Originally Posted by Beerman
Each BB is different.
For a Euro, both of the cups thread backwards from the top, into the frame; thread one cup in (with either a very large crescent wrench or a pipe wrench, and don't forget to grease the threads), put the spindle in about halfway on that side, put the spacer onto it, and put on the other cup.
For an American, you simply pound or press the cups in (rubber mallet, or 2x4 and hammer), insert one of the bearings into a cup, put the spindle halfway through, put the spacer on the spindle, and then put the other bearing in.
And for a Spanish or Mid, put a bearing in (you should be able to press it in with your hand, after you grease it), put the spindle halfway in, slide the spacer on, and then put the other bearing in.
Ok, thank you very much for posting clear accurate instructions. It means a lot to me that you listened (well, you know what I mean). So do you not think I need a press for the American bottom bracket installation? And the cartriage bearings go into the cups, is that correct? And also, do you put the cups in so that the round side is in and the bowl looking side is facing outward? Then the bearings in that bowl-looking part? I'm just double-checking because I really don't want to mess up anything, especially anything with the bottom bracket. Then I just need to put the thin spacers on the drive-side, and the big spacer on the non-drive side, correct?
Oh, darn, I fogot to ask what parts I'm suposed to grease. Since there's no threads on the American BB cups or shell, is there still parts that I need to grease? Thanks much!