The Shimano FC-4700 [paid link] Crankset is a key component in the Shimano 105 series, designed for performance-focused cyclists who demand durability and efficiency. Proper maintenance ensures that your crankset continues to perform at its best, minimizing the risk of premature wear and maximizing power transfer. This guide will take you through the necessary steps for maintaining your Shimano FC-4700 [paid link] Crankset, from cleaning and lubrication to adjustments and part replacements.

Regular Cleaning and Lubrication

Why Cleaning and Lubrication Matter

Cleaning your Shimano FC-4700 [paid link] Crankset is essential to prevent dirt and grime from building up in the crevices, which could result in increased friction and wear. Lubrication, on the other hand, ensures smooth pedal strokes, reduces the risk of rust, and prolongs the lifespan of your crankset.

Cleaning Steps

1. Remove the Pedals: Start by removing the pedals from the crank arms. This allows you to clean the entire crankset properly and avoid any debris getting trapped around the pedal threads.
2. Clean the Crankset: Use a soft brush and soapy water to scrub the crank arms, chainrings, and spindle. Avoid harsh chemicals that might degrade the finish of the crankset. For tough grime, a degreaser can be used, but ensure it is bike-specific and doesn’t damage any components.
3. Dry the Crankset: Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the crankset thoroughly to prevent rust from developing.
4. Lubricate the Threads: Apply bike-specific grease to the pedal threads before reattaching the pedals. This prevents seizing and makes future pedal removal easier.
5. Lubricate the Bottom Bracket and Spindle: If you disassemble the crankset for deeper cleaning or maintenance, be sure to apply a small amount of grease to the spindle and bottom bracket interface to prevent creaking and ensure smooth operation.

Lubrication Tips

• Use a light coat of lubricant on the chainrings’ teeth to reduce friction between the chain and chainrings. Make sure not to over-apply lubricant to avoid attracting dirt.
• Keep the crankset free from excessive lubrication around the pedal threads, as this can lead to a buildup of dirt and grime.

Checking and Adjusting the Crankset

Crank Arm Tightening
Over time, crank arms can become loose due to repeated pedal strokes. Ensuring the crank arm bolts are properly tightened will prevent wobbling and optimize the transfer of power.

• Torque Specifications: Shimano recommends tightening the crank arm bolts to the correct torque, which is typically between 40–50 Nm. Use a torque wrench [paid link] to ensure accuracy.
• Periodic Checks: It’s essential to check the crank arm bolts at regular intervals, especially if you’ve been riding in rough conditions. Use a torque wrench [paid link] to avoid over-tightening or under-tightening.

Chainring Wear and Alignment
Examine the chainrings for any signs of wear, such as bent teeth or missing teeth, and check for any visible damage. Misalignment can also affect shifting performance.

• Chainring Teeth: Inspect the teeth of the chainrings for sharp edges or worn-down teeth. If the teeth are excessively worn, it may be time to replace the chainrings.
• Chainring Bolts: Check the chainring bolts regularly for tightness. Loose bolts can cause the chainring to wobble, affecting drivetrain performance.

Bottom Bracket Maintenance

The Shimano FC-4700 Crankset is designed to work with the Shimano Hollowtech II bottom bracket system. Ensuring that the bottom bracket is well-maintained will help keep the crankset spinning smoothly.

• Regular Inspection: Check for any play in the bottom bracket by holding the crank arms and trying to wiggle them side to side. If there is movement, the bottom bracket may need to be replaced.
• Cleaning: When cleaning the crankset, also clean around the bottom bracket area to avoid dirt buildup.
• Grease: When reinstalling the bottom bracket or crankset, apply a thin layer of grease to the spindle and the bottom bracket interface to ensure smooth rotation.

Adjusting Crankset for Better Performance

Chainring Alignment
Chainring alignment is crucial for smooth shifting and efficient power transfer. Misalignment can cause issues with chain dropping or poor shifting performance.

• Shifting Performance: If you experience poor shifting or the chain seems to skip, it might be worth adjusting the chainring alignment. You can do this by adjusting the front derailleur’s position, ensuring it is aligned with the largest and smallest chainrings.
• Adjusting the Front Derailleur: If your chainring teeth are properly aligned but shifting still feels off, you may need to adjust the front derailleur’s height and angle to ensure it runs smoothly.

Crankset Tension
Crankset tension can affect the efficiency of power transfer. If your pedals feel sluggish or resistance seems high, it may be worth checking the crankset’s tension.

• Crankset Play: Check for any play in the crankset. If you detect movement, it could indicate a loose crank arm or a worn bottom bracket, both of which can impede smooth pedaling.

Troubleshooting Common FC-4700 Crankset Issues

Noisy Crankset
A creaky or noisy crankset is one of the most common issues riders face. Here’s how to resolve it:

• Inspect the Pedal Threads: Ensure the pedals are tightened properly and that the threads are clean. Sometimes, noise comes from the pedal threads if they are loose or dirty.
• Check the Bottom Bracket: A worn or improperly installed bottom bracket can lead to creaking. If your bottom bracket is at fault, it may need to be replaced or reinstalled with fresh grease.

Wobbly Crank Arms
A wobbly crank arm often means the crank arm bolts are loose or the crank arm is damaged.

• Re-tighten the Crank Arm Bolts: Use a torque wrench [paid link] to tighten the crank arm bolts to the specified torque value. If the bolts are fine but the crank arm still feels wobbly, inspect the crank arm for any visible damage.
• Check the Spindle: If the crank arm is still loose after tightening the bolts, the spindle may have worn or developed play. In this case, the crankset may need to be replaced.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance of your Shimano FC-4700 Crankset is key to keeping your bike running at peak performance. By following these simple steps for cleaning, lubrication, adjustments, and troubleshooting, you can extend the lifespan of your crankset while maintaining optimal power transfer and smooth shifting. Ensure that you periodically check the condition of your crankset and related components, and replace any worn-out parts as necessary.