Hi there, new to the forum, been reading for the last month or so since I started getting back onto the bike more frequent after a few years of infrequent use and just have a few questions I'm sure some of you folk will be able to answer for me.
First up, as the picture shows(Truvativ Hussefelt) it seems the end of the tooth has broken off at some point, I noticed this while cleaning the bike, but don't know how long it's been like this. Is it going to cause considerable extra wear on the chain that I should think about replacing it sooner rather than later?
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Second, I seem to be feeling a knock on occasion from the non drive side crank, this generally happens while the pedal is a under light load, IIRC when the arm is about in line with the down tube is when it seems to occur. It can also be felt if back pedaling. Everything is tight and wobble free when checking bolts and trying to feel for the knock by hand. Though can't be sure on the BB as I don't have the tool. There doesn't appear to be any noise to go with the knock. I've also had this issue for the couple of months and doesn't appear to be getting any worse. I'm assuming this is likely to be the BB bearings? But I'm not convinced, so just looking for some ideas of what to check before having to take this problem to the LBS for repair or replace?
Lastly, brakes, Hayes Nine, first set of hydraulics so not too sure what I'm doing with them but it seems simple enough in theory. Rear is rubbing the rotor, I was originally thinking it was seized/sticky piston but thinking about it as I write this, it's probably not the case, as both pads move when pressing the lever and reset to their previous position, albeit still rubbing. I've removed the pads to try and reset the pistons as per youtube vids, but they don't budge, the little it did move the opposite side moved out the same amount. So thinking now maybe moisture has gotten into the lines and it could be a case of too much fluid, is that possible? I've never touched the brakes maintenance wise since buying the bike(2007, yup same fluid in them since then!) It was unused for about 8 months before April, I did pump the brakes every couple of weeks, don't know if that does anything good or bad, seemed like a good idea though. So whats the opinion on that, buy a bleed kit, some dot and replace the fluid to see if that solves it? Get a piston/seal kit and replace them or use it as an excuse to upgrade? Though current budget for the 'upgradge' would be about £70 an end, I'm not up to date with bike related products of late so don't know if I would be able to get anything better for that sort of money. There is a set of Formula Oro K18's within budget though, reviews seem good, whats the opinion on those? Or perhaps another recommendation.
Thanks.
The tooth is meant to be like that to aid shifting.
THe "knock is probably a loose pedal or perhaps BB - not bearings.
Brakes - buckled rotor? WHy can't you re-position the caliper?
Cheers for the fast response al, even though I now feel like a bit of an idiot, that would explain why it looked like such a clean break! Never noticed any of my previous bikes having it before, maybe they didn't.
Pedals are DMR V8, into the crank arm its as tight as can be, I'll see if I still have the wellgo that came on it or try a friends pedals to eliminate that before going to the LBS about the BB.
It looks true, judging by eye anyway. I have attempted, but there just isn't a gap, when I first discovered there was an issue, when I moved the bike the rear wheel was locked up without pressing the lever. I managed to improve it from being quite that bad and hoped a ride or two later the pads would have worn enough to eliminate the rubbing, sure it's got better, but it still isn't rub free and to the eye still doesn't appear to be any gap to allow turning without rubbing. I'll loosen the caliper after I've had some grub and try again now they've worn down a little further, but it's going to be an issue again when it comes to replacing the pads.
Rear is rubbing the rotor
Try re aligning the caliper if you haven't done already. The method I have used so far and one that seems to work, is to loosen the bolts so the caliper can wiggle a bit, then I spin the wheel and re position the caliper by eye and ear. when the caliper is in a position where there is no contact between the pads and the rotor I tighten each bolt a bit at a time.
However before doing this I will check that the rotor is straight!
Also what BB is it? Race face? Change it, my experience is that they don't ever last very long. Since going to XT I haven't have problems with knocking under load. But it could be your pedals too.