Bicycle Mechanics - Truvativ BB will not slide out

Hello. I am unable to slide the bottom bracket out of the BB shell.

I have removed the nondrive side cup and completely unscrewed the drive side of the bottom bracket. It will wiggle somewhat and I can slide it in and out about 1/2 a centimeter. If I tap the nondrive side with a rubber mallet the bottom bracket gets wedged into the shell. With a little "english" I can dislodge the bottom bracket after such an operation; but only back towards the center.

Looking into the nondrive side of the shell with a flashlight, I am unable to see anything obstructing its removal. Quite honestly, I am at a loss what could be preventing its release.

Any ideas?

Here I am pushing the bottom bracket in towards the center.
http://lh5.google.com/geofgee/RyP8gHqRsQI/AAAAAAAAAcA/3zdwvunUwoM/s720/BB%20pushed%20in.JPG

Here I am pulling the bottom bracket away from the frame. If you look closely, you can see the end of the threads of the drive side cup. If you compare it to the first picture, you can see a little extra grease reflecting the flash.
http://lh6.google.com/geofgee/RyP8gXqRsRI/AAAAAAAAAcI/Z3wn2W-XRGw/s720/BB%20pulled%20out.JPG

Perplexing...the bottom bracket only contacts the shell at the cup threads, and if the non-drive side cup is removed and the drive side completely unscrewed, it should be free.

The only thing I can think of is there may be a cable guide on the underside of the shell. Perhaps, there is a screw attaching the cable guide, and that screw is long enough to interfere with the bottom bracket.

The only thing I can think of is there may be a cable guide on the underside of the shell. Perhaps, there is a screw attaching the cable guide, and that screw is long enough to interfere with the bottom bracket.

+1

Perplexing...the bottom bracket only contacts the shell at the cup threads, and if the non-drive side cup is removed and the drive side completely unscrewed, it should be free.

The only thing I can think of is there may be a cable guide on the underside of the shell. Perhaps, there is a screw attaching the cable guide, and that screw is long enough to interfere with the bottom bracket.

I am running to the bike right now to check ...

Oh YEAH!!!

http://lh4.google.com/geofgee/RySBInqRsSI/AAAAAAAAAdI/RJHomdGZerY/s720/BB%20after%20screw%20removed.JPG

:D

Actually, I have to credit some long-forgotten poster for that suggestion. I've never encountered this problem, but recall reading about it in an earlier post.

Check your cable guide under the bottom bracket shell. Usually there is a tiny screw holding it in place. If this screw is even protruding 2 threads into the inside of the shell your bottom bracket will be obstructed. Especially the truvativ which has many lips and ridges.

If this is the case back the screw up about 1/8 or 1/4 turn and try to work the bottom bracket back in. Keep doing this until you bottom bracket slides in freely. After you have reinstalled the bottom bracket, tighten the screw from the cable guide again. Just remember you will need to do this every time you remove and install a bottom bracket.

:D

Actually, I have to credit some long-forgotten poster for that suggestion. I've never encountered this problem, but recall reading about it in an earlier post.

Still, I could not find that post through a search. But I really appreciate the helping hand. Take care bud.

Check your cable guide under the bottom bracket shell. Usually there is a tiny screw holding it in place. If this screw is even protruding 2 threads into the inside of the shell your bottom bracket will be obstructed. Especially the truvativ which has many lips and ridges.

If this is the case back the screw up about 1/8 or 1/4 turn and try to work the bottom bracket back in. Keep doing this until you bottom bracket slides in freely. After you have reinstalled the bottom bracket, tighten the screw from the cable guide again. Just remember you will need to do this every time you remove and install a bottom bracket.

The funny thing is when I unscrewed the screw, the cable guide did not move. Regardless, I took the bike out for a spin today. Definitely ready for the week's commute.

I had a similar problem: Got the BB out OK but couldn't get it back in quite right until I noted that the screw was the problem. Replaced the screw with a slightly shorter one.