squeaky kid's bike

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

I did a quick Google about squeaky bikes, but was finding mostly things about squeaky brakes or derailleurs. Since this is a twelve-inch bike, it has none of those!

I may just take it to the shop but I was wondering if there's anything I can try first. The squeaking SEEMS to be worse when steering and to emanate from the front of the bike, but I'm not sure. Any suggestions?

[Oh_Wrd]

Put oil anywhere there is something that moves.  WD-40 will last for a few weeks if you have that.  A 3-in-1 machine oil like you get in the hardware section will last longer.

[GuitarStv]

From the small amount of information you've given us, it sounds like the problem could be from the headset.  It shouldn't be too hard to pull this apart and repack with some grease if that's the issue.

Other things that could cause the problem:
- Loose handlebars (tighten bolts connecting them)
- Front hub in need of regreasing/bearing replacement (will need some cone wrenches, probably best to take to a bike shop if you don't already have some)
- Loosely connected front wheel (squeak may be caused by some excess play) would require that you tighten bolts or skewers.


I would not advise that you use WD-40.  WD-40 is a solvent, not a lubricant.  Solvents will strip grease out of your bike, and cause more squeaks in the future.

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

Thanks for the suggestions! Maybe I WILL try repacking the headset--might as well practice on the $15 thrift store bike, right? Build some skills?

As far as greasing things, can I use bicycle chain grease or do I need something special? I own chain grease (Epic Ride or something like that) and sewing machine oil but of course I could buy something new if needed.

[argonaut_astronaut]

As far as greasing things, can I use bicycle chain grease or do I need something special? I own chain grease (Epic Ride or something like that) and sewing machine oil but of course I could buy something new if needed.

Either will do fine. I would start with the chain lube. Try to get it in the gap at the bottom and the top always using gravity to your advantage (turn the bike upside down when you are hitting the joint where it is closest to the wheel rather than the handles).

[GuitarStv]

Headset and hub maintenance aren't too hard to figure out, and a good place to start learning.

Grease and oil type lubes are different.  A grease is a thick paste designed to stay in place, a lube is watery and will run out.  Most chain lubes are designed to run off your chain after a while, taking dirt with them.

If you're going to disassemble and repack the headset or hubs, I'd use something like a marine grade grease because it's waterproof (and you can get a big ass can of it for only a few dollars at your local hardware store).  Make sure you disassemble before buying anything though . . . no point spending money if you don't have the tools to get the grease where it needs to go.  :P

[auxym]

Heh, I'm a bit late to the party on this one.

1. Squeaks on neglected bikes come from the chain 90% of the time, in my experience. Use a nylon brush and wd-40 to remove most of the crud, rinse it down, let it dry thoroughly, then apply oil on each roller. I like tri-flow, 3-in-1 will also work, whatever light oil you already have. I've even heard of people thinning 5W30 with paint thinner. For a cheap bike I'm sure it's fine. After applying, spin the pedals a bit then wipe off the excess oil.

2. Since you said it seems to come from the front, headset is a possible culprit, as is the wheel hub. Honestly though, I've never had either of those squeaking. You could open them up, clean then grease. Again, for grease, whatever you have on hand is fine. I use a tub of auto-parts shop bearing grease. White lithium from the hardware store is fine too. You could even change the ball bearings while you're at it, loose balls shouldn't be terribly expensive from an industrial supply place or your LBS (or VXB), maybe 5$ for a headset rebuild. If the races are shot though, and it's a wal-mart type bike, you're likely out of luck for a replacement. These bikes often used non-standard parts. Still, cleaning+grease will get rid of the squeak, and no kid cares about incredibly smooth steering.

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

Well, I was not able to get the headset off all the way--I did get it raised up enough that I could see the ball bearings and dump in some 3 in 1 grease. No improvement.

I doubt it's the chain because I hear squeaking even when the bike is being walked (meaning the chain is not moving). Might see if I can anything with the wheel hubs.

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

I wound up taking it to the bike shop because I didn't have the tools to go any further--and the tools I would have needed would not have worked on our family's other, more complex bikes.

Bike shop pronounced it nonrepairable. The bottom bracket was loose and probably would need to be... repacked? wheels had loose spokes, etc. Of course, they wanted to sell me a $200 Hotrocks (they were not pushy about it). Instead, I got another $10 Goodwill bike. It was marked $20, but they gave it to me for less because I pointed out one of the tires had a big hole in it. I was able to scavenge a tire from the old bike and was back in business.

Best news: as soon as we got the "new" bike up and running, the kid learned how to ride without assistance. Previously, I had to hold the bike steady for him while he started pedaling, but the new one seems to suit him better and now he can ride on his own. (No training wheels either, obviously.) He will be 4 next month. Go, kid, go!

[GuitarStv]

Nice!

Yeah, especially with cheaper bikes there is a diminishing point of returns with regards to repairs.

[Jack]

Well, I was not able to get the headset off all the way--I did get it raised up enough that I could see the ball bearings and dump in some 3 in 1 grease. No improvement.

For future reference, 3-in-1 oil is not the right lube for headsets. 3-in-1 can be used for chains, brake hinges, derailleurs and cables. Headsets, bottom brackets and axles should get packed with actual grease, which has a consistency closer to cake frosting.

Also, I'm guessing you couldn't get the headset all the way apart because you didn't remove the stem first.

Again, for grease, whatever you have on hand is fine. I use a tub of auto-parts shop bearing grease. White lithium from the hardware store is fine too.

Indeed, whatever you have on hand is fine, but if you don't own a tube of grease yet, I recommend going ahead and getting good-quality synthetic stuff since a 16-oz tub might as well be a lifetime supply.

[GuitarStv]

I'm a proponent of marine bearing grease on bikes.  The blue stuff.  It stays in place really well, and is waterproof/takes forever to wash out of where you put it.

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

Got it. Will remember those suggestions for next time. Doubt it would have made a difference for this project considering the general level of fail. I am considering getting him a "nice" 14" bike, but I dunno--even used, those suckers are $$$ for a kid's bike.

[Jack]

Got it. Will remember those suggestions for next time. Doubt it would have made a difference for this project considering the general level of fail. I am considering getting him a "nice" 14" bike, but I dunno--even used, those suckers are $$$ for a kid's bike.

On the bright side, you should be able to sell any decent used bike for about the same amount you paid for it.