Quick Answer: That clicking noise on your Peloton is usually loose cleats or pedals — here are 5 fixes ranked from easiest to hardest, most taking under 10 minutes with basic tools. Grinding usually means flywheel bearings, squeaking means the cleat-pedal interface needs lubricant. Here's how to diagnose exactly where your noise is coming from and fix it yourself.
Table of Contents
- Diagnosing the Noise
- Fix 1: Tighten Your Cleats
- Fix 2: Tighten the Pedals
- Fix 3: Crank Arm Bolts
- Fix 4: Flywheel Bearings
- Fix 5: Level the Bike
- Preventive Maintenance
- Get More From Every Ride
- FAQ
Diagnosing the Noise
Before grabbing tools, figure out where the noise is coming from. Use this quick reference:
| When does it happen? | Sounds like... | Most likely cause | Jump to fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every pedal stroke | Click, tick | Loose cleats | Fix 1 |
| At one point in rotation | Pop, knock | Crank arm bolts | Fix 3 |
| Only when standing | Creak, pop | Pedals or crank arms | Fix 2 / Fix 3 |
| Constant, gets louder with speed | Grinding, hum | Flywheel bearings | Fix 4 |
| Rocking or tapping | Tap, rattle | Uneven floor | Fix 5 |
| When clipping in/out | Squeak, screech | Dry cleat interface | Fix 1 |
Ride slowly and listen carefully. Have someone else watch while you ride — they can often pinpoint the source better than you can while pedaling.
Fix 1: Tighten Your Cleats
Difficulty: Easy | Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver or 4mm Allen key | Time: 5 minutes
This is the #1 cause of clicking on Peloton bikes. Why it happens: The vibration from pedaling gradually loosens cleat screws over weeks of riding. Peloton's high-cadence workouts accelerate this.
Step 1: Remove your shoes from the bike and flip them over.
Step 2: Check all cleat screws (usually 3 per cleat). Tighten any that feel loose.
Step 3: While you're at it, spray a small amount of bike lubricant on the underside of the cleat where it contacts the pedal clip. This eliminates the squeaking noise that comes from the cleat-to-pedal interface.
Step 4: Clip back in and test ride.
Pro tip: Apply a thin layer of grease to the cleat bolt threads before tightening. This prevents them from seizing and makes future adjustments easier.
Fix 2: Tighten the Pedals
Difficulty: Easy | Tools needed: 15mm open-end wrench | Time: 10 minutes
Why it happens: Pedals thread into the crank arms and experience thousands of rotational forces per ride. Even properly tightened pedals can work loose after several months of regular use.
Step 1: Identify which pedal is making noise (ride with one foot at a time if needed).
Step 2: Tighten the pedal at its connection to the crank arm using a 15mm wrench.
Important: The left pedal has reverse threading — turn it counter-clockwise to tighten. The right pedal tightens normally (clockwise). This trips up many people.
Step 3: Apply a small amount of grease to the pedal threads if you remove them. This prevents creaking and makes future removal easier.
Step 4: Don't over-tighten. Snug plus a quarter turn is sufficient.
Fix 3: Crank Arm Bolts
Difficulty: Moderate | Tools needed: 8mm Allen key, bike grease | Time: 15 minutes
Why it happens: The crank arms connect to the bottom bracket spindle and experience enormous torque forces — especially during standing climbs and sprints. The constant flex of hard efforts gradually works the bolts loose.
Step 1: Locate the crank arm bolts — there's one on each side where the crank arm meets the center spindle.
Step 2: Using an 8mm Allen key, check the bolt tension. If it turns at all, it was loose.
Step 3: Remove the bolt, apply a thin layer of bike grease to the spindle and bolt threads, then retighten firmly.
Step 4: After tightening, ride for 5 minutes, then recheck. New installations may need re-tightening after a few rides.
Signs it's crank arms: Creaking or popping noises that happen under load, especially when you push hard or stand up. The noise may come and go depending on pedal position.
Fix 4: Flywheel Bearings
Difficulty: Advanced | Tools needed: Wrench set, pliers, replacement bearings | Time: 30-60 minutes
If you hear a constant grinding or humming that gets worse at higher cadences, the flywheel bearings may be worn.
Signs of Worn Bearings
- Grinding noise that increases with speed
- A "scratchy" feeling through the pedals
- Noise that persists even when not clipped in (spin the flywheel by hand)
What to Do
Step 1: Contact Peloton support first. If your bike is under warranty, they'll send replacement bearings for free and may send a technician.
Step 2: If out of warranty, Peloton or a third-party can supply replacement bearings. Standard 6205-2RS bearings are commonly used.
Step 3: The replacement involves removing the belt cover, loosening the flywheel bolts, removing the wheel, pressing out the old bearings, and pressing in new ones. Many users have done this successfully at home, but it requires mechanical confidence.
When to call a pro: If you're not comfortable with tools, Peloton can arrange a technician visit or recommend a local bike shop that works on spin bikes.
Fix 5: Level the Bike
Difficulty: Easy | Tools needed: None | Time: 2 minutes
An uneven bike rocks slightly during pedaling, creating a rhythmic clicking or tapping as the stabilizer feet lift and tap the floor.
Step 1: Get off the bike and try rocking it gently. If it wobbles, it's not level.
Step 2: Adjust the leveling feet on the front and rear stabilizers. Turn them to extend or retract until all four feet are firmly on the floor.
Step 3: Place a level on the bike frame to confirm, or just make sure it doesn't rock at all.
Step 4: Consider a bike mat if your floor is uneven — it provides a consistent surface and protects your flooring.
Preventive Maintenance
Keep your Peloton quiet with these habits:
- Monthly: Check cleat tightness and pedal connections
- Every 3 months: Tighten crank arm bolts, wipe down the bike frame
- Every 6 months: Lubricate pedal threads, check all visible bolts
- Annually: Listen for bearing noise, check belt tension, consider professional service
A quiet bike means every component is properly secured and lubricated. It's also more pleasant to ride — especially if you're watching Netflix or following a Zwift workout and don't want mechanical noise ruining the experience.
Get More From Every Ride
Now that your bike is running quietly, get more out of every session. FitSwitch plugs into your Peloton's USB-C port and opens up a world beyond Peloton classes:
- Run Zwift, TrainerRoad, or Rouvy with full metrics overlay
- Watch Netflix or YouTube with your cadence and power displayed on screen
- Track everything on your Apple Watch or Garmin via ANT+ broadcast
- Use ERG mode on Bike+ for structured training with automatic resistance
If you're considering whether the Peloton subscription is worth it, FitSwitch gives you premium alternatives that cost less per month — or nothing at all.
Get FitSwitch — Unlock your Peloton's full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a clicking noise on Peloton normal?
No. A properly maintained Peloton should be nearly silent except for the sound of the flywheel and your breathing. Any clicking, grinding, or squeaking indicates something needs attention — usually just tightening or lubrication.
Can I use WD-40 on my Peloton?
Avoid WD-40 on most bike components. It's a solvent, not a lubricant, and can actually strip existing grease. Use proper bike grease for threads and bearings, and a silicone-based lubricant for the cleat/pedal interface.
My Peloton clicks only when I stand up — why?
Standing puts significantly more torque on the pedals, crank arms, and bottom bracket. Components that feel tight during seated riding can reveal looseness under the extra load. Check crank arm bolts first — they're the most common culprit for standing-only noise.
How tight should Peloton pedals be?
Pedals should be firmly tightened but not over-torqued. About 30-35 Nm of torque is ideal. In practical terms: tighten with a wrench until snug, then go another quarter turn. Remember, left pedal is reverse-threaded.
Does Peloton warranty cover clicking noises?
If the noise is caused by a manufacturing defect (like faulty bearings), yes — within the 12-month warranty. Normal wear items like cleats and pedal threads are considered maintenance. Contact Peloton support with a description or video of the noise.
Can a clicking noise affect my metrics?
Loose components generally don't affect cadence or resistance readings since those use electronic sensors. However, worn bearings or a loose crank arm can cause inconsistent resistance feel, making your calibration seem off even when the sensors are accurate.
How much does Peloton charge for a bearing replacement?
Under warranty, it's free. Out of warranty, a technician visit typically costs $100-$200 plus parts. The bearings themselves are standard sizes costing $10-$20 each. Many owners do it themselves — there are detailed YouTube tutorials available.
Should I stop riding if my Peloton is clicking?
Mild clicking from cleats or pedals is annoying but not dangerous. However, if you hear loud grinding, feel something shift or give way, or notice the noise getting rapidly worse, stop riding and diagnose the issue. A broken crank arm or failed bearing during a high-intensity ride could cause injury.
Can vibration from riding cause other Peloton problems?
Yes. Riding vibration can loosen cable connections inside the bike over time, potentially causing metrics to stop showing or screen issues. Good preventive maintenance — tightening bolts and checking connections periodically — prevents these cascading problems.
Disclaimer: Bike maintenance and repair involves physical components under tension. Work carefully and use appropriate tools. If you're uncertain about any repair, consult a professional bicycle mechanic. FitSwitch is not affiliated with Peloton Interactive, Inc.
Last updated: March 2026