantling the cartridge itself. If you've got an old set of pedals, you can completely strip them down and replace the ball bearings, but it's rarely necessary and not easy. If you're getting some noise on new pedals, they're probably just low on grease.
You need to take the outer cage off ( 4 allen key screws which will allow you to take the end cap off then force a good cycle grease (water proof) and work it through until you see it showing at the other end replace the cap ( push it back on) the pedal should then be creak free do not try to remove the nut on the end of the axle. Thats a whole different can of worms. Hop this helps
But there are few things more enjoyable on a wet Sunday morning than stripping down your pedals and giving them a good service. Go on, you know you want to.