Popping sound when pedaling.?

Question

I noticed yesterday on my mtn bike, when ever I exert force to pedal faster or get up hills, it's making a popping sound that can be felt in the pedals, every rotation. Sometimes it happens with just the right but when I'm really pushing it, both are making that popping sound. I tried tightening the pedals but that's not the prob. It doesn't make the sound when I'm "cruisin" flat and pedaling light. Only when I push. Any advice will be appreciated! Thanks

Answer 1

Well, it could be the other answer, but it might be a loose chain. Just take out some links or slide the rear wheel back. That should do it.

Answer 2

derail the chain and check the bottom bracket.  turn the crank with no chain and feel for catches, also try wiggling the crank arm to see if there is play in there.  turn each pedal, again checking for play and catches that could show bad bearings.  check and make sure everything is good and tight on the crank.  the two attaching bolts and the pedals especially.  if things work loose it can cause it.  from your description i am guessing your bottom bracket is bad.

Answer 3

Does the pop or click happen when the pedal is at the exact same location?  This would indicate the problem is coming from your pedal, crankset or cleat.

Otherwise, I would suggest you very carefully check your chain.  Whenever I get a suspicious sounding pop or click when pedaling, I have a tight chain link or my chain is getting ready to break.  The pop usually occurs when the bad link is making the tight turns around the derailleur's jockey wheels.  Rotate the pedals and watch the chain go through the jockey wheels.  The bad link will make a slight hop as it goes round the derailleur.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Clicks, pops, and creaks can be tough to track down.

If it feels like it's trying to shift, then suspect a tight link in the chain. Tight links aren't usually felt on every pedal stroke, they're more like every 2 or three revolutions.

If it's more of a 'tick' then it could be something in your crankset area, your seat, or even your handlebars. First try the seat post, since it's easiest. Undo the pinch bolt or quick release and remove the seat post from the frame. Clean it, add a very light coating of grease, and reinstall. Ditto with the handlebar and stem.  If that doesn't do it, then the problem is likely in your bottom bracket. Unless you have tools, the bottom bracket might be a job for a shop.

You'll need to pull the crank arms and remove the bottom bracket, then clean and reinstall. Remember the right side of the bottom bracket uses left handed threading. When reinstalling, lightly grease the threads where the bottom bracket screws into the frame. Once it's tight, lightly grease the square taper on the axle. Make sure you get the arms really tight!