Bicycle Mechanics - How Many Miles for a Bottom Bracket?

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA
doctor j
09-06-11, 08:30 PM
I have a Fuji Newest 3.0 with 11,600 miles on it. I believe the bottom bracket is a square taper. Except for very rare and brief occasions, I ride on dry pavement, and I am a recreational rider.

I've noticed a little "catch" during my pedal stroke on occasion, and I can feel it in the pedals. Also I can take the pedals in my hand, move them perpendicular to the plane of the bike, and feel a slight movement.

I'm figuring it's time for a new bottom bracket.

Would appreciate the benefit of your experience.

Thanks

randomgear
09-06-11, 10:53 PM
Pull it apart, clean it, examine the races - if still smooth, replace the bearings with new, grease it up and reassemble; if the races are pitted then replace.
time bandit
09-06-11, 11:13 PM
Pull it apart, clean it, examine the races - if still smooth, replace the bearings with new, grease it up and reassemble; if the races are pitted then replace.
Thats fine if it's a cup and cone bottom bracket, which i doubt it is.

Replace the bottom bracket right away. If the crank arms are independently loose on the spindle, replace them as well. If they both move together, you should be fine with just a new bb.