Bicycle Mechanics - Replacing bottom bracket question

Hi. I've got a Giant Cypress DX hybrid. The bottom bracket is getting noisy (1000 miles).
Can I identify this part without removing it. I ask this because I want to compare buying the spline wrench and bracket and replacing it myself versus taking it to a shop. It's not that I'm a cheap sob (well maybe a little), I just always have taken pride in fixing things myself.

Im also having the same issue. Bottom bracket wiggles. Im trying to aviod dessasembling my bike just to pull it out and see what size it is.

I don't get it.

You have to pull the unit before you replace it anyways...? At minimum you'll need to pull the cranks to verify spindle length.

Im also having the same issue. Bottom bracket wiggles. Im trying to aviod dessasembling my bike just to pull it out and see what size it is.

Th is is unanswerable without minimum name of bike.

Mongoose A50r (A-Series) Bottom bracket is one of the few remaining "Stock" parts. Last to upgrade.

I believe I am the only one in the world that uses this frame still.

Mongoose A50r (A-Series) Bottom bracket is one of the few remaining "Stock" parts. Last to upgrade.

I believe I am the only one in the world that uses this frame still.

Honestly, the easiest way would be to pull it and measure. Or you can start looking up your crank model and the spec'ed bb length, information that is unlikely to be available for such a bike.

I'm sorry, maybe I didn't make myself clear. I'm trying to get an approximate idea of what I would have to pay for the cartridge AND the tools compared to having a shop do the work.
I stated the bike is a Giant Cypress DX

I'm sorry, maybe I didn't make myself clear. I'm trying to get an approximate idea of what I would have to pay for the cartridge AND the tools compared to having a shop do the work.
I stated the bike is a Giant Cypress DX

Parts cost is about $25-$35 for a UN5x squaer taper cartridge - which most shops will stock. Labour will be $20-$30. Approximately. If it's seized then substitute an hourly rate of about $60/hour

To do this yourself, it's the same parts cost. BB tool will be $10-$20. Crank puller $10-$15. Add the cost of whatever crank retention system is in place. Either a 8mm hex or a 14mm nut.

I've never heard of a bottom bracket wearing out in 1000 miles, not even a cheap one.

Al

I've never heard of a bottom bracket wearing out in 1000 miles, not even a cheap one.

Al

You haven't seen cheap ones then. YST. Shimano UN2x. Chin haur and any oem bb on a low end bike pretty much.

I'm sorry, maybe I didn't make myself clear. I'm trying to get an approximate idea of what I would have to pay for the cartridge AND the tools compared to having a shop do the work.
I stated the bike is a Giant Cypress DX

According to your first post you take pride in fixing things yourself.

Apparently that doesn't apply to doing things yourself. You're asking people here to give you a more or less detailed quote without giving them the information and parameters needed to answer your questions. C'mon, you can find that information out yourself. It doesn't matter exactly what your spindle length is, at least not to determine the dollar cost of the replacement part and tool.

However, I'm going to tell you that if you really do like working on things yourself, spending some money on a BB tool and upgrading your BB yourself is definitely worth it compared to paying someone to do it. You can't measure the value of doing it yourself in dollars.

Get a good repair book (Park Blue book) as well.

According to your first post you take pride in fixing things yourself.

Apparently that doesn't apply to doing things yourself. You're asking people here to give you a more or less detailed quote without giving them the information and parameters needed to answer your questions. C'mon, you can find that information out yourself. It doesn't matter exactly what your spindle length is, at least not to determine the dollar cost of the replacement part and tool.

However, I'm going to tell you that if you really do like working on things yourself, spending some money on a BB tool and upgrading your BB yourself is definitely worth it compared to paying someone to do it. You can't measure the value of doing it yourself in dollars.

Get a good repair book (Park Blue book) as well.

+1 If you like doing the work yourself, then the tools will be well worth it. If its a one time project, a shop is your cheapest option.

And if you are real thrifty, Shimano makes a UN26 series of cartridge bb, which can be bought on line for around $10.

If it's a loose ball BB, you might be able to put in new ball bearings, grease & go ride.
The noise might be the ball retainer coming apart.