Originally Posted by
Hypno Toad
I can see your point, but still don't see how it all gets in there. The truth is that I haven't looked for sand in the BB shell of the threaded BB bikes.
The BB was creaking/cracking and that's why it's at the shop and found the shell full of sand. You're correct, they might not be related. On the other hand, the BB30 was creaking and cracking after less than two years and 1800 miles. That seems like a short life. I understand you can ride with a BB30 creaking/cracking and not damage anything but your ears. That's not how I roll. So is the BB30 for dry rides only? Or do I need to go to a shop that has more experience with BB30 - would they be able to get a longer life out of a rebuild?
You've read the "instructions" here for rebuilding a BB30 setup, the procedure using Loctite 609 preferably with primer/accelerator on a well cleaned surface. Convey that is what you want to your shop. If they balk, go elsewhere. Or if you think they will nod and then not do it, go elsewhere.
But it needs to be said, that even without creaking due to the cartridges moving in the shell, the bearings don't last as long in BB30 as in threaded outboard cups. 1,800 miles doesn't sound so bad to me if it is the internals of the cartridges that have gone bad. It is expected. It is the creaking due to the whole cartridge rubbing that ought to be able to be permanently prevented.
Oh, and before you do anything else, you should open up the cartridges (in place) and see if they need to be regreased. Your problem could be as simple as that.