Conference noted::bicycle

    Sounds like a loose bottom bracket.  Check this by placing the crank
    arms parallel to the ground.  Grasp them firmly and check for excess
    play by trying to move them side to side.
    
    My mountain bike had a bottom bracket assembly that constantly came
    loose.  It seemed fine until I rode out of the saddle or uphill.  Then
    it creaked horribly.  Adjusting a BB properly isn't easy so if you
    don't get it the first couple times bring it to a trained tech.
    
                                                      Mike

    Could also be the pedals.   Did you repack them as well?  Try pedalling
    with one foot, and see if you can isolate it that way.
    
    Stew

     It could (also) be the freewheel. Especially if you soaked it a
    solvent for a while. If you tried to "relube" it while there might
    have been some solvent left, it would have seriously thinned the
    lubricant. Even if it was dry, try some more or get some Phil's.
    I don't know what you used, but you need some heavy oil.
    
     I run Regina freewheels and they are legendary for this noise. I
    have to give them a Phil's bath every 1k miles or so...
    
       Chip

    Thanks for the help.  The bottom bracket seems tight but I'll check all
    three items mentioned again.  I didn't disassemble the pedals but they
    did seem stiff and I lubricated them with a light oil.  I used the same
    light oil in the freewheel so maybe that's it.  I don't think I can get
    the pedals apart.  If another check doesn't work I'll just take it to
    the bike shop.  I don't think a freewheel is too expensive since it's
    just one sprocket  but I could make it expensive if I fool with it long
    enough.

     Light oil is defintely NOT what to use on a freewheel. Are the
    pedals clipless? If not, they should be the regular "bearing"
    set and would require grease...
    
       Chip

Speaking of noise, both pair of my Look pedals are making noise.  I attempted
to take one set apart to grease the bearings and it apparantly does not come
apart.  How are these supposed to be lubed?

I can take the end cap off and lube one end but, the other end appears to have
a seal on it.  

Mark

    
    Mark,
    
    First, make sure it is the pedal spindle and not the cleat/pedal
    interface.  I've always resorted to trinkling some oil into the
    crank-side spindle opening (at least with the Shimano's, which 
    may be a different mechanism).
    
    -john

    John, I don't think this cyclist uses cleats.  :-)
    
    ed

    
    Oh... yeah.  :-)

    Another possibilty (for the author of the topic) - the bottom bracket
    could be too tight.  Once last year after re-lubing mine I over
    tightened it a little.  It rode ok at first, but then started making
    some noise.

    Make sure that the pedal is tightened completely into the crank arm.
    The pedal might seem to be tightly seated into the crank arm, but if 
    you can get another 1/8 or 1/4 turn tighter the clicking might stop.
    This worked for my bike after repacking the pedals and bottom bracket
    to no avail.
    

re .8

>>> John, I don't think this cyclist uses cleats.  :-)

Ok, maybe I'm thick but, I don't get it (must be the altitude).  :-)

Please enlighten me.

Mark

    On the clipless pedals that make noise...  On my Shimano 105s, they
    click if all 3 of the following are not set right:
    
    1.  The pedal has to be well packed with grease on the bearings - The
    shaft unscrews from the pedal housing with a splined socket that fits
    over the threaded end of the pedal shaft.
    
    2.  The bearings have to be adjusted right.  If you can grab the pedal
    when on the bike and rock it back and forth on the shaft - any
    perceptible amount - they'll click.  To adjust the bearings, remove the
    pedal housing from the shaft as in above, and the bearing adjustment is
    with a dual-nut arrangement much like a hub cone adjustment.
    
    3.  The pedal has to be firmly attached to the crank.  Once snugged up,
    I have to give it another 1/8 or so of a turn to get a good tight fit.  
    
    I've had the pedals make noise for all three reasons.  And gone nuts
    chasing the noise!  

    I haven't had time this week to continue chasing this down but the
    pedals are not clipless.  It's a BMX bike and my son is 12.  I don't
    think he would use clipless pedals if he could.  They're your basic
    plastic pedals.
    
    The clicking noise has a frequency of about three per revolution of the
    crank.  That's what led be to believe it was freewheel related. 
    Usually if the crank or pedals click it's at one per revolution, or
    maybe two if it's a top/bottom or load/no-load situation.  Keep the
    toughts coming.  I'm going to find it or take it to a shop this
    weekend.

    If the noise happens about 2 times per pedal stroke, you should look
    at the BB.  I've seen cases where the fixed cup had very loose
    threads; it would shift up then down on each stroke.

    Try putting the pedals in a horizontal position (i.e. with one foot
    forward) and jump up and down a little.  Then take all weight off
    the pedals and pack pedal 180 degrees.  Put your weight back onto
    the pedals and jump a bit.  If there is a noise just when you
    re-stress the pedals, then the cranks are probably
    loose on the spindle.

    Try in different gears.  If the noise happens twice per stroke
    in a low gear, but more like 3 or 4 times in a higher gear,
    then it can't be the cranks.  You might have to ride with front
    brakes on to get enough force to make the sound.

    It's posssible that the wheel is rubbing someplace.  Look
    for narrow clearances.  The force of pedalling could be just
    enough to cause the tire to hit the left chainstay.  Look for
    a worn stripe around the tire, or excessive play in the
    rear hub bearings.

    Look for loose spokes on the back wheel.  A sick wheel might
    make noise under power.

    -Jeff Bell

    I finally gave up and took it to the shop.  It was the freewheel as I
    suspected.  We replaced it ($10.00) and all is well.  Thanks for all
    your help.