Bicycle Mechanics - one-piece crank adjusting cone

On our trick, dumpster-fresh, new-to-us 3 wheeler, the bottom bracket is shot. I tried to disassemble in order to take the crank to the shop for a replacement. Upon reaching the adjusting cone I encountered problems. The cone is off the threads. I cannot get it to bite on the threads so it can be removed. A) this seems to validate my theory that the bearings (and maybe more) need replacement and B) are there any good ideas for removing said crank without destroying it? I am certainly more than willing to cut the crank off in order to move the project forward, but would prefer to try other solutions first.

Thanks-
Brian

the rig:
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=15559&stc=1

Alas, this is no longer an issue. This morning, we found the back gate open and the dumpster bike missing. Oh well. Easy come, easy go...

Keep your eyes open for this question coming up again, then you may find out who has it.

Keep your eyes open for this question coming up again, then you may find out who has it.
:) :)

Good one. Somehow I think the hoodlums that likely took it are not computer savvy. Frankly I'm surprised they bothered to push it; it doesn't have a chain & I'd removed the pedals to work on the bb.

The Saga Continues!
From my girlfriend, at home today:

Funny thing, on the way home I rode down the alleyway from 54th (looking
for 3 wheeler)...only to get home and find it back in the yard again. I'm
actually very relieved...that kind of bummed me out. I'll have to slap a
cheap lock on it to deter other thefts.
So, long story longer, I still need ideas for getting the adjusting cone off the cranks so I can remove the BB.

So are the threads on the cone stripped, or is the cone just adjusted so far in that it came off the threads??? Are the threads on the crank still good??? If not, I'd just start cutting...Anyway, you should be able to find a good used one-piece crank set complete with all the goodies for something like $10 bucks at the local bike co-op, if you've got one in Minneapolis. Just check to make sure it's not bent (both crank arms should be in the same plane) before you buy. Good luck!

Have you been checked for Alzheimer's? :D

So are the threads on the cone stripped, or is the cone just adjusted so far in that it came off the threads??? Are the threads on the crank still good??? If not, I'd just start cutting...Anyway, you should be able to find a good used one-piece crank set complete with all the goodies for something like $10 bucks at the local bike co-op, if you've got one in Minneapolis. Just check to make sure it's not bent (both crank arms should be in the same plane) before you buy. Good luck!

The cone is adjusted so far in that it came off the threads. I cannot get it back onto the threads by hand; I'm not sure if this means the threads are stripped or I'm incompetent (possibly not an either-or situation either).

There are a bunch of good shops in town, so I know sourcing a crank wouldn't be difficult.

Have you been checked for Alzheimer's? :D

I forget.

:rolleyes:

The Saga Continues!
From my girlfriend, at home today:

Funny thing, on the way home I rode down the alleyway from 54th (looking
for 3 wheeler)...only to get home and find it back in the yard again. I'm
actually very relieved...that kind of bummed me out. I'll have to slap a
cheap lock on it to deter other thefts.

So, long story longer, I still need ideas for getting the adjusting cone off the cranks so I can remove the BB.

It's really sad when theives bring your stuff back! :D

You do realize that you are dealing with left hand threads don't you? Normally I wouldn't ask but concidering the project...

You do realize that you are dealing with left hand threads don't you? Normally I wouldn't ask but concidering the project...

A valid question. Valid question indeed. Yes.

I think tonight the angle grinder with cutoff wheel will come out & take care of this right quick.

Finally was able to finish this project. Bought new crank & bearing set on Sat & got this mother running. Someone had crushed the living bejeezus out of the bearings & bottom bracket - the cups were cracked, one bearing cage was pretty mutilated (the actual balls sitting around between the cups). No wonder I couldn't adjust it properly. Anyway, a new crank (to replace the one that had to be cut), bearing set & chain & the bike can be ridden.

Too little too late, but the treads are left handed and the cone should be treaded back on counter-clockwise.