I had a creaking noise which was driving me crazy - thought it was coming from the drivetrain/cranks or even the headset. Took all that apart, re-greased and so on; still creaking. As it was mostly occurring when putting down a lot of power through the pedals, I didn’t identify the rear suspension as a possible source, because I didn’t realize that this would create torsional forces in the rear triangle. Long story short, this video really helped me to identify the issue and I just successfully eliminated my creak this evening, such bliss!
You rule bro🤘🏻 I have that exact same frame, and you just saved me from going slowly mad from the creaking, and shelling out my hard earned cash to fix it. Many thanks!🤘🏻
Good to know that this is a common issue, I was taken back when I heard creaking noise on my brand new 2021 fuel EX 5!! I will perform the same process on my bike!! Thanks 👍🏻
This video couldn't have come at a better time, I've got a 2020 Fuel EX8...and the damn creaking is driving me insane!!!...Trek store said at least 2 weeks before they can even look at it under warranty...After watching this, I think I'll just do it myself! :-) Thanks!!!
@@Jamesthebikeguy It went great! As expected every pivot was dry, but ultimately, it ended up being my seat tube (even though I checked it like the video showed)...Oh well, I'm just stoked to have a silent bike!!!
@@MusicfeedsmysoulImI It was just dry, I removed the dropper entirely from the bike, greased the seat tube, reinstalled the dropper post and it been fine since.
The tips at 1:27 in particular were very helpful in sorting some random creaks in my EX7 Gen6 suspension. I had pulled apart the bottom bracket and seat post to clean/grease but had a random creak under heavy suspension load while pedalling and could not locate it. That pedal suspension side loading test at 1:27 showed up the creak very nicely. After going though all the rear suspension bearings/spacers/washers it's quiet as a mouse now. The creak was coming from the lower pivot bearing assembly, which requires removing the crank...something you did not cover. That said, it's a quick job to remove the crank and pull that lower bolt. Thanks again for this excellent video!
Hi, do you still got any problems or would you recommend buying it? I wanted to buy a giant trance x, its very comfy but im afraid of pressfit BB so started thinking about new fuel ex. Now i see a lot of opinions about creaking... :D This dilemma drives me crazy. Best regards
@@Robin887all full suspension bikes suffer from this in some form or another. Part and parcel of having pivots and bearings, just keep up the maintenance and you’ll be golden.
Ya mine is brand new and I have nothing on these pivot bolts of course, nothing on any of the axles, and it makes me wonder how much they put in the bottom bracket where it’s really important
Same as most people here, my 2021 Fuel makes crazy creaks under power. I have pulled all the linkage bolts and they were bone dry 😒. But the biggest problem is retorquing the derailleur side pivot bolt to 24Nm (it's specced for 25) and it SHEARED the nylon hanger part at the sleeve. ETA: my local trek shop says this is a common problem with the new nylon ABP derailleur hanger.
@@travisbangart8807 Hammer. I have a 2021 top fuel and it appears that it can only come out one direction,. tap tap tap... turns out it can be hammered out. Now the replacements for these are corrected so if it breaks again should be easier to get out.
Clear video , good how you check where the problem comes from as many people think its the headset when its not. Thnx again. I shared your video in the trek fuel EX facebook group btw
FYI you need to press in new pivot bearings to cure the creak and prevent damage to the frame after 500 hrs or sooner if you ride in mud and dont clean your bike regularly. If you cannot press new pivot bearings at least remove the bearing seals and clean the bearings/races and repack with fresh waterproof grease.
Your the man. Thanks bro. I can't wait to do this. To my 2020 ex7. BTW local shop wanted to charge $240 to overhaul my rear suspension 🤣 Imma do this myself and enjoy it.
Thanks James this was the ticket! I've been chasing a creak for almost 2 weeks in a 2004 Trek fuel 90. It would not make any of the noises side loading the crank or doing the saddle and tire test like on your video, however before I almost decided to try and redo the headset again I thought I would try these pivot bolts. I pulled out two of the three that I had access to and clean them up coated them with slick honey and lo and behold that was the creaking problem. I'm going to order a torque wrench tonight as I just estimated how tight by hand, but I will need to find out what my specs are as they are not printed on the frame anywhere.
Many thanks....tried several things and still couldn't get rid of that freaking creak. Found your vid and started checking pivot bolts. Lower..main pivot bolt was the culprit. Love my 2021 Slash 9.8 XT again.👍👍👍👍
@@Jamesthebikeguy There is one more typical creaking spot in Treks i guess. I had same problem with my old Fuel ex 8 and now the same in 2021 Slash 8. Head set. But i guess it is either screws done to tight or dirt. Cleaned my setup today, we will see if it helps tomorrow in the mountains.
I cannot remove the bottom pivot. It says 17nm but it's impossible with all my strength loosen it so I can re-torque it to it's proper setting. Sunday. waiting till Tuesday
How do your pivot bolts come out and go back in so easily? I take mine out and the spacers fall out and the holes become un-aligned and it’s such a pain to get the bolts back in. I have a 2021 trek slash 8
Another great video!! Thank you. Just a quick advise if you don't mind. I am struggling to remove the main pivot bolt as well as the thru bolt on the suspension "rocker" (8:10 min of your video). Which would suggest that there was no grease at all. Any suggestion what is the best option to get it out. The nut on the other side comes out howver the thru bolt just keeps spinning. Little tap of with a rubber mallet maybe?? Thanks for all the support mate!!
Great video. Thanks. Sadly you skipped the only bolt I wanted to see an explanation on the one beside the crank with the rubber cover. It's definitely squeaking on my fuel ex9.8. But it just threads in further and further. You can stop it with a hex wrench on the other side but you have no idea where to stop as the whole bolt/nut spin together.
The one beside the crank? Are you meaning the nut on the drive side that the bolt threads into, connecting the chainstay to the main frame? If so that was done granted not on video since there are so many pivots I didn't want to make the video long
@@LEEBLEY so there's a oval like bolt on the left side that got dispatched from the bike at some point. That's why it kept spinning as I screwed it in. Relatively cheap fix, but being in ottawa, Canada, it took my local gem of a bike shop over a month to get it in. Curiously, they said they've seen that bolt thrown a bunch of times. Sooo, wouldn't you think they'd keep a few in stock? Nope. LBS needs to up their game 🎮. Bitching about how the internet hurts LBS's doesn't fly when you can't support your customer that bought a $5k bike.
Great video! Very helpful, thank you James. Quick question- did you use loctite on every bolt? Including drop outs, derailleur hangers etc? Thanks again!
Awesome video! A few questions though - what about the bolts securing the rear shock (upper and lower)? Do you have to deflate the shock before taking those out?
The derailleur hanger (SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger) is not supposed to be greased. But I'm wondering if I should still add a small precise amount of grease where the chain-stay contacts the seat-stay around the derailleur hanger. Any advice? I also still need to remove the bolt that connects the chainstay to the frame. Do you recall if there was anything tricky/unusual/problematic about that spot?
@@patrickesper2252 Not sure if your question was about the derailleur hanger area, or the bolt near the chainring. But I'd advise to not put any grease at all on the derailleur hanger or it's bolt (that says UDH on it and is accessed from the outside of the dropout.) The SRAM documentation says not to as well. I did place a small amout of grease (with a cotton swab) on just the exposed bearing seals before putting that section back together. Be sure not to overtighten anything back there as much of the hardware is made of nylon (not metal). The first time around, I had greased the hanger and bolt, and this caused the hanger to shift out of it's position when torquing. In my confusion I ended up breaking the hanger. As for the other bolt near the chainring, I haven't tackled that one yet. But when I do, I'll post more info.
Hi. I really appreciate this video. I'm in the middle of lubing The Rocker axle on my 2020 fuel ex 5. Didn't notice were the rocker axle spacers came from when I pulled the axle out. Do they go on the inside or outside of the rocker arm? Hope this makes sense... Any info is greatly appreciated..
Did I miss something? If this is overhauled, what would you cal bearing replacement? Great video (GOOD SOUND IS HUGE, well done), patient, well shot and informative.
Once you work on enough bikes you will see this is very common. Adds time in the factory and that = cost. Its also something that should be routine maintenance anyway and doesn't cause any damage except the annoyance. None the less I totally agree it should be greased from the factory.
Awesome video I start having that cracking noise in my fuel ex8. One Question I did not see in your video the process with the bolts at the rear shock is the same? Thank you
Was hearing creaking and thought of my bb right away but saw your video and greased my rear pivots and eliminated the creak but I still have this constant clicking from my bottom mid section. Also I recently got the top peak torque wrench also but was wondering what the different modes mean like the track, peak, communication? Thanks for the help
DO NOT remove the seals on the bearings. They are sealed and taking the bearing seal off will deform it and lead to faster degredation. Best to let them run the course and replace as needed.
I have this freaking creaking in my bike, I do clean and lub the bolts and axles, the noise is gone for 3-4 rides and there we go again...Is someone suffering something simmilar? I'm just tired of doing it so often. Mine is also a Trek Fuel Ex 7 2020
I'm going to do this tonight! My last few rides on my '21 Trek Slash 9.8 have been super annoying. Thanks for the video!! Won't adding grease attract dirt though??
I have a Trek Remedy 8 2011 and I have a missing pivot bolt. It says 125-200 in/lbs torque. Do I still have a chance to restore this bike? Where can I possibly buy? Thank you so much for the response.
Are you using 3/8” or 1/2” drive hex bits? I didn’t buy the Topeak brand and saved some money and it has the 3/8” standard drive. I didn’t think it would make a difference since the Topeak has 3/8” drive bits and sockets. Please let me know. Thanks for the video as it’ll help me save money on taking to the LBS in the future.
Is it needed to take out the lower suspension bolts next to the bottom bracket? i have a 2019 Fuel Ex 9.8 that creaks a lot just wondering. I will try this in the mean time!
I have the same bike and had the same problem. Only 2 weeks after buying it. So annoying i took it to the shop and had them fix it! Paying 2500 for a bike to creak a week later is not acceptable
Hi James, thanks for this video, it was really helpfull. I have a doubt: Did you extract the main axle pivot(the one on the seat post, behind the crankset)? If so, how can I do it? I tried and I failed miserably haha
Yes I did, didnt add it to the video because it was getting long. (maybe by mistake as this is a reoccuring question) That one just removes like the other. The bolt removes from the Non-drive size, and the "nut" behind the chainring can be removed without removing the crank.
@@Jamesthebikeguy So it's actually two part axle? Torque value is on the chainring side but when I look inside it's circle and allen wrench socket is on the other side. Do I have to remove it from the non-drive side rotating counterclockwise? I was thinking it's the one part and when looking from non-drive side You have to rotate it clockwise and it goes in and goes out on the other side... Could You please upload this video to Your channel or send me a private link? It would help me a lot. Thank You in advance. P.S. My bike is Trek slash 8 2021.
You made the video that Trek couldn't.
Nice work and thank you so very much 🙏
Had a creaking noise that just kept getting more and more annoying everyday thanks to this video I was able to fix that! 👍🤟
I had a creaking noise which was driving me crazy - thought it was coming from the drivetrain/cranks or even the headset. Took all that apart, re-greased and so on; still creaking. As it was mostly occurring when putting down a lot of power through the pedals, I didn’t identify the rear suspension as a possible source, because I didn’t realize that this would create torsional forces in the rear triangle. Long story short, this video really helped me to identify the issue and I just successfully eliminated my creak this evening, such bliss!
Glad it helped!
You rule bro🤘🏻 I have that exact same frame, and you just saved me from going slowly mad from the creaking, and shelling out my hard earned cash to fix it. Many thanks!🤘🏻
Sure thing, be sure to torque it properly
@@Jamesthebikeguy ordered the torque wrench yesterday😁🤘🏻
Thanks for the vid! I have a fuel ex and it's so helpful to watch someone working on the same type of bike.
Glad you liked it
Good to know that this is a common issue, I was taken back when I heard creaking noise on my brand new 2021 fuel EX 5!! I will perform the same process on my bike!! Thanks 👍🏻
I am sure they will get it fixed for you
I have 3 rides on my 2021 fuel ex 5 and it is awful sounding under hard pedaling
How is trek skipping the greasing in the factory ?
@@danielhicks5031 same things happening to me mate
Well now I have a ton of rides on the bike and I can say it has gone away. Kind of forgot it used to cream until u just commented
I will do that on my fuel ex 9.9. Got it 4 months ago and the creaking noisy is terrible!
Thank you for the time to make the video.
5 stars!
Glad to help you ride quiet!
This video couldn't have come at a better time, I've got a 2020 Fuel EX8...and the damn creaking is driving me insane!!!...Trek store said at least 2 weeks before they can even look at it under warranty...After watching this, I think I'll just do it myself! :-) Thanks!!!
Let me know how it goes!
@@Jamesthebikeguy It went great! As expected every pivot was dry, but ultimately, it ended up being my seat tube (even though I checked it like the video showed)...Oh well, I'm just stoked to have a silent bike!!!
Nice!
@@dennyc6096 I do not find the creak from mine, what was the problem with the seat tube?
@@MusicfeedsmysoulImI It was just dry, I removed the dropper entirely from the bike, greased the seat tube, reinstalled the dropper post and it been fine since.
The tips at 1:27 in particular were very helpful in sorting some random creaks in my EX7 Gen6 suspension. I had pulled apart the bottom bracket and seat post to clean/grease but had a random creak under heavy suspension load while pedalling and could not locate it. That pedal suspension side loading test at 1:27 showed up the creak very nicely. After going though all the rear suspension bearings/spacers/washers it's quiet as a mouse now. The creak was coming from the lower pivot bearing assembly, which requires removing the crank...something you did not cover. That said, it's a quick job to remove the crank and pull that lower bolt. Thanks again for this excellent video!
Hi, do you still got any problems or would you recommend buying it? I wanted to buy a giant trance x, its very comfy but im afraid of pressfit BB so started thinking about new fuel ex. Now i see a lot of opinions about creaking... :D This dilemma drives me crazy. Best regards
@@Robin887all full suspension bikes suffer from this in some form or another. Part and parcel of having pivots and bearings, just keep up the maintenance and you’ll be golden.
@@adnanmajeed6916 thanks a lot for the respond :) cheers
Fixed my 22 slash with this. Thank you! My kid said I sounded like a machine gun fight coming behind him.
I have recently got a Trek and I am slightly surprised that they don't lubricate during manufacture!!! Thank you for this video!!!
You are welcome!
Ya mine is brand new and I have nothing on these pivot bolts of course, nothing on any of the axles, and it makes me wonder how much they put in the bottom bracket where it’s really important
man this is just what I wanted to see. I have a 22 ex 5 and I already have the trek creak. won't be long and it'll be gone though.
I literally was just thinking about how I'd go about fixing my creaking. Impeccable timing!
Haha perfect. If mine just started getting annoying, I guess all 2020s will soon 😂
Thank you very very much for this video! ❤
I will be doing this today. After 600 miles on my fuel ex I’m going crazy with all the noise. Thanks for the great video!
Lmaoaoaoao all the noise n weight, n money! Lmao damn son! Damn lol can’t wait for my 2022 HARDTAIL x caliber 9! Hehehheeh
My 2021 Fuel EX 9.7 just started creaking in the same way yours was, cant wait to fix this now! Thanks for the helpful video!
Good luck!
Hello James, your video gave me the confidence to do it myself on my bike with the same issue, thank you!
The creaking can come from the shift or brake cables as well, especially if they are too short
Same as most people here, my 2021 Fuel makes crazy creaks under power. I have pulled all the linkage bolts and they were bone dry 😒. But the biggest problem is retorquing the derailleur side pivot bolt to 24Nm (it's specced for 25) and it SHEARED the nylon hanger part at the sleeve.
ETA: my local trek shop says this is a common problem with the new nylon ABP derailleur hanger.
Just discovered the same problem on my Fuel. Looking for tips on how to get it out of the frame.
Yeah I've done the same thing. These are universal fit now... I ordered several for the next time I do the exact same thing.
@@travisbangart8807 Hammer. I have a 2021 top fuel and it appears that it can only come out one direction,. tap tap tap... turns out it can be hammered out. Now the replacements for these are corrected so if it breaks again should be easier to get out.
thank You!! finally I have a solution; best troubleshooting on youtube!! Thank you very much!!
Great work! Good to see you using a good digital torque wrench and cutting no corners.
I really did learn from this, thanks James.
Glad you did!
@@Jamesthebikeguy Did you also grease the bolt that attaches the rear shock?
Clear video , good how you check where the problem comes from as many people think its the headset when its not. Thnx again. I shared your video in the trek fuel EX facebook group btw
Glad it helped, thanks
Thank you so much. You are a global icon and a national treasure
Quite the overstatement, but thank you. Glad to help!
Excelent job, thanks for video
Nice ! I knew the locktite but didnt know the bolts' shafts should be grease cause' they were not! So thank you !
Your welcome
FYI you need to press in new pivot bearings to cure the creak and prevent damage to the frame after 500 hrs or sooner if you ride in mud and dont clean your bike regularly. If you cannot press new pivot bearings at least remove the bearing seals and clean the bearings/races and repack with fresh waterproof grease.
Thank you! Enjoyed the vid and built up the courage to do this myself. Now I have five full suspension bikes so you saved me a nice chunk of money.
Glad I could help!
Thanks for the great video James!! I’d show cleaning up the bolt mountings as well. Have you done that with compressed air, just rags maybe?
just bought a trek remedy 8 this video helped a lot thanks 👍
Thank you James, now I know the bike won't explode undoing the rear triangle!
Happy to help!
Your the man. Thanks bro.
I can't wait to do this. To my 2020 ex7.
BTW local shop wanted to charge $240 to overhaul my rear suspension 🤣
Imma do this myself and enjoy it.
Good luck!
Thanks for this. Ive seen this tests for the fuel ex's on a reddit thread somewhere. Good to see it in video format.
Thanks for the video! It has help me a whole lot. This video needs to be on trek website.😀
Haha, I'd be honored if they did that!
I learned a lot of great help. Shokran jazeelan tyvm 😎😊👍
THanxxxxx Bro I'm looking forward to lubing up all the bearings on my Trek Remedy 9.8 cause holy bajolie does this bike CREAK!!!
Glad to help
Thank you for this video.
more Fuel EX 7 videos please, looking at buying the same exact bike and upgrading with similar parts
Will do, more videos will come for sure since this is a Project bike for the channel.
Thanks James this was the ticket! I've been chasing a creak for almost 2 weeks in a 2004 Trek fuel 90. It would not make any of the noises side loading the crank or doing the saddle and tire test like on your video, however before I almost decided to try and redo the headset again I thought I would try these pivot bolts. I pulled out two of the three that I had access to and clean them up coated them with slick honey and lo and behold that was the creaking problem. I'm going to order a torque wrench tonight as I just estimated how tight by hand, but I will need to find out what my specs are as they are not printed on the frame anywhere.
hell yes. thank you.
quick question. I'm trying to take off the nut on the non derailleur side of the rear pivot. What's the nut size? I've tried everythying! Thanks
Thanks for your help, I’m going to do this right now ...!!
Awesome enjoy a quiet ride
I took every pivot link for my rear suspension out clean and lubed them and my Squeak is Gone ...!! Thanks
Good morning sir, thanks a lot it’s very helpful and informative
Most welcome
Many thanks....tried several things and still couldn't get rid of that freaking creak. Found your vid and started checking pivot bolts. Lower..main pivot bolt was the culprit. Love my 2021 Slash 9.8 XT again.👍👍👍👍
Glad it helped
Super useful video!! It helped me silence this asshole of a creak coming from the rear most pivot on my slash, thank you!
Glad I could help.
Big thanks!
Nice job man, thx for that knowledge.
Glad to help
@@Jamesthebikeguy There is one more typical creaking spot in Treks i guess. I had same problem with my old Fuel ex 8 and now the same in 2021 Slash 8. Head set. But i guess it is either screws done to tight or dirt. Cleaned my setup today, we will see if it helps tomorrow in the mountains.
Very useful vid man. Your channel is great.
Thanks, I appreciate it
@@Jamesthebikeguy I've got a carbon fuel ex. I was about to rip my hair out until I came across this vid! Thanks again!
I cannot remove the bottom pivot. It says 17nm but it's impossible with all my strength loosen it so I can re-torque it to it's proper setting. Sunday. waiting till Tuesday
How do your pivot bolts come out and go back in so easily? I take mine out and the spacers fall out and the holes become un-aligned and it’s such a pain to get the bolts back in. I have a 2021 trek slash 8
Another great video!! Thank you.
Just a quick advise if you don't mind.
I am struggling to remove the main pivot bolt as well as the thru bolt on the suspension "rocker" (8:10 min of your video). Which would suggest that there was no grease at all. Any suggestion what is the best option to get it out. The nut on the other side comes out howver the thru bolt just keeps spinning.
Little tap of with a rubber mallet maybe??
Thanks for all the support mate!!
Yeah, if you sweat like I do when I'm riding, you'll find that those two areas are sweat magnets. Give them a few taps to get em out.
The middle pivot the one you covered second with the thru thing won’t budge on my bike it’s really set hard
James..the reflectors on the wheels!
Safety first!
Great video. Thanks. Sadly you skipped the only bolt I wanted to see an explanation on the one beside the crank with the rubber cover. It's definitely squeaking on my fuel ex9.8. But it just threads in further and further. You can stop it with a hex wrench on the other side but you have no idea where to stop as the whole bolt/nut spin together.
The one beside the crank? Are you meaning the nut on the drive side that the bolt threads into, connecting the chainstay to the main frame? If so that was done granted not on video since there are so many pivots I didn't want to make the video long
@@Jamesthebikeguy yep, that one. I didn't expect the bolt to just keep spinning.
Turns out there's a special washer on the non drive side that's fallen off. It's named "threaded insert"
@@jamessankey01 So were you still able to remove the bolt and grease it? I believe I am missing the same washer.
@@LEEBLEY so there's a oval like bolt on the left side that got dispatched from the bike at some point. That's why it kept spinning as I screwed it in. Relatively cheap fix, but being in ottawa, Canada, it took my local gem of a bike shop over a month to get it in. Curiously, they said they've seen that bolt thrown a bunch of times. Sooo, wouldn't you think they'd keep a few in stock? Nope. LBS needs to up their game 🎮. Bitching about how the internet hurts LBS's doesn't fly when you can't support your customer that bought a $5k bike.
What about the bottom one?
great video!!
Very useful video. How about the bottom pivot? Does it get loose? How often do yo take it apart?
Great video! Very helpful, thank you James. Quick question- did you use loctite on every bolt? Including drop outs, derailleur hangers etc? Thanks again!
thanks man. super helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome video! A few questions though - what about the bolts securing the rear shock (upper and lower)? Do you have to deflate the shock before taking those out?
No need to deflate the shock.
Sorry, if already asked, but what brand/type of torque wrench is that please?
The derailleur hanger (SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger) is not supposed to be greased. But I'm wondering if I should still add a small precise amount of grease where the chain-stay contacts the seat-stay around the derailleur hanger. Any advice?
I also still need to remove the bolt that connects the chainstay to the frame. Do you recall if there was anything tricky/unusual/problematic about that spot?
I had the same question - just posting so I can follow along
@@patrickesper2252 Not sure if your question was about the derailleur hanger area, or the bolt near the chainring.
But I'd advise to not put any grease at all on the derailleur hanger or it's bolt (that says UDH on it and is accessed from the outside of the dropout.) The SRAM documentation says not to as well. I did place a small amout of grease (with a cotton swab) on just the exposed bearing seals before putting that section back together. Be sure not to overtighten anything back there as much of the hardware is made of nylon (not metal). The first time around, I had greased the hanger and bolt, and this caused the hanger to shift out of it's position when torquing. In my confusion I ended up breaking the hanger.
As for the other bolt near the chainring, I haven't tackled that one yet. But when I do, I'll post more info.
Do I also remove and regrease the bolts that hold the shock?
Yes
Also, would like to know what type of repair stand that is?
Hi. I really appreciate this video. I'm in the middle of lubing The Rocker axle on my 2020 fuel ex 5. Didn't notice were the rocker axle spacers came from when I pulled the axle out. Do they go on the inside or outside of the rocker arm? Hope this makes sense... Any info is greatly appreciated..
between the link and the frame for those spacers.
@@Jamesthebikeguy Thanks 👍🏻
Awesome, thank you. Doing this on my EX 5 (:
Good luck!
@@Jamesthebikeguy thanks. It worked, feels great again. Keep up the great work with your channel James.
Nice video, keep up the good work! Would you be able to make a video showing how to replace the suspension bearings in your fuel ex?
Will do, if/when they wear out.
@@Jamesthebikeguy 👍
Nice Bro
Very helpful, you give me confidence to do this myself. Thanks man.
Ps. Where did you get that torque wrench?
my local bike shop, yours can get one too
At 8.13 - how did the spacers not fall out? This happened me and it took me hours to squeeze them in between the frame and bearing on both sides
Can i tight the bolt without torque wrench cause i dont have one
THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH
Thank you!
Bike check of trek marlin 7 2021
Whenever one comes my way I will.
On my 2021 Marlin 7, I had creaking coming from the seat post. Once I removed the seat post, cleaned and greased it the noise went away.
The detailer hanger is nylon so the derailer breaks away in a crash, avoiding frame damage.
What about main pivot bolt below? Gotta replace mine and the bearings. 14:58
great video TY!!
You got it
I've just bought a fuel ex 7. And its creaks when i do whellie. Now i know why. Big thanks.
Happy to help!
Did I miss something? If this is overhauled, what would you cal bearing replacement?
Great video (GOOD SOUND IS HUGE, well done), patient, well shot and informative.
A bearing replacement
Whenever I buy a low end hardtail the pinch bolt cranks creak like a MF'r Never have this issue with the modern SRAM or Raceface cranks
Agreed, better quality 2 piece cranks are much quieter and more reliable.
how come those bolts arent greased from the factory?
Once you work on enough bikes you will see this is very common. Adds time in the factory and that = cost. Its also something that should be routine maintenance anyway and doesn't cause any damage except the annoyance. None the less I totally agree it should be greased from the factory.
Awesome video I start having that cracking noise in my fuel ex8. One Question I did not see in your video the process with the bolts at the rear shock is the same? Thank you
Same process
What about the main pivot bolt at the bottom?
Was hearing creaking and thought of my bb right away but saw your video and greased my rear pivots and eliminated the creak but I still have this constant clicking from my bottom mid section. Also I recently got the top peak torque wrench also but was wondering what the different modes mean like the track, peak, communication? Thanks for the help
Do you recommend removing the plastic cover and greasing the ball bearings at the same time, or just the bolts?
DO NOT remove the seals on the bearings. They are sealed and taking the bearing seal off will deform it and lead to faster degredation. Best to let them run the course and replace as needed.
I have this freaking creaking in my bike, I do clean and lub the bolts and axles, the noise is gone for 3-4 rides and there we go again...Is someone suffering something simmilar? I'm just tired of doing it so often. Mine is also a Trek Fuel Ex 7 2020
I'm going to do this tonight! My last few rides on my '21 Trek Slash 9.8 have been super annoying. Thanks for the video!! Won't adding grease attract dirt though??
I have a Trek Remedy 8 2011 and I have a missing pivot bolt. It says 125-200 in/lbs torque. Do I still have a chance to restore this bike? Where can I possibly buy? Thank you so much for the response.
Buy it from your local Trek dealer
Are you using 3/8” or 1/2” drive hex bits? I didn’t buy the Topeak brand and saved some money and it has the 3/8” standard drive. I didn’t think it would make a difference since the Topeak has 3/8” drive bits and sockets.
Please let me know. Thanks for the video as it’ll help me save money on taking to the LBS in the future.
Does it come with a kickstand
Is it needed to take out the lower suspension bolts next to the bottom bracket? i have a 2019 Fuel Ex 9.8 that creaks a lot just wondering. I will try this in the mean time!
Yes do that too. Super easy, just want covered in this video because it is the same process as the rocker link
Hi, do you have a list of all beraings in the 2020-2022 Fuel EX? Thanks for the video!
Very good Sir, I will try mine as well. But I don't have torque wrench !
Good luck (And buy a torque wrench)
I was hoping you'd do the bearing replacement.
Be careful when taking off the derailleur, just snapped mine trying to unscrew it.
I have the same bike and had the same problem. Only 2 weeks after buying it. So annoying i took it to the shop and had them fix it! Paying 2500 for a bike to creak a week later is not acceptable
Of course they will fix it, its a new bike. Pretty typical with these Fuels.
Jamesthebikeguy creaking came back after two weeks, don’t think i would buy another trek lol
Same thing for me trek slash 22 , creak after 3 rides , went to the bike shop they fix it for me and it came back 3 weeks later 😅 trek sucks !!
Where to buy not expensive torque wrench ? , love videos ❤️🙏💪🔥
What about the lower through bolt on the fwd rocker near the BB?
Hi James, thanks for this video, it was really helpfull. I have a doubt: Did you extract the main axle pivot(the one on the seat post, behind the crankset)? If so, how can I do it? I tried and I failed miserably haha
Yes I did, didnt add it to the video because it was getting long. (maybe by mistake as this is a reoccuring question) That one just removes like the other. The bolt removes from the Non-drive size, and the "nut" behind the chainring can be removed without removing the crank.
@@Jamesthebikeguy Would you mind to upload this part and send me a private link?
@@Jamesthebikeguy So it's actually two part axle? Torque value is on the chainring side but when I look inside it's circle and allen wrench socket is on the other side. Do I have to remove it from the non-drive side rotating counterclockwise? I was thinking it's the one part and when looking from non-drive side You have to rotate it clockwise and it goes in and goes out on the other side... Could You please upload this video to Your channel or send me a private link? It would help me a lot. Thank You in advance. P.S. My bike is Trek slash 8 2021.
I just overhauled my bike and about to pressfit the pivot bearings, should I apply loctite or grease?
Locktite only on metal to metal threads. Grease on any material to materiall non-threaded interface
@@Jamesthebikeguy And use assembly grease not normal grease for non moving parts
Great video. I just bought a new Fuel EX 8. What’s that green cleaner you used James?
Green Fizz, works amazing: www.landrys.com/product/pedros-green-fizz-foaming-bike-wash-242645-1.htm