A noisy or creaky crankset can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it disrupts the otherwise smooth operation of your road bike. If your SRAM RED eTap AXS crankset [paid link] is producing unwelcome sounds, it’s important to address the issue promptly to avoid further wear or damage. In this guide, we will walk through the common causes of crankset noises and provide a detailed step-by-step process for diagnosing and fixing them.

Understanding the Causes of Crankset Noise

Before diving into fixes, it’s important to understand why a crankset might produce noise. A creaking or squeaking sound from the SRAM RED eTap AXS crankset [paid link] can be attributed to several common issues:

1. Loose Crank Arm Bolts: One of the most frequent causes of noise is improperly tightened or loose crank arm bolts.
2. Pedal Threads: The interface where the pedals attach to the crank arms can become worn or improperly torqued.
3. Bottom Bracket Issues: A bottom bracket that is loose, dirty, or has damaged bearings can cause noise that resonates through the crankset.
4. Bearing Wear: The crankset uses bearings that can wear out over time, especially if exposed to moisture or dirt.
5. Chainring Misalignment: The chainring could be misaligned, causing rubbing or friction noises, especially during high torque efforts.
6. Chain and Drivetrain Issues: Sometimes, noise that seems to come from the crankset is actually from other drivetrain components, such as the chain or derailleur.

Tools Required

• Torque wrench [paid link]
• 8mm hex key
• Bottom bracket tool [paid link]
• Pedal wrench [paid link]
• Grease
• Cleaning supplies (brush, rag, chain cleaner)
• New bottom bracket bearings (if applicable)
• Chainring tool (if necessary)

Step-by-Step Diagnosis and Fix

Step 1: Check Crank Arm Bolts

The most straightforward place to start when diagnosing crankset noise is to check the crank arm bolts. Loose crank arms can cause a creaking noise that sounds like it’s coming from the pedal area.

1. Remove the pedals using a pedal wrench [paid link].
2. Check the crank arm bolts with an 8mm hex key.
3. Tighten the bolts to the correct torque specification, which for the SRAM RED eTap AXS [paid link] is typically around 40-50 Nm.
4. Reinstall the pedals and check for any improvement in the noise.

If the noise persists, it’s time to move on to checking the bottom bracket.

Step 2: Inspect the Bottom Bracket

A faulty or improperly installed bottom bracket can cause a variety of noises, including creaking or grinding. Here’s how to check the bottom bracket:

1. Clean the bottom bracket area to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Check for looseness: Use the bottom bracket tool [paid link] to ensure that the bottom bracket is securely installed. Tighten it if necessary, adhering to the recommended torque.
3. Test the bottom bracket by rotating the crankset by hand. If you notice any grinding, roughness, or resistance, the bottom bracket bearings may need to be replaced.
4. If the bottom bracket appears worn, replace it with a compatible unit.

Step 3: Examine Pedal Threads

Improperly torqued or damaged pedal threads can also cause creaking noises in the crankset. Follow these steps to inspect and fix the pedal interface:

1. Remove both pedals using a pedal wrench [paid link].
2. Inspect the pedal threads: Check for any visible damage to the threads on both the pedals and the crank arms.
3. Clean the threads thoroughly using a rag and brush to remove dirt and grime.
4. Apply grease to the pedal threads to ensure smooth installation and prevent any creaks from friction.
5. Reinstall the pedals with the correct torque, typically around 35-40 Nm for SRAM cranksets.

Step 4: Check the Chainring

A misaligned or improperly installed chainring can create noise, especially during high-cadence efforts or under load. Here’s how to check for chainring issues:

1. Check for chainring alignment: Look for any visible gaps between the chainring and the crank arms. The chainring should sit flush against the crankset with no wobbling.
2. Tighten chainring bolts: If the bolts are loose, they can create noise. Tighten them to the recommended torque, which for SRAM cranksets is typically around 12-14 Nm.
3. Inspect the chainring teeth: Check for any bent or worn teeth that might be causing rubbing noises. If necessary, replace the chainring.

Step 5: Inspect the Chain and Drivetrain

Sometimes, the noise isn’t from the crankset itself but from the drivetrain. A dirty or poorly maintained chain can produce creaks that seem to come from the crankset area.

1. Clean the chain thoroughly using a chain cleaner and a rag.
2. Lubricate the chain with an appropriate bike chain lubricant.
3. Check for chain wear: Use a chain checker tool to ensure that the chain hasn’t worn excessively, which could cause friction noises.
4. Inspect the cassette and derailleur for any misalignment or issues.

If the drivetrain is in good condition and the noise persists, it’s likely time to focus on the bottom bracket or crank arm bolts.

Additional Tips to Prevent Future Noise

• Regularly clean and lubricate the crankset: Dirt and moisture can build up on the crankset, causing friction and noise. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help prevent this.
• Check torque specs frequently: Regularly check the torque on crank arm bolts, pedals, and chainring bolts to ensure they are properly tightened.
• Inspect bearings and bottom bracket: Bearings in the crankset or bottom bracket can wear over time. Check them regularly and replace them if necessary.

By following this guide and performing these checks, you should be able to eliminate most common noises associated with the SRAM RED eTap AXS crankset [paid link]. Regular maintenance will ensure that your bike runs smoothly and quietly, giving you the best possible riding experience.