Hi everyone,
While cleaning my bike, I noticed a strange noise coming from my back wheel as soon as I stop pedaling. It's definitely not the usual ticking sound. In the attached video, you can hear a "swoosh"-like sound that occurs only when I stop pedaling. It almost sounds like there's some slight friction in the bearings.
What's wondering me is that the noise immediately stops as soon as I start pedaling again. Is this normal behavior? I don't notice the sound at all while I'm actually riding. My bike is only a year old and I mainly use it for commuting.
Thanks in advance for any insights you might have!
What is this strange noise when I stop pedaling?
byu/Kilo_Mike_2396 inbikewrench
by Kilo_Mike_2396
6 Comments
When it’s freewheeling? It sounds like bearings to me.
Usually weird noises come from rotors, but it could also come from the wheel bearings. Take the wheel out of the dropout and give it a spin with your hands. If it feels “rough” and “gritty” and not spinning smoothly, its likely the wheel bearings
The bearings inside your freehub body itself might be a little dry, or there might just be some grit dragging on the seals you could clean away. It’s not very appreciable from the video though tbh. It doesn’t sound very alarming at least.
Remove the wheel and check if the problem still exists. If yes, probably bearings.
Not the brakes, it’s your bearings that have gone bad. Usually lack of Grease or wear and tear. If you’ve been washing with really strong/ fast water it’s probably that and you just need to re-grease the bearings (depending on what kind)
I would take everything apart (cassettes, brakes) and have a look at what kind of bearings that are there. Shimano often uses open based bearings which can be tightened and serviced pretty easily. If not, it’s probably industrial bearings which need replacing and special tools. Good luck!
I think you’re right that it’s the bearings. Possibly while cleaning you’ve stripped some of the grease out and that’s what’s causing the friction. Best bet is to fetch them out and apply some fresh grease.