Bicycle Mechanics - failing bottom bracket?

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leckig
09-19-10, 01:33 PM
my Iron Horse 3.0 (about 1200 miles on it) started making a clicking sound when the right pedal is pushed harder.

When I grab both pedals in my hands and push them against each other in different way I can feel and see a very small play on the spindle.

Does it mean the bottom bracket must be replaced? I did much research on that and I determined this is the cartridge type. I purchased a box of bike tools a while ago, so I want to put them to use, I am just not 100% if I need to replace that BB and, if so, which one to buy.
Thanks!
greg

Sixty Fiver
09-19-10, 01:37 PM
If there is play in the spindle the bottom bracket needs to be replaced but do make sure the play you feel is there and not in the crank arms.

1200 miles is a pretty short lifespan for a bottom bracket but if you are a bigger rider or hit things hard this can really shorten the lifespan of this component.
Suburban Grind
09-19-10, 01:49 PM
There's always the other possibility (ies) ... :crash:

One or both of the cranks is coming loose from the spindle or pedal's spindle loose in crank. Sometimes need to be retorqued, expecially if put on originally with a lot of grease or antiseize.

If it were only the sound, but no rocking play of the spindle, it could be a (some) chainring fasteners getting worked and creaky.

If it uses an everday shimano / truvativ cartridge it could be as little $12 - 15 as to find out if your hypothesis has any merit. You only have to know you shell width and your spindle length and your crank connection system (and version). So what's holding you back?

dnuzzomueller
09-19-10, 07:47 PM
If it were only the sound, but no rocking play of the spindle, it could be a (some) chainring fasteners getting worked and creaky.


+1

This was actually my experience about a week ago. I was certain my BB had gotten loose and was causing a clicking when under heavy load. It was just a fastener.
leckig
09-20-10, 05:05 PM
I will check those pedals once again. I am pretty sure there is play on the spindle in the BB, but the play is so small, it is hard to believe it would create that clicking sound. You guys gave me some good ideas.

So basically I need to remove the BB and measure it, I hope maybe it is marked somehow with size etc.

Thank you for being very helpful!
greg