Originally Posted by
Miradaman
OK, amateur here trying to research some basic vintage bike mechanics (slow work day). Looked up the catalog entry for my '89 Trek online and it says it has a "sealed" BB. Does this mean the BB doesn't need cleaning and repacking?
Question two, I assumed given the age this bike had a freewheel, but catalog says 7-speed cassette. I assume they're not just using the two terms interchangeably here, that it actually is a cassette?
Thanks everyone as usual.
Even though the BB is sealed, if you are wanting to service your bike and fully check out it's operation - I would suggest removing your cranks to clean them more thoroughly, then use the correct tools to remove the sealed bottom bracket. Once out of the bike you can check the bearings, check the condition of the bottom bracket threads, clean things, re-grease the threads and reassemble everything properly. This will give you confidence in your bottom bracket.