Bicycle Mechanics - haveI done up the BB too tight?

Hi there

I bought an XT octalink BB which got delivered yesterday.

I just wanted to ask, can i do it up too tight as even though the spinning motion is significantly smoother (and doesnt make horrible noises) than my last one it seems much stiffer when Im spinning it, can i do it up too tight or do i have to add grease to it or remove anything befrore i install it, or am i just being paranoid?! does it loosen up with riding?

thanks for your help

This is a cartridge type bottom bracket, right? If so, then you are being paranoid.

Hi there

I bought an XT octalink BB which got delivered yesterday.

I just wanted to ask, can i do it up too tight as even though the spinning motion is significantly smoother (and doesnt make horrible noises) than my last one it seems much stiffer when Im spinning it, can i do it up too tight or do i have to add grease to it or remove anything befrore i install it, or am i just being paranoid?! does it loosen up with riding?

thanks for your help

Yes, you can overtighten a bottom bracket whether it's a cartridge type or not.

I'm no mechanic, but........

For some reason, on some cartridge BBs, tightening the left cup too much seems to impede the spinning of the axle.

It squeezes the bearings from the side and impedes the free spinning of the bearing in its race. Check the instructions or the Park Tool website for proper torque values.

Hi there

I bought an XT octalink BB which got delivered yesterday.

I just wanted to ask, can i do it up too tight as even though the spinning motion is significantly smoother (and doesnt make horrible noises) than my last one it seems much stiffer when Im spinning it, can i do it up too tight or do i have to add grease to it or remove anything befrore i install it, or am i just being paranoid?! does it loosen up with riding?

thanks for your help

Bottom brackets are one of the things that I use a torque wrench for. My experience has been that, left to their own judgement, most guys won't tighten bottom brackets anywhere close to the Shimano torque spec. The bushing on the left side of a Shimano cartridge bottom bracket doesn't have to be tightened to 30 lb/ft. All it does is keep the cartridge from tipping when you pedal.

The drag that you feel is from the neoprene seal rubbing the spindle. It's normal for a cartridge bottom bracket and won't affect your performance on the bike.

The tension you feel when you turn the spindle by hand is insignificant when you add the leverage of a crank.

Yes, you can overtighten a bottom bracket whether it's a cartridge type or not.

How tight should the non-drive side of a cup/axel BB be when its installed? Should there be any movement with the axel (side ot side)?

I just found my answer...
http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=93
This forum's got all the 411!