Bicycle Mechanics - bullet proof bottom bracket? tried all known options

gentlemen...

we got him!

the first bullet proof bottom bracket. It's right in my old peugeot frame. We are talking about the fixed cup on the drive side. I stripped the frame completely to repaint it but the fixed cup is really fixed. And yes it has to go because the bottom bracket was really rusty and worn. I met this situation before and i always fixed it on bikes but this is ridicilous.

what did i try
- both directions (i started to be confused after some while ;))
- a huge clamp to clamp the bike wringe to the BB so I had more grip
- a vice to clamp the cup in: result: a vice with some dents ;)
- the sheldon brown trick with the nut and the bolts and spacers. No effect
- soaking WD40 over longer time
- heaten the bb with a gas torch
- drill with a special 2mm HSS drill: not even a dent
- saw with a quality metal hecksaw
- saw with a electric jig saw with iron cutting blade

no results... Either the construction couldnt handle the force and jumped or it did nothing

any clues left? Last resort i can think of is welding a piece of metal to it and use that to apply more force but I dont have a welding machine.

or last last resort: buy the same frame of an online auction for just 10 dollar or so, but thats no fun

P B'laster
let it soak.
you can buy it at wall mart

thx!
would try it if we had Wall Mart's on this side of the atlantic ;)
can't find a (european) reseller here. :(

thx!
would try it if we had Wall Mart's on this side of the atlantic ;)
can't find a (european) reseller here. :(

Any decent auto parts store should have something similar. Ask for a can of the strong stuff that frees rusty bolts.

Instead of PB Blaster, any true penetrating oil (PB Blaster is a specific brand of a good penetrating oil). It should be available in hardware stores, particularly those where auto/marine mechanics or plumbers get their materials.

WD-40 is not a penetrating oil, although in easy cases it will do the job,

First, are you turning it in the proper direction? Check the thread on the adjustable cup. If it's English, the fixed cup is reverse thread. Have you read Sheldon Brown's fixed cup advice (http://sheldonbrown.com/tooltips/bbcups.html)?

yup and yup

:(

Fire takes out every seized bottom bracket if you don't care about the paint job. Please consdier this option.

Torch + penetrating oil. Torch first, then oil, then leverage. Sheldon tool is the best for really being able to honk on the thing. You might need 2 bodies with the tool: frame on ground with one person holding it down, other person honking, standing, jumping on wrench.

Fixed cups are really not fun.

Do note that Sheldon's tool requires a LONG wrench handle and or cheater stick before its going to work. I find it hard to believe that Sheldon's tool and a 2-3 foot cheater stick won't get it out. I recommend some penetrating oil and a torch as well.

Oh yeah, I use a 1/2" drive 24" breaker bar when I'm really pissed.

Pissed as in angry? Or pissed as in loaded?




Or both?

OP: Here's the name of what I've found in Europe that is similar to PB Blaster - Teroson Super Kruipolie. I hope this helps you.

Since it's a Peugeot, make sure it's not French threaded. Get out some calipers and thread-pitch gauges to measure.

WD40 and then fire can work magic.

Freeze it? I got some rattle cans with stuff to spray on for my birthday (I\ve got great friends). Takes it down to -40*C aparently. Want to try it on a stuck stem soon.

thx for all the tips.
De 'european' name is actually dutch :p
i dont care about the paint job so a torch can be an option too. I torched it already but that was with a small hand torch on lighter fuel.

thx for all the tips.
De 'european' name is actually dutch :p
i dont care about the paint job so a torch can be an option too. I torched it already but that was with a small hand torch on lighter fuel.

Being Europe the label is in many languages. I thought I should tell you the Dutch name. :)

woohoo! it's free!

I happened to meet a neighbour some house further down the block in the mean time who happened to be a professional mecanicien (in a LBS and as a mecanicien of the Dutch Cannondale team). He took my frame and with some special tools (a mechanism to clamp the wrench tight to the cup) including a huge Brompton seat post to have more leverage. And it got free! huray! now for a new paint job to make an extra bike.