An avid Peloton rider, few things can be more frustrating than a persistent clicking noise disrupting your workout rhythm.
Fix Peloton bike clicking noise is an annoying issue that is relatively common among Peloton bike owners. Still, fortunately, it’s often an easy fix that can be resolved without professional help. The clicking sound frequently stems from a loose pedal, crank arm, or resistance knob, which can be tightened using essential tools.
However, other potential culprits include worn cleats, dry chains, or loose bolts elsewhere on the bike. By methodically checking each component and making simple adjustments, you can likely silence that incessant click and return to riding in peace.
Fix1: Tighten the cleats
The clicking sound you hear while loose cleats could cause pedaling. Cleats are the parts on your cycling shoes that clip into the pedals. If they are not tight enough, they can make a clicking noise when you pedal.
To fix this:
- Take a look at the cleats on the bottom of your shoes. You may see some screws or bolts holding the cleats in place.
- Use a cleat wrench tool or screwdriver to tighten those screws or bolts gently. Don’t over-tighten; make them snug.
- Put your shoes back into the pedals and go for a spin.
- If the clicking is gone, you fix the problem.
Keeping your cleats tight is an easy way to prevent annoying noises from your Peloton bike. Check the tightness every few weeks, and re-tighten if needed. Tight cleats mean quiet, smooth pedaling.
Fix2: Lubricate the parts
Another possible cause of that annoying clicking sound is the lack of lubrication on some of the moving parts. Over time, the lubricant can dry up, causing friction and noise.
To fix this, you’ll need to apply some fresh bicycle lubricant to a few key areas:
- The chain: Drip some lubricant onto the chain while slowly pedaling backward to work it into all the links.
- The pedals: Put a few drops where the pedals spin on the crank arms.
- The brake pivots: Locate the brake pivots and apply a little lube to each one.
- The resistance knob: Lubricate the knob you turn to increase/decrease resistance.
Only a few tiny drops are needed in each spot. Too much can attract dirt and grime. Let any excess drip off.
After lubing, wipe off any extra with a clean rag. Then, take the bike for a spin. The added lubrication should allow everything to move smoothly and quietly.
Keeping your Peloton’s moving parts lubricated is an easy way to prevent squeaks and clicks from developing over time.
Fix3: Clean daily and use cover
Keeping your Peloton bike clean and covered when not in use can also help prevent annoying clicking sounds. Dirt, sweat, and debris can build up over time and cause increased friction between moving parts.
For daily cleaning:
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the frame, handlebars, and other surfaces after every ride to remove sweat and grime.
- Check the pedals and crank arms for any built-up dirt or hairspray residue, and wipe clean.
- Use a small brush (like an old toothbrush) to remove any debris from hard-to-reach areas.
It’s also a good idea to use a Peloton bike cover when the bike is not in use. The cover protects it from dust accumulation, which can work its way into moving components and cause noise.
Fix4: Exercise Bike Mat
Placing a proper exercise bike mat underneath your Peloton can sometimes solve annoying clicking or creaking sounds. The issue may be caused by the bike not being utterly stable on your floor surface.
To use a bike mat
- Roll out the mat next to where you usually use your Peloton bike.
- Carefully move the motorcycle onto the mat, positioning it in the center.
- Make sure all four bike feet are squarely on the mat surface.
- Go for a ride! The mat’s dense, grippy material will hold the bike firmly in place.
If you were previously getting clicking noises, especially when standing to pedal hard, the mat may be the simple solution—no more subtle movements to knock parts together.
Exercise bike mats are affordable and easy to find online or at fitness stores. Look for ones made of durable rubber or polyethylene for the best stability.
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Fix5: Dry Or Worn Bearings
The clicking or creaking sounds could also be coming from the bearings inside specific components like the pedals, crank arms, or flywheel. Bearings allow these parts to spin smoothly, but over time, they can dry out or become worn down.
To fix bearing noise
- Locate the suspicious component – does the sound seem to come from the pedals, crank arms, or flywheel area?
- For pedals or cranks, remove them from the bike according to Peloton’s instructions.
- Clean out any dirt or debris packed into the bearing areas.
- Repack the bearings with a bike-specific grease like Phil Wood or Park Tool.
- Reinstall and tighten the components back onto the bike properly.
If the bearings are significantly worn down, you may need to replace that part entirely. However, repacking with fresh grease can often solve squeaky or clicking-bearing issues.
For the flywheel, you’ll need to remove Peloton’s shroud cover to access the bearings. This requires more disassembly, so exercise caution.
Fix 5: Contact Peloton Support
Some clicking issues could be caused by an internal problem that requires a trained technician’s assistance. Attempting to disassemble yourself risks damaging the bike.
To get support from Peloton:
- Go to the Peloton website and click on the Support section
- Explain your issue with details about the type of noise, when it happens, what you’ve already tried, etc.
- Request that a technician inspect and repair your bike under the warranty if applicable.
Peloton has experienced staff who can diagnose the underlying issue and will either walk you through the fix or arrange for a repair technician to service your bike.
Only continue riding if you can eliminate the noise through basic cleaning and tightening. Excessive clicking could indicate a more significant internal problem that shouldn’t be ignored.
Reason of Clicking Sound in Peloton Bike
There can be several reasons why a Peloton bike might make clicking or other noises during use. Here are some common causes based on when the noise occurs:
Peloton clicking noise when pedaling
- Loose pedals not tightened properly onto the crank arms
- Worn cleats on cycling shoes not clipping securely into pedals
- Dry chain in need of lubrication
Peloton clicking when out of the saddle
- Loose crank arms not fully tightened to the bottom bracket spindle
- Bearings in the bottom bracket are dry or worn out
Peloton clicking noise at high resistance
- The resistance knob needs lubrication where it connects to the flywheel
- Bearings in the flywheel are dry or worn down
Peloton clicking noise from the flywheel area
- Loose shroud or guard around the flywheel
- Flywheel bearings are dried out and need grease
Peloton clicking noise from the front wheel
- Front fork dropouts are loose, allowing movement
- Headset bearings are dry/worn, causing the handlebar stem to click
Peloton making a scraping noise
- Brake pads rubbing against the flywheel or front wheel rim
- Resistance pad scraping the flywheel at high resistance
The noises can be resolved by adequately tightening, lubricating, or replacing worn parts. However, internal issues like bad bearings may require assistance from Peloton’s service team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Peloton bike make a clicking noise when I pedal?
Clicking noises can be caused by several issues, such as loose pedals, dry bearings, worn cleats, a dry chain, or loose crank arms. The clicking is usually related to friction between moving bike components.
How can I fix a clicking pedal on my Peloton?
First, check that the pedals are tightened securely to the crank arms. Use a 15mm pedal wrench to tighten the pedals firmly. You can also remove the pedals, clean the threads, add a dab of grease, and reinstall them tightly.
What do I do if my cleats are causing a click?
Loosen the cleat bolts on your cycling shoes using a 4mm hex key. Add a small amount of grease to the cleat bolt threads and tighten the cleats firmly against the soles. Replace cleats if they are excessively worn.
How do I lubricate the Peloton bike to stop clicking?
Use a bike-specific lubricant like Tri-Flow to lubricate the chain, pedal threads, brake pivot points, and resistance knob. Just add a few drops to each component, wipe off excess, and spin to work it in.
When should I contact Peloton support for a clicking noise?
If you’ve tried tightening, greasing, and replacing essential components, but the click persists, there may be an internal issue requiring Peloton’s service team. Refrain from disassembling the bike further to avoid damage.
Final Thoughts
While a clicking or creaking Peloton bike can be incredibly frustrating during your workout, the good news is that many of these noises can be resolved through simple home fixes. By methodically checking, tightening, lubricating, cleaning, and covering your bike, you can often eliminate annoying sounds caused by loose parts, dry bearings, debris buildup, or lack of stability.
If the clicking persists after attempting these remedies, however, it may signal an internal issue best diagnosed by Peloton’s experienced technicians. Don’t let a constant clicking ruin your ride – try these quick fixes first, but be prepared to call in the professionals if the noise proves too stubborn to solve on your own.
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