Old 06-06-16 | 10:31 AM
  #16  
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rm -rf
don't try this at home.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: N. KY
Bottom bracket bearings seem to be a "consumable" item these days, maybe every few years. So it might be worth learning how to swap it.

If my crank seems rough or noisy, I'll take off the chain (I have a Sram quick link). Then remove the crankset. BUT--make sure you know how to put the crank back on correctly and adjust the bearing pre-load. You may need a tool for the preload end cap. It's not hard, but the adjustment method depends on the crankset.

I don't remove the bottom bracket. With the crank off, I can turn the inner bearings by hand, and feel for roughness. Both sides should feel smooth and turn easily. If either side grinds, I'll replace it.

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Adapters can be difficult

My bike has a pressed-in "PF30 to threaded" adapter for Ultegra cranks. It's nylon, including nylon threads for the adapter. I found it quite tricky to screw in the new threaded aluminum bottom bracket without cross-threading. (I think the LBS may have cross threaded, backed out, and reinstalled, which mangled the fine adapter threads a little.)

Last edited by rm -rf; 06-06-16 at 10:45 AM.
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