DUB Crank Creaking & Axle Wear: What’s Really Happening?
- Bike Bearing Store Team
- Jan 23
- 2 min read
DUB Crank Creaking
DUB crank creaking noises and visible wear around a crank spindle are never reassuring, especially when they appear after only a few hundred kilometres. In recent years, we’ve seen an increasing number of enquiries related to DUB-style preload adjusters.
This article explains why this can happen, what to look for, and how to prevent ongoing damage.
Understanding the DUB preload adjuster design
The DUB system uses a tool-free plastic preload adjuster to remove axial play from the crankset. Importantly, this adjuster is not designed to carry load, its sole purpose is to take up side play before the crank arm fixing bolt is torqued.
DUB-style adjuster:
Uses plastic threads (some aftermarket providers have metal options)
Relies on friction rather than a positive locking mechanism
Can loosen gradually due to vibration, thermal changes, or grease contamination
Because of this, slight loosening over time is a well-known and relatively common characteristic of the design, especially on gravel and MTB setups.
Why does wear occur on crank spindles
In a correctly set-up system:
The spindle should not move axially
The bearing race, sleeve, or axle should show no wear at all
Wear only occurs when there is microscopic movement between components.
When preload is lost:
The crank spindle can move side-to-side
Hardened bearing races begin contacting the axle surface
On aluminium axles, this movement can result in visible wear marks
Creaking noises usually follow shortly after
The issue is not about steel vs aluminium or which material is “stronger.”If there is no movement, there is no wear — regardless of materials.
Why does creaking often disappear temporarily
A common pattern we hear is:
Crank is removed and reinstalled
Everything feels tight and quiet
After 50–200 km, the creak returns
This happens because reinstalling the crank temporarily resets the preload. Once the preload adjuster loosens again, axial movement returns and so does the noise.
Plastic sleeves vs metal-on-metal contact
Some SRAM bottom brackets use plastic sleeves or O-rings, which can mask the symptoms:
Plastic-on-aluminium is quieter
Wear is less obvious
Movement may still exist but is harder to detect
This doesn’t mean the issue isn’t present — only that it’s less audible. Over time, preload adjusters on these systems may still require re-tightening.
What we recommend checking
If you’re experiencing creaking or wear on a DUB setup, we suggest:
Check whether the preload adjuster bolt has loosened
Inspect for any axial play in the crank
Ensure the crank fixing bolt is torqued correctly
Monitor whether the preload needs re-adjustment after riding
If the root cause, preload loss, isn’t addressed, replacing the crank or bottom bracket alone may not prevent the issue from returning.
Final thoughts
This behaviour is linked to the preload adjuster design, not a defect in one specific brand. Any crank or bottom bracket using a similar system may experience the same symptoms under the right conditions.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at info@bikebearingstore.com.au
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