Bicycle Mechanics - BB type

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pringle
05-25-04, 09:57 AM
Cup-and-cone or Cartridge?

I plan on servicing my bottom bracket this/next weekend and wanted to get the right tools + parts to do so. I've got a crank that's attached to the BB via a square spindle. After pulling it off w/ a crank extractor, how do I tell what type of BB I have? A tool like the park BBT-2 (http://www.parktool.com/tools/BBT_2.shtml) looks like it would remove it. Does this mean it is automatically a cartridge, or could it still be a cup and cone BB?

The MTB is fairly old (~93-94 Diamondback Topanga). I overhauled the front hub recently, also cup + cone, not sure if that would make a difference.

Thanks.

Retro Grouch
05-25-04, 10:34 AM
If the Park BBT-2 tool will fit the splines, your bottom bracket is almost surely a sealed cartridge. There really isn't any maintenance to do on these, but I suspect it wouldn't be a bad idea to pull it and regrease the threads in the bottom bracket shell.

For what it's worth, I personally prefer the genuine Shimano TL-UN74S tool for removing Shimano splined bottom brackets. It works better because it sits closer to the bottom bracket shell so it tips less and allows you to put more torque on the tool. It costs a little bit less too.