I have a relatively new bb that creaks loads when I grunt a big gear rather than spin. Are there any simple diy things I can try before resorting to the not so local bike shop?

There is a service video on the Hope website which shows how to clean strip the bearing seals,try removing the cups give the bb shell a good
clean and refit as well(had one which creaked which was caused by swarf/grit in the bb shell).

Mine used to creak with the older style of XT crank as the axle diameter was not quite big enough – once swapped with and LX crank on another bike was fine – just a thought?

Thanks. Will have a look a vid tonight

A little plumbers PTFE tape on the threads.

Are you sure its the BB which is creaking?

Pretty certain it is. Have checked seat rails pedals and suspension pivots

chainring bolts done up?

More than likely the interface between the crank axle and the bb bearing surface. Look for signs of wear on the crank axle. Heavy duty waterproof grease in these areas should sort it or at least reduce it..

OK – watched vide and able to do the seals bit of the service, but suspect the creak is more than just that (its not gritty) so was thinking I’d take the cups off and mnake sure everything ok.

But my lidl tool kit doesn’t have the tool for removing the external bb cups. Can I use a wrench wrapped in a rag or will this knacker it?

thanks!

May also be worth checking your QR is tight, we’ve cured quite a few creaking BBs by nipping up a slightly loose QR.

What cranks are you using?

I get creaks with my Race Face cranks, if I tighten the crank bolt too much.