Got a problem that isn’t easily solved? Check here first.

[GoldenGoose]

The following is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all common problems, rather, it was intended to be used for those that don’t always have an obvious cause. Problems with obvious causes were intentionally left off the list for time and efficiency of use. If you have any questions, please post them in the ‘MTB Repair & Maintenance’ forum board. Thanks.

[size=150:1y06idqc]Handling Issues[/size:1y06idqc]
[i:1y06idqc]
Bike pulls in one direction or shimmies.[/i:1y06idqc]

-Wheels heavily out of true.
-Tire pressure extremely low.
-Loose or damaged hub bearings.
-Bent frame or fork.
-Damaged or loose headset.
-Frame damage.

[i:1y06idqc]Stiff steering.[/i:1y06idqc]

-Tight headset.

[size=150:1y06idqc]Drivetrain Issues[/size:1y06idqc]

[i:1y06idqc]Chain falls off front or rear.[/i:1y06idqc]

-Poorly adjusted derailleur. (high/low screws)
-Chainring bent or loose
-Poor chain line on bike.

[i:1y06idqc]Chain jams between chainring and chainstay.[/i:1y06idqc]

-Chain too narrow.
-Dirty or stiff chain.
-Improper inner chainring size. (too thick)
-Chainring teeth bent or damaged.
-Poor chainline on bike.

[i:1y06idqc]Chain jams in rear.[/i:1y06idqc]

-Poorly adjusted rear derailleur.
-Chain to wide.
-Missing cog in rear cassette.

[i:1y06idqc]Chain skips/jumps in front or rear.[/i:1y06idqc]

-Tight chain link.
-Very dirty chain.
-Damaged chain link.
-Worn out chain. (stretched)
-Poorly adjusted derailleur.
-Bent rear derailleur or hanger.
-Rear cogs worn out.
-Loose jockey wheels on rear derailleur.
-Dirty rear shift cable or housing.
[size=150:1y06idqc]
Pedaling Issues[/size:1y06idqc]
[i:1y06idqc]
Resistance while pedaling.[/i:1y06idqc]

-Bottom bracket worn out, very dirty, or too tight.
-Hub bearings worn, dirty, or too tight.
-Chain damaged, dirty, unlubed, dry, or rusted.
-Pedal bearings worn, dirty, or too tight.
-Chainring damaged or rubbing on frame.

[i:1y06idqc]Pedal moves in/out or is noisy.[/i:1y06idqc]

-Pedal not correctly torqued in crankarm.
-Pedal axle bent or damaged.
-Pedal bearings need adjustment.
-Crankarm loose or bent.
-Loose or damaged bottom bracket.

[size=150:1y06idqc]Funky Noises[/size:1y06idqc]
[i:1y06idqc]
Creaking, clicking, squeaking.[/i:1y06idqc]

-Dry stem/handlebar/steering tube joints.
-Loose or dry seatpost.
-Loose crankarm.
-Damaged frame. (cracks)
-Dry pivots.
-Loose shoe cleats.
-Loose bottom bracket.
-Dry bottom bracket bearings.
-Cracked shoe cleats or shoe sole.
-Loose pedal.
-Dry fork or shock.
-Pedal bearing/bushings dry.

[size=150:1y06idqc]Braking Issues[/size:1y06idqc]

[i:1y06idqc]Squealing noises.[/i:1y06idqc]

-Oily rims. (V-brakes and cantilever)
-Oily rotors. (disc brakes)
-Loose brake arms (V and cantilever)
-Brake pads improperly toed. (V & cantilever)
-Rotor rubbing brake pad. (disc brakes)
-Brake caliper improperly aligned. (disc)

[i:1y06idqc]Vibration when braking.[/i:1y06idqc]

-Bent or damaged rim.
-Greasy spots on rim. (V-brakes)
-Brake pads toed improperly. (V-brakes)
-Wheel out of round.
-Oily brake rotor. (disc brakes)[/i]

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