This page features questions about tracking down noises and adjusting your Campagnolo equipment.  Click here to return to the Ask Tim page.

Q: I recently asked you about a probable chainline problem with my new Daytona group.  It occurred to me to check my BB installation, and I think it is in backwards.  Will this affect chainline, even with the symmetrical axle? 
C-O:  That's the nice thing about the Athena, oops sorry, Daytona bottom bracket. There is an offset line on the shell itself that goes completely around it, that goes to the drive side, also the bottom bracket is adjustable, side to side, so you can adjust the chainline. It really won't matter that much since it is the same on each side but double check it.

Q: I seem to be having a bit of trouble adjusting the rear derailleur. It shifts VERY smoothly from the 1 to the 8th cog but has trouble shifting to the 9th cog (i.e. the biggest one).  If it does shift up there and I pedal backwards it will derail to the 8 cog?  I am using the original 92 Record chain rings (52/42). Could the chain rings be the problem or does it need to be broken in?  Second question - my Delta brakes seem to work fine - they seem to be "synchronized" perfectly, however, they are very stiff as compared to the 99 Record side pull brakes.  Is there a way to "re-adjust" the spring tension with these brakes or do something to make them smoother?  I really like the look of these brakes that's why I bought a brand new set of them (92 version new in the box)
C-O:  First thing I would check into is the chainline. This can be because a couple of things. The bottom bracket shell assembly can be wider than a standard steel/aluminum frame ( I have seen this on a couple of manufacturers ). If so the bottom bracket can possibly be faced.  Also since you are using the older '92 crankset, there is a slight difference in chainline and depending on the exact model of the chainrings there were offset or " AS" chainrings ( asymmetrical ). Being 9 speed they are trying to stuff a lot of gears into a small area. For both of the  above possibilities you can add a 1mm spacer in the cogset, before you install the cogs. This way it shifts the entire cogset to the right 1mm which should be enough.  On your second question: Just to make sure which versions you have, are the springs on the inside or outside of the " Delta " body. Delta brakes were picky about binding. Make sure the cables are lubed with a light grease and there are no binds. There wasn't a lot of tension adjustment in these that I remember. There were built around the same time as the fist Monoplanar brakes which also had stiff brakes. The new '99 brakes have completely different geometry which makes it a lighter feel.

Q:  Here's a problem I'm having. My ride: '99  Look, Kg 271 Components: '99 Record- 9 speed. The problem; When I'm  accelerating, or  just plain hammering, there is a clicking sound which comes from the rear hub area. I've made sure the rear wheel is tensioned evenly and I've checked the hub for free play in the races ( I even made sure that the balls were the right size and count) Every thing works perfectly, but this noise is driving me nuts. It's loud enough that my riding partners can hear it also. It sounds almost like the chain is being picked up by the nearest cog , but every thing is adjusted correctly and there is no skip when this occurs, just the noise. Any help or suggestions you can give would be great. Unfortunately (for them) all of my buddies ride those "S" parts and have no experience with this kind of  problem, so they're no help. Thanks for any input you may have.
C-O:  Does this happen in all of the gears? Check to make sure that there is lubricant in the hub assembly. Also being an aluminum dropout, make sure the QR is tight ( I've seen many move around ). Also check to see if the locknut on the cogs is tight.