Bottom bracket wobbling
 

Hiya!

I just bought myself a bike and noticed that the bottom bracket was wobbling quite a bit. The whole assembly is wobbling actually. Watch this video:


I'd like to avoid changing stuff like bearings etc. I don't know much about bikes but I'm quite handy with cars so hopefully it shouldn't be too big of a challenge to fix this.

The bike itself isn't worth much. I bought it to get myself to and from work, and I'd like to do it safely without ending up on the floor.

What I did notice (don't know if it makes any difference) is the huge gap between the crank and the frame on the non-chain side.

Ideas?

/Ron from Sweden

You don't get what you'd like.
Hopefully, the cups are OK and simple lubing & adjustment will fix it.
However, expect to install a new cartridge BB, worst case.
Not really that expensive.

So how do I proceed with the adjustments? :)

You must first disassemble/ clean/ inspect for damage. This DOES take some specialty tools though. Remove Crank arms (Crank removal tool) remove lock ring on Bottom Bracket (left side) special tool, remove Left side cup...again, special tool. Depending on just which one you have. Sometimes you can tap them loose with a screwdriver and hammer, but the PROPER tool is preferred method. There are videos on line of how to do this

BB adjust
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_nDBb_UGY4

I've watched that video, however that bike doesn't look like mine. It looked easy enough when he tightened it, however I only seem to have this "locking ring" if that is what I zoomed in on at the very end of the video.

You need the following tools , http://www.parktool.com/product/cran...-cranks-ccp-22, http://www.parktool.com/product/cran...t-wrench-hcw-5 ,and http://www.parktool.com/product/cran...t-wrench-hcw-4 , and a 14 mm socket to remove the bolt which hold the crankarms on . now for the adjustment , remove the dustcaps , remove both crankarms using something lke the ccp-22 , check the fix cup on the drive side (right side) of the bike using the hcw -4 , it thigh-tern ,counter clockwise , once that is done ,now move to the non drive side (left side ) of the bike , use the hcw-5 and remove the locking ring , us the pin side of the hcw - 4 to tightern the cup clockwise until the play is gone but still be able to spin the bottom bracket axle . When you find that spot using the tool hold the cup in place and replace the locking ring and thighen it . Replace both arms & bolts and dustcap . For help and more information check out http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-...racket-service .

Do not try to "lube" unless you are overhauling the BB.

Don't just look at one video - that BB takes different tools than yours. Google "bottom bracket adjustment" - many videos, step-by-step tutorials available. Same with overhaul. Look for "Parktools" or "Sheldonbrown" in results or add each to the search for two especially good sites, and in the Park instance info on specific tools.

Either way you will need a 14mm socket, a crank extractor (not enough room for the pin spanner w/out removing crank arm)pin spanner and hook spanner, or pay a shop a few bucks to do the adjustment.