Originally Posted by
canklecat
Identical to my '89 Ironman's Suntour GPX group bottom bracket. I expected to see caged bearings like my Univega's BB and headset but found loose bearings. No problem. I replaced 'em last week just for giggles, along with using Phil's grease. The BB didn't even need any servicing, the original grease and everything was still good, no indications of infiltration from water or debris. The rubber seals were still good and doing their job.
The only thing I did differently was to eliminate as much slack as possible from the bearing cones without any grinding sensation. The original BB felt like the cones were snugged up about half a turn tighter than necessary. But, heck, it had lasted almost 30 years without pitting the races or deforming the ball bearings.
The first time I rode my '89 the bottom bracket had a pretty loud clunk and I am hard of hearing. I figured the bearings were shot so I tore it down to see what I needed. The adjustable cup lock ring was good and tight but the fixed cup was loose. I repacked it & adjusted it right and it hasn't made a sound since. I'll bet it clunked since it was new 30 years ago. It would also drop the chain every time I went to little ring if the rear was in any of the three lowest gears. I adjusted the limit screw and its never done it again. From the wear on the chain rings its a very low mileage bike. I wonder if it was poor dealer prep?