Bicycle Mechanics - rebuild Dura Ace 7700 bottom bracket

I helped my son take off a Dura Ace Octalink bottom bracket and in trying to rebuild it, we lost one of the spherical ball bearings. Anyone know what size those are on the 7700 bottom bracket or where one could get replacement bearings for either the needle or spherical bearings. Perhaps it is not worthwhile rebuilding.
Thanks

Just take one of the other bearings to any decent bike shop. They should have what you need. If you're going to that much trouble, might as well replace all the servicable bearings.

Most of us found the Dura-Ace 7700 BB to be too fickle to rebuild and just tossed them for an Ultegra Cartrige BB. Much more durable- reliable and simpler to maintain. I didn't listen to my friends who told me this until I tried it twice and each time had noises come back.

Yup, ditch the 7700 BB. Nothing but trouble. One of the few truly bad pieces Shimano has put out in recent years.

Thanks guys, this looks like a very useful forum. I hadn't realized the Dura Ace 7700 bottom bracket was that poorly designed. Is it a noise problem, i.e. creaking, clicking, or is it a real function problem? As it turns out, when I disassembled the other side, the cone is pretty worn so it won't be put back into action anyway. Any suggestions about where to acquire an English threaded Ultegra 6500 BB?

Thanks guys, this looks like a very useful forum. I hadn't realized the Dura Ace 7700 bottom bracket was that poorly designed. Is it a noise problem, i.e. creaking, clicking, or is it a real function problem? As it turns out, when I disassembled the other side, the cone is pretty worn so it won't be put back into action anyway. Any suggestions about where to acquire an English threaded Ultegra 6500 BB?Most problems me and my friends encountered were after the first few thousand miles. Were smooth and quiet until that point for me. Noise occured and repacking everything was only temporary if at all. Some of us think that initial installation if even the slightest bit too tight doomed it forever.
You might have to settle for a 105 BB as I didn't readily see Ultegra offered from places like Excel etc.
Just go to your LBS and ask. They won't be so much more than your time is worth. Where are you at?

The Ultegra 6500 bottom bracket is no longer available through normal sources.
I've had excellent service from the D-A 7700 BB. I'm on my second one. They are extremely well designed but not as simple to install and do require periodical maintenance (cleaning and greasing).

Al

Any suggestions about where to acquire an English threaded Ultegra 6500 BB?[/QUOTE]

Search Ultegra 6500 on eB@y. There are several listed including an English threaded BB. Lp

Check shops. they might have old stock of ultegra or 105 octalink BBs.