Avoid These Costly RED eTap AXS Crankset Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Drivetrain

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The SRAM RED eTap AXS crankset [paid link] is a high-performance piece of engineering, offering precise shifting and a smooth riding experience. However, improper installation, adjustment, or maintenance can lead to significant drivetrain issues. From poor power transfer to excessive wear, even minor mistakes with this component can cause long-term damage. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common and costly mistakes made when handling the RED eTap AXS crankset [paid link] and provide you with the knowledge to avoid them.

1. Incorrect Installation of the Crankset

One of the most critical aspects of ensuring the longevity and performance of your SRAM RED eTap AXS crankset [paid link] is correct installation. Mistakes during installation can affect the crankset’s alignment, efficiency, and longevity.

Common Installation Mistakes:

  • Misaligned Crankset: Ensuring the crankset is installed squarely to the bottom bracket is essential. Misalignment can cause irregular pedal strokes and can increase wear on the bottom bracket and crankset itself.
  • Improper Torque Settings: Under-tightening or over-tightening the crank arm bolts can lead to issues. Under-tightening can cause the crank arm to loosen over time, while over-tightening can strip the threads or damage the crankset.
  • Neglecting to Grease Threads: Failing to apply a light coating of grease to the pedal threads and crank arm bolt can lead to corrosion, making it difficult to remove parts during future maintenance.

Solution:

  • Always follow the torque specifications provided in the SRAM RED eTap AXS [paid link] manual. Generally, a torque wrench [paid link] is essential for accurate tightening. Ensure that the crankset is aligned properly during installation and that all bolts are tightened correctly to avoid damage.

2. Skipping the Chainring Maintenance

The chainring on the SRAM RED eTap AXS [paid link] crankset is a crucial component that directly affects drivetrain efficiency and performance. Neglecting regular cleaning and maintenance can lead to poor shifting and increased wear on both the chainring and the chain.

Common Mistakes:

  • Not Cleaning the Chainring Regularly: Dirt, grime, and lubricants accumulate on the chainring over time, affecting its performance and longevity.
  • Incorrect Chain Compatibility: Using a chain that is not optimized for the AXS drivetrain can lead to poor shifting performance and faster wear on both the chainring and chain.

Solution:

  • Regularly clean the chainring using a soft brush and degreaser to remove accumulated dirt and grime. Ensure that the chain is compatible with the RED eTap AXS [paid link] system and replace it when necessary to avoid excessive wear on the chainring.

3. Overlooking Crank Arm Bolt Tightening

The crank arm bolts on the RED eTap [paid link] AXS crankset are essential for ensuring the crank arms remain securely attached to the spindle. Improper torque on these bolts can cause significant issues, including crank arm slippage, which can disrupt your ride and cause safety hazards.

Common Mistakes:

  • Under-tightening the Crank Arm Bolts: Not tightening the bolts sufficiently can result in the crank arms loosening, causing noise, power loss, and potentially damaging the spindle.
  • Over-tightening the Crank Arm Bolts: Over-tightening can lead to damaging the threads on both the crank arm and the spindle, making it difficult to remove or replace the crankset.

Solution:

  • Use a torque wrench [paid link] to tighten the crank arm bolts to the exact specification provided by SRAM (usually around 45-50 Nm). This ensures the crank arms are secure but not over-tightened, avoiding any long-term damage to the crankset or spindle.

4. Ignoring Proper Bottom Bracket Installation

A correctly installed bottom bracket is essential for the smooth operation of the RED eTap [paid link] AXS crankset. An improperly installed or worn-out bottom bracket can lead to friction, noise, and poor power transfer, ultimately affecting performance.

Common Mistakes:

  • Incorrect Bottom Bracket Selection: Choosing the wrong bottom bracket for your bike’s frame type can result in improper crankset installation.
  • Inadequate Bottom Bracket Torque: Failing to install the bottom bracket to the specified torque can result in movement, noise, and excessive wear.

Solution:

  • Always ensure that you’re using the correct bottom bracket model for your bike frame and that it’s installed with the correct torque. The bottom bracket should be smooth and free from play when the crankset is attached.

5. Failing to Check for Chainring and Crankset Wear

Over time, chainrings can wear down, causing poor shifting performance and excessive chain wear. It’s easy to overlook the signs of wear until the performance begins to degrade.

Common Mistakes:

  • Neglecting to Inspect the Chainring Teeth: Worn or damaged teeth can cause poor chain engagement, resulting in slippage or inefficient power transfer.
  • Not Replacing the Crankset in Time: If the crankset starts showing signs of significant wear, such as cracks or excessive bending, continuing to use it can damage other drivetrain components.

Solution:

  • Regularly inspect the chainring teeth for wear, and replace the chainring or entire crankset if necessary. Pay attention to any unusual noise or slippage, which may indicate wear.

6. Incorrect Shifting Setup

Proper shifting setup ensures that your RED eTap [paid link] AXS crankset works seamlessly with the rest of your drivetrain. Improper shifting can result in dropped chains, inaccurate shifts, and increased wear on components.

Common Mistakes:

  • Misadjusted Front Derailleur: If the front derailleur is not properly adjusted, it can cause the chain to rub against the chainring or fail to shift properly.
  • Poor Chainline: A poorly aligned chainline can result in poor shifting, increased wear, and inefficient power transfer.

Solution:

  • Check that the front derailleur is correctly aligned with the chainring and that the chainline is optimal. Regularly adjust the shifting to ensure smooth transitions between gears.

7. Not Lubricating the Crankset Properly

Proper lubrication is vital for the smooth operation and longevity of the RED eTap AXS crankset. Insufficient lubrication can cause friction, premature wear, and creaking noises during riding.

Common Mistakes:

  • Over-lubricating or Under-lubricating: Applying too much or too little lubricant to the crankset can lead to performance issues. Too much lubricant can attract dirt and grime, while too little can cause metal parts to wear prematurely.
  • Using the Wrong Lubricant: Using the wrong type of lubricant can affect the performance of the crankset and drivetrain.

Solution:

  • Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the crankset’s moving parts, including the pedal threads and crank arm bolts, ensuring that the correct lubricant is used for the specific part. Regularly clean the crankset to remove any excess lubricant that might attract dirt.

Conclusion

Avoiding these costly mistakes with your SRAM RED eTap AXS crankset is crucial for maintaining a smooth, efficient, and long-lasting drivetrain. By following the correct installation procedures, regularly maintaining the crankset and chainring, and ensuring proper lubrication, you’ll extend the lifespan of your crankset and prevent unnecessary issues that could affect your ride. Keep an eye on signs of wear and perform regular inspections to maintain peak performance, allowing you to enjoy your cycling experience to the fullest.