Bicycle Mechanics - Campy bottom bracket question

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Bigwheel
06-19-03, 02:22 PM
While removing a Mirage BB, I really had to muscle the left cup to get it off. The right side came out as any normal cup should. When I had it all apart, I tried to slide the left cup onto the cartridge as it would fit when it's installed. The cup wouldn't go on without actually hammering it on. The only reason it works on the bike is because the threads pull it on, which is painfully difficult to do. The left cup threads easily into the frame without the cartridge in place.

I've dealt with many other non-Campy BB's and none were like this. Are the Campy BB's supposed to be this tight?

BTW, the Park BBT-4 tool is about two steps above using a hammer and chisel. The Tacx tool looks much better...I think I'll spend the extra money.

Calvin Jones
06-19-03, 02:43 PM
There are tolerances on any thread. Bottom bracket cups do vary widely between brands and even between production runs.

You might consider the updated BBT-4, with positioning tabs. The handle no longer has a off-set, so it pulls in line with the cup.



http://www.parktool.com/images/tools/BBT_4BIG.jpg
Bigwheel
06-19-03, 03:18 PM
It's not the threads that are the problem, it's that the left cup doesn't slide over the cartridge very well, it's impossible to slide it on by hand.

The updated tool looks much better, although (I think)I still like the idea of the thread-on Tacx tool. Funny, I just ordered my BBT-4 a week ago, you'd think I would've gotten an updated version....oh well.