Bicycle Mechanics - Cannot remove Bottom Bracket

Hi,

I'm trying to remove the botto bracket from a brand new Specialized HardRock. Probably there is a lot of thread locking compound or it is really tight. Please, advice !!!

Why do you want to remove the bottom bracket from a brand new bike?

Bottom brackets are installed wiwth about 44 ft. lbs of torque. That's pretty tight. Assuming you are using the right bottom bracket tool, you will need a long handled drive wrench to provide enough leverage to turn the bottom bracket out. I've used an old handlebar for a cheater bar. If you do use a cheater bar of any kind, be careful. I know a guy who took a lot of stitches in his face when a cheater bar let go and popped him in the nose.

Also make sure you are turning the bottom bracket in the right direction. Most of them these days are reverse threaded on the right side. That is, turning the cones toward the front of the bike loosens them.

Check out the links in my post to this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21309&highlight=barnetts) for more information than you could ever possibly need on bottom brackets.

Originally posted by RegularGuy


Also make sure you are turning the bottom bracket in the right direction. Most of them these days are reverse threaded on the right side. That is, turning the cones toward the front of the bike loosens them.this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21309&highlight=barnetts) for more information than you could ever possibly need on bottom brackets. Specialized has english threads,meaning drive side is lefthand thread,clockwise to loosen.....CONES on a CARTRIDGE BB???????????

Thanks !!!
Im working on the right (drivetrain) side. The right direction - clockwise. I'm ussing the correct tools (this is not the first BB I'm replacing) ... The wrench has been broken - the result is a sore on my finger...
I want to replace the BB because the crankset looks bend (untrue when rotating). After replacing with other (good) crankset the result remains the same, so I decided to replace the BB.
I will buy another wrench and try again tomorrow. Probably a long 8mm screw will keep the tool on place.
I cannot return the bike because I cannot prove that it is not damaged by myself...
Thanks again !

Specialized has english threads,meaning drive side is lefthand thread,clockwise to loosen.....CONES on a CARTRIDGE BB???????????
Cup or cover depending on who makes the BB.

Originally posted by Bobatin
Cup or cover depending on who makes the BB. Neither one on a cartridge BB.

Originally posted by Terrago
Thanks !!!
Im working on the right (drivetrain) side. The right direction - clockwise. I'm ussing the correct tools (this is not the first BB I'm replacing) ... The wrench has been broken - the result is a sore on my finger...

Thanks again ! Can I assume you removed the lockring from the non drive side first?? It also helps to lock the tool to the cartridge with a skewer if the spindle is hollow or with a bolt and washer if not.

Thanks !
I will use a bolt and washer.

P.S.: Yes, the lockring has been removed :beer:

Why not just take it to your LBS, boyfriend? They have the specialized tools and the know-how to do the job right.

;)

Because :
- I hate to go to the LBS
- I like the feeling to ride a bike fine tuned by me
- I have the tools and know-how required for this simple task (my other bike has been completely disassembled and assembled by me and working like a charm)
I was just wondering why this BB was stronger than my wrench...

Originally posted by Terrago
Because :
- I hate to go to the LBS
- I like the feeling to ride a bike fine tuned by me
- I have the tools and know-how required for this simple task (my other bike has been completely disassembled and assembled by me and working like a charm)
I was just wondering why this BB was stronger than my wrench...


Ooooh, a real man! Wanna be my boyfriend?

:love:

Originally posted by pokey
Specialized has english threads,meaning drive side is lefthand thread,clockwise to loosen.....CONES on a CARTRIDGE BB???????????

OK, Okay, Pokey. You are right. They are neither cups nor cones nor good red meat. I was in a hurry when I posted and came up with the wrong term.

Terrago, good luck with the job. At least I got the directions about reverse threading right. The long bolt to hold the tool in place is a good idea. A longer handled wrench will probably do the job.

OK, now-assuming that, a) you have removed any lockrings, and b) you know what the proper direction to turn is, have you considered applying heat? It's risky, since you could destroy paint......

D*Alex,

Actually I was not aware that treating with heat could help... The first thing comming into my mind is that the heat will spread out the material making it harder to unwind. Probably the aluminum frame expands more than steel? Can you explain this method ?

(excuse me for my poor English... I hope you understand my question)

Neither one on a cartridge BB.

I shall allert Barnett's to contact you so they can rewrite chapter 10.

Originally posted by Bobatin
I shall allert Barnett's to contact you so they can rewrite chapter 10. A cartridge BB has a cartridge and a lockring.Give my regards to Mr.Barnette.

Originally posted by Terrago
D*Alex,

Actually I was not aware that treating with heat could help.

(excuse me for my poor English... I hope you understand my question) You don't really need heat to get a BB out. There Was a lOOOOOnng thread a week or so about getting a BB out.Guy finally gave up and took it to LBS.Out in nothing flat. Proper tools technique and enough torque is all it takes.Don't risk screwing something up.

"...and multiple brands of bottom brackets that have threaded cups with cartridge bearings inside the cups."

Barnett's

Originally posted by Bobatin
"...and multiple brands of bottom brackets that have threaded cups with cartridge bearings inside the cups."

Barnett's If you knew anything, you would also know that is not a 'cartridge' BB like the original poster has.Alot of good Barnettes does some people. Why not line the bottom of the bird cage, or use for butt wipe.

If you knew anything, you would also know that is not a 'cartridge' BB like the original poster has.Alot of good Barnettes does some people. Why not line the bottom of the bird cage, or use for butt wipe.
Time for you to go back to school.

i have found that if the bb is too tight, I put the tool in the vise and turn the frame. Works for me anyway.

It is out !!!

I finally succeeded !
Used tools :
- really large and strong adjustable forged steel wrench
- cartridge bottom bracket tool (Shimano type)
- 6 mm bolt, nut and washer to keep the tool in place

I'm happy again.

Thank you all !!!

Heat can be used to remove steel parts that are inside aluminum parts, because aluminum expands more than steel when heated. Boiling water is the way to apply the heat, not a blow lamp. If you add some antifreeze to the water, the boiling point will be raised a bit.

Thanks AndrewP. This confirms my assumption. Also the antifreeze-water combination is a really interesting idea.