Calling bike mechanics

[Answerprancer]

(As if there are thousands here LOL)

My bike developed an annoying click/creak at the front.
It's an XC mtb with a titanium frame and mostly aluminium alloy bits. Very well looked after and not very much wear is evident. I've had the (Shimano Deore XT) triple chainset apart - cleaned all chainrings, then re-assembled (having previously marked the positions). I've also removed, thoroughly cleaned and re-assembled the bottom-bracket -using copper slip as I was advised when mating aluminium alloy to titanium.
So guess what - after about an hour's precise work, the fekker is STILL creaking!!!
Could it be wear in the chain? The gears don't slip. Perhaps I need to put threadlock on the chainset bolts and do it up as tight as a nun's c--t !??
Any ideas?
GAAH !!!

[Count-A-Strong]

If it's from the front, have you looked at the suspension mechanism of the forks ( assuming it has sussie forks).

[Vagrant]

How frequent is the click - every revolution of the crank, every revolution of the wheel, or something else?

[Answerprancer]

Thanks C A-S - but it's not the forks.

Vagrant - Yes, every revolution of the crank and definitely coming from the chainset - I've checked for bent teeth (all ok) checked for warpage of the rings (there's none).
I've done the pinch and pull test on the chain to see if it's stretched and it doesn't seem too bad.
I'm thinking it's just micro-movement beween the rings (even though I've done them up good and tight. It doesn't cause any problems mechanically, it's just annoying.

[snags]

Search Google for 'creaking xt chainset' or 'creaking xt bottom bracket. The problem is not uncommon...

[Answerprancer]

Thanks Snags, I just did that and found an article that mentioned having all the chainset bolts tightened to a specific torque - that seems to make the most sense.

[SlackAlice]

There another possibility here. Are you sure it's not the frame flexing. I had a Peugot mtb with a lightweight frame and when going uphill and using full power on the pedals the frame would flex slightly and you could hear a very faint creak.

[Answerprancer]

Thanks SA but the frame is TIG welded titanium - there are no joints that could move. I'm pretty certain now that it's the chainset.

[oscardoodles]

I used to do a lot of cycling back in the eighties and nineties and my son is now forever on two wheels........normally the click/creak at regular intervals ( worse uphill or hard peddling)...sounds like loose/dry or damaged bearings....either at the crank or wheels......never follow the urge to pressure wash your wheels until they spin at super high revs.....throws out the grease and the bearings get 'flats' on the balls or needles....hope this helps.

[oscardoodles]

Or.....bent crank.....but more than likely bearings.