2024 Q45 creak
- Thread starter Jimbo
- Start date
Velocivixen
Well-Known Member
Sorry to hear about your bothersome sound. More specifics on the problem would be helpful. When does the squeak occur? Is it rhythmic? Why you think it is what it is. Post a video of it making the sound.
Jimbo
New Member
Sorry when I read it back I realised that I was being a bit vague.
The noise happens when I’m in the seat and pedalling/ rolling over rough ground on smooth surfaces there is no sound, or if the surface is very rough like a gravel track the noise is not as bad. For example today I rode over several cattle grids with no noise from the bike but freewheeling down a hill with what I would describe as surface ripples and the creak was back. I can’t get it to make any noise by bouncing on the seat when the bike is stationary.
The noise happens when I’m in the seat and pedalling/ rolling over rough ground on smooth surfaces there is no sound, or if the surface is very rough like a gravel track the noise is not as bad. For example today I rode over several cattle grids with no noise from the bike but freewheeling down a hill with what I would describe as surface ripples and the creak was back. I can’t get it to make any noise by bouncing on the seat when the bike is stationary.
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Flying Dutchman
Well-Known Member
Like you I've been chasing creaks on my Q45. There are many mount points that I've been exploring; the three QR clamps of the seat, the two QR clamps of the spring, the rear rack attachment and the various attachments of the boom.
I noticed a creak when I put power on so when I pull a bit more on the bar so I started where the boom is attached to the steerer tube (the top end of the front fork). Applied a good bit of grease to the nut and bolt and that did indeed get rid of the noise under power. But still more creaking in various other places. Took the whole seat off, took the spring off, applied grease on all the contact points and indeed the bike is a lot quieter. Still not dead silent but at least reasonable.
Based on your description I would start with the seat and the spring. Take them off completely, apply grease to each of the contact points and tighten the quick release. Good luck!
I noticed a creak when I put power on so when I pull a bit more on the bar so I started where the boom is attached to the steerer tube (the top end of the front fork). Applied a good bit of grease to the nut and bolt and that did indeed get rid of the noise under power. But still more creaking in various other places. Took the whole seat off, took the spring off, applied grease on all the contact points and indeed the bike is a lot quieter. Still not dead silent but at least reasonable.
Based on your description I would start with the seat and the spring. Take them off completely, apply grease to each of the contact points and tighten the quick release. Good luck!
Jimbo
New Member
Thank you yes I have the seat off and am going through all the mount points one by one, I removed the rack and noise persisted so that eliminated that one. I have read that some creaking can be caused by the wheels? if the spokes are not tightened correctly oh! the joys of owning a new bike 
SofRider29
Member
I have also been dealing with persistent creaks on my Q45. I concur with the other suggestions to try and isolate the noise by tightening, removing, and/or greasing any potential tension points individually. I have finally gotten my creaking to stop by 1) removing one of the 3 spacer rings from the top of the steerer tube (right below where it attaches to the handlebars), and 2) further tightening the clamp bolts that hold the seat to the seat tube. I had previously tightened all the bolts along the boom and steering tube, but without success. I wish you the best of luck: this creaking can really go a long way toward destroying the serenity that usually comes with biking.
2whluge
Active Member
Lots of moving pieces on a Q45. Seat, bars, front triangle, suspension, pedals. What it doesn’t have is chain noise, which I had lots of on my Volae.
It’s tempting to just tighten everything, but beware! I found out the hard way that overtightening can lead to stripped threads.
I’d start with the seat and suspension. But honestly, you may never find the source.
It’s tempting to just tighten everything, but beware! I found out the hard way that overtightening can lead to stripped threads.
I’d start with the seat and suspension. But honestly, you may never find the source.
Jimbo
New Member
Thank you I’ll be trying all the tips, the creaking not only spoils my ride but really annoys anyone cycling with me
I don’t want to end up jimmy no mates
Jimbo
New Member
Thank you good advice, but I do hope you’re wrong about never finding the source
Black Hawk Down
Senior Rookie
I am also experiencing loud creaking on my Q45. It's seems to emanate somewhere in the front. I tightened the boom screws and I know the clamps on the bottom bracket are snug. The thru-axle is greased and tight. I'm down to assuming it's coming out of the bottom bracket somehow. I plan to tear it apart and re-grease everything. I hope that works as otherwise I'm out of ideas and it's maddening.
Check for the washers on the pivot clamp bolt, and make sure that sleeve is greased. This is in my experience the most common area for creaking where the washers are not correct:
Jimbo
New Member
Thank you I’ll try that tomorrow
Black Hawk Down
Senior Rookie
My Q45 was missing a washer on the sleeve side. I went to borrow one from my disassembled S40, and it had no washers on either side. I removed the pivot clamp from my V20 and it had 2 washers on the sleeve side but no washer on the screw side. I borrowed one for the Q45.
So, how can I get replacement washers. If you specify them, I can order on Amazon. Otherwise can I order some from Cruzbike?
The sleeve was greased on my Q45. I cleaned it off and re-greased it. Will ride tomorrow to see if that helped.
Thanks.
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Send an email to Katie at support@cruzbike.com we have the washers. 
Black Hawk Down
Senior Rookie
I added a missing washer to my pivot clamp and re-greased it. I did 50 mi today without a sound. Thanks @Robert Holler.
Black Hawk Down
Senior Rookie
Did you view the video in Robert's post above? Should be all you need.
I have had two creaks: 1) your original post; and 2) top boom clamp creak.
I spent much time on 1), and back and forth with Robert on it (including video with audio), and on mine it was/is clearly a defective shock. If you (better yet, a helper) stand next to the bike and push down on the seat at the top, you mayhear a creak originating in the shock. Because it was a bit hard to find a similar shock, I have an exact replacement on order, hoping it won't creak similarly.
I'm still working on 2), and appreciate the pointers here.
I spent much time on 1), and back and forth with Robert on it (including video with audio), and on mine it was/is clearly a defective shock. If you (better yet, a helper) stand next to the bike and push down on the seat at the top, you mayhear a creak originating in the shock. Because it was a bit hard to find a similar shock, I have an exact replacement on order, hoping it won't creak similarly.
I'm still working on 2), and appreciate the pointers here.
Black Hawk Down
Senior Rookie
I also have a defective shock that squawks quite loudly. Also have a replacement shock on order. Not the exact model. The new one is rated to 2000 lbs.
Jimbo
New Member
Thank you, After much searching I too have traced my creak to the shock don’t know if it’s a faulty shock, the bike is new so I hope not, but I would appreciate advice on how to check if the shock is faulty.
