Well this would depend on the force that was applied to the cranks... I find that if all is well set up there is a very small preload window with the Shimano (and a few other brands) external BBs. Too little and there is some end play (although you won't any get less bearing friction then this adjustment) and too much and there's increased drag. The trick is finding that happy medium where the end play is so little you only think it's still there. Having said that the external BB does have more seal friction then many cartridge types have when new. But don't fall into the trap of comparing an old cartridge unit to a new external one. That's apples to oranges. Andy.