Crank is slipping freely occassionally when pedaling; occasional "clonk" sound-not sure where sound is coming from-crank is tight, no movement or looseness
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By "slipping freely" I assume you mean that the entire crank assembly "slips" -- offers little resistance for an instant? The two crank arms aren't moving relative to each other, right? Is this a single gear bike, a derailer bike, or a bike with an internal gear rear hub?– Daniel R HicksCommented Nov 11, 2012 at 14:04
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Check out the terminology index: bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/244/terminology-index The more information the better!– WTHarperCommented Nov 11, 2012 at 15:18
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3 Answers
More information would be helpful. What kind of bicycle? How old is it?
Assuming the bike has a freewheel or a freehub, there are a couple of things you can check.
For example, if the bicycle has a freewheel (in other words, if it is older), it may need lubrication inside the freewheel. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is a great lube for that application, or you can buy various oils. I would advise against using WD-40 for lubricating a freewheel.
A similar kind of skip/slip can happen occasionally (say, once in a few hundred miles of riding) with a freehub, and it doesn't necessarily mean anything is wrong. However if it is more frequent, you may want to service the hub, or have your local bicycle shop service it.
If the freewheel/freehub is not the source of the problem, the drivetrain may be worn. The chain can skip, or jolt forward, if the cogs in the rear are worn excessively.
answered Nov 11, 2012 at 16:33
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ATF is also one of the best cable/cable-housing lube I have tried! Commented Nov 11, 2012 at 17:18
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Good answer! If the freewheel/freehub is failing, change it immediately. I've been previously hospitalised after standing up (working hard) on the bike and going fast. The freewheel/freehub teeth failed to lock and I lost my pedals, and fell off. There's a nice illustration on the wikipedia page on Freewheel mechanism en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freewheel– woneaCommented Nov 14, 2012 at 12:32
I have seen this happen when the chain gets "trapped" between two chainrings, or more often between bigger chainring and chainguard (if the crank has a round chainguard type), or more often yet between two rear cogs.
If no other probable cause, this is something that should be looked for.
Hope this helps!
answered Nov 11, 2012 at 17:20
I think l am experiencing what the author is talking about. My brand new Race Face cranks/dm chainring is slipping. Its like thud almost. At first l thought maybe the crank arm was lightly collided with the chainstay. Got home and examed the crank and cs and no scuffs. Then l see the Cinch chainring compressor thing was loose and the cr was wobbly. Tighten it down and things are much better however it's still there but not as much. I'm guessing it's the Cinch that needs to be REALLY tight. That seems to be my issue.
