A noisy or creaky Shimano FC-3500 [paid link] crankset can significantly affect your cycling experience. These unsettling sounds can distract you and even indicate underlying mechanical issues. This guide will help you identify the source of the noise and provide clear instructions on how to fix it, ensuring your crankset runs smoothly and silently.

Identifying the Sources of Noise or Creaks

Before addressing the issue, it’s important to identify where the noise is coming from. A variety of factors can contribute to creaks or squeaks in the Shimano FC-3500 [paid link] crankset. Common causes include:

• Loose components: A common culprit for crankset noise is improperly tightened bolts, particularly the crank arm bolts or pedal threads.
• Wear and tear: Over time, bearings and other parts of the crankset can wear out, resulting in creaks during pedaling.
• Lack of lubrication: Insufficient lubrication on the crankset, bottom bracket, or pedal threads can cause friction and result in noise.
• Misalignment or improper installation: If your crankset was installed improperly, it may cause misalignment, leading to creaks as the crankset components rub against each other.
• Pedal issues: Sometimes, the noise can be traced to worn-out or improperly installed pedals, which are often mistaken for crankset issues.

Tools Required

To troubleshoot and fix noise or creaks on your Shimano FC-3500 [paid link] crankset, you will need the following tools:

• Torque wrench [paid link]
• Allen wrenches [paid link] (sizes 5mm, 8mm)
• Grease or anti-seize compound
• Crank arm puller tool (if necessary)
• Bottom bracket tool [paid link] (if necessary)
• Pedal wrench [paid link]

Step 1: Check and Tighten Crank Arm Bolts

Loose crank arm bolts are a frequent cause of creaks. When installing or re-installing the crankset, the bolts must be torqued properly to ensure a tight fit.

How to Tighten Crank Arm Bolts:

1. Use a 5mm Allen wrench [paid link] to tighten the crank arm bolts on both sides of the bike.
2. Check the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification for the FC-3500 crankset (usually around 35-50 Nm).
3. Use a torque wrench [paid link] to ensure the bolts are tightened to the correct specification.

If the crank arm bolts are too tight, it can also cause issues, so ensure the torque is not excessive.

Step 2: Inspect and Lubricate Pedal Threads

Creaks often come from the pedals, especially when the threads are dry or corroded. Ensure the pedal threads are clean and lubricated.

How to Lubricate Pedal Threads:

1. Remove the pedals using a pedal wrench [paid link].
2. Inspect the pedal threads on both the pedal and the crank arm for any wear or damage.
3. Clean the threads thoroughly with a rag.
4. Apply a thin layer of grease or anti-seize compound to the pedal threads before reinstallation.
5. Install the pedals by hand, ensuring the correct thread direction (left pedal goes counterclockwise, right pedal goes clockwise).
6. Tighten with a pedal wrench [paid link] to the correct torque (around 35 Nm for both pedals).

This will help eliminate any squeaks caused by friction between the pedal threads and the crankset.

Step 3: Inspect and Lubricate the Bottom Bracket

The bottom bracket is another common source of noise in cranksets, particularly if it is worn out or not lubricated correctly.

How to Check and Lubricate the Bottom Bracket:

1. Remove the crankset from the bike using a crank puller tool if necessary.
2. Inspect the bottom bracket for signs of wear, including roughness or play when rotated by hand.
3. Clean the bottom bracket and the crankset’s interface with a rag.
4. Apply fresh grease or anti-seize to the bottom bracket threads or the interface between the bottom bracket and the crankset.
5. Reinstall the crankset and tighten it to the manufacturer’s torque specifications.

If the bottom bracket is excessively worn, it may need to be replaced. Check for smooth rotation by hand before reinstalling the crankset.

Step 4: Check Crankset Alignment

If the crankset or chainring is misaligned, it can cause rubbing or creaking sounds. Ensure everything is aligned correctly.

How to Check Crankset Alignment:

1. Inspect the crankset and chainring for any misalignment or bending.
2. Check if the crank arms are positioned at a consistent angle.
3. If the crankset appears misaligned, disassemble and reassemble it, ensuring that each component is installed correctly.

Step 5: Inspect the Pedals and Bearings

Sometimes, the creaking may stem from worn-out pedals or the bearings inside the crankset. If the pedals are old, worn out, or have damaged bearings, they should be replaced. Similarly, bearings in the crankset can wear down over time.

How to Inspect and Replace Pedals or Bearings:

1. Remove the pedals (as explained earlier).
2. If the pedals appear to have rough or gritty movement, replace them with a new pair.
3. To check the bearings in the crankset, rotate the crankset by hand after removing it. If you feel resistance or roughness, the bearings may be worn out.
4. Bearings in the Shimano FC-3500 can be serviced or replaced if necessary.

Step 6: Test Ride and Check for Noise

After performing the above steps, it’s crucial to test the bike by riding it and checking for any remaining noise. If the issue persists, consider the following additional steps:

• Recheck all bolts and torque settings to ensure proper installation.
• Inspect the drivetrain, as chain, cassette, or chainring issues could be contributing to the noise.

Conclusion

A noisy or creaky Shimano FC-3500 crankset can often be solved with a few simple maintenance tasks. By tightening crank arm bolts, lubricating pedal threads, inspecting and servicing the bottom bracket, and ensuring correct alignment, you can restore smooth, quiet performance. Regular maintenance of the crankset and drivetrain will also help prevent future noise and extend the lifespan of your bike components.