Originally Posted by
droy45
yeah, everything is original with not much wear on it to begin with. This is why I am posting this question, it is very strange to me that it keeps developing play in the shaft. I've never had one do this before. I will take it back apart to check it out and I am suspecting the bearings are grinding a groove into the cup and hence the looseness develops. It was well greased, so not sure why this would be happening. I will post back with my findings after I inspect it tonight.
Would like to see condition of spindle, cups and ball bearings.
+1 Do you have the right tools (a good lock ring wrench and a good adjustable cup tool)? In my experience, properly tightened down, I have never had this problem (in 500+ bikes). But there is always the first time (I've had a few surprises recently).
+10 I would just go with a cartridge replacement instead. Shimano UN26 can be found on line for $10. Just get the right length and realize existing vintage bottom bracket is almost surely assymetrical. Easiest way to mimic this is to just install a 2mm spacer under the drive side cup.