PROBLEM: You’re getting really annoyed by that chirping on every pedal stroke.
SOLUTION: Silicone spray is the best fast fix we’ve found.
Check that your cleats are on tight and not terribly worn. Make sure there’s no mud or gravel stuck in them. Check the pedals, too.
Everything look OK? Spritz silicone around the edges of the cleats and on the pedal surface. Think about where there’s contact and make it wet.
Why silicone? Because it’s slippery but not sticky. There’s no gunky buildup. Unlike other types of lubes, it won’t pick up stuff that you walk on after you apply it.
This fix will stop the squeaks — for a while. Silicone is light and not long lasting, so keep a can where you park your bike. You’ll need to use it every few rides.
Think about replacing your cleats. Squeaking usually means they’re getting pretty worn.
armor all or similar works great as well.
I get the knock-off stuff that is sold a dollartree or 99 cents stores, spray onto cleats…..its cheap, clean and keeps cleats quiet
Armor All works great sprayed on the cleats,
In the process of installing a new crankset, I polished the top surfaces of my Shimano MB pedals with a wire brush wheel on a grinder. This lasted quite a while. Now, instead of a spray, I use a silicon stick on the pedals’ top surfaces – no over spray mess to clean up.
I just dripped a little candle wax on my cleats, both Speedplay and CrankBros). Worked well and has lasted now for over 2 weeks and no gunk buildup.
Lemon Pledge also works.
On my SPD’s, White Lightning (liquid suspended wax) works well and stays clean. You need to relube if you ride in the wet though . . .
This squeaking was driving me nuts. It was only on my left and was going through the entire bike (BB, crank, pedal and trying to tighten the bolts on the show) and behold it was the cleat against the shoe. They are getting up there now. 3 years old but almost 3k miles. Time to replace, but all the above mentioned simple fixes will work until I remember to buy a new pair!
I have been using “GUNK Heavy Duty Silicone Spray Lubricant” for several years. It foams as it is sprayed on the cleats and pedals. However, it doesn’t last long. I am now trying the “ARMORALL” suggested above and it seems to last longer than the silicone spray.
For my SPD’s I like using White Lithium Grease, it is in a tube. Just a dab on each back spot of the cleat.