Campagnolo Centaur Never Ending Sound?

Akram in Ethiopia has a very nice Wilier frame fitted with a Campagnolo Centaur group set, but he is having a problem with noise from either the chain or the sprockets. Here is our suggested plan of attack!

Question:
Dear sirs,
I’ve been a member of your news letter for a while now and I must say, great job, I really enjoy your articles.
I recently bought a Wilier Izoard Centaur 10 speed bike from a shop in Italy. I made sure I got a pro build, because here in Ethiopia we don’t have qualified mechanics that know what they are doing.
I usually use your articles and you tube to adjust my bicycles.
But it seems that there is a noise from the chain or sprockets that I can’t seem to tune. It’s a continuous sound that starts together with the pedalling motion.
It’s really annoying and I can’t enjoy my bicycle, any advice you can render would be highly appreciated.
yours,
Akram.

Hi Akram.

Thanks for the nice words about the web-site, glad you enjoy and find it useful.

Now your problem could be one of a few things. If it only happens when you pedal then it probably isn’t the freewheel mechanism. Check that the cassette is tight on the freewheel, as long as it doesn’t wobble about then it’s OK.

If the cassette is new there shouldn’t be any problem with wear, but check that the sprockets are not bent or damaged, this is probably unlikely also.

Check the chain for any tight links, as you turn the pedals and the chain goes round the sprockets does the chain straighten out again? Or try to twist each link where they join to see if they are stiff? If so then oil the chain well and work the links with your hands until they loosen up.

Check that the correct chain has been fitted; if by mistake a 9 speed chain is on the bike then it will run very badly on the 10 speed set up.

Sometimes you find that with a new chain that it has been lying on the shelf for a long time and may need to be cleaned and re-oiled. This can also help running of the chain when it is nice and pliable.

If it is on all the sprockets then check the gear adjustments, as I think you have done. Make sure that it runs perfectly on the small sprocket and then start from there. While you are looking at the rear derailleur make sure that the little jockey wheels are running perfectly and not sticking as this will make a noise.

We hope this helps?