Originally Posted by
TenGrainBread
You can see the cup has wrench flats. If you can get a wrench in there without removing the drive side crankset you could probably tighten it down with a large adjustable wrench. Keep in mind on this frame the drive side cup will have left-hand threads, so go counter-clockwise to tighten.
However based on the photos the drivetrain does really need a disassembly, cleaning, re-packing with grease, and re-assembly. For this you will need a crank puller to pull the cranks off the bottom bracket spindle, and a hooked spanner for removing the non-driveside bottom bracket lockring. Both bicycle-specific tools unfortunately.
If you don't do this, you run the risk of ruining your bottom bracket bearings and cups, which will be a more expensive repair than simple disassembly and cleaning of your existing BB. If there is a bike coop nearby you can borrow the tools mentioned above and look up the Park Tools video on bottom bracket install and removal. Otherwise please bring it to a bike shop for service.
On a separate note, there is some rust on the frame that you should remove. And PLEASE spray some lubricant into the bottle bosses on the downtube and plug them with the appropriate M5 or M6 bolt. Letting the internal and external rust continue will eventually cause the tubes to fracture which could result in a catastrophic road accident.
Thank you for your reply.
🙏
The last 4 pictures I posted were taken when the bike was turned upside-down; should I try to go counter-clockwise with a large adjustable wrench, when the bike is turned upside-down?
Originally Posted by
3alarmer
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...yes, you shouldn't see any exposed threads like you have. But just tightening it without disassembly and service is a bad idea, because the bearing clearance in the BB is set from the other side (the adjustable cup.) No, there's no way to do this without at least a couple of special bicycle tools.
Thank you for your reply.
🙏
The bike rides like a champ though. It is a super fast bike. I have just repacked the ball bearings (10 on each side) and grease in the front wheel hub, and replaced gear and brake cables and casings, just last week. I will slowly buy the required tools and work on the bottom bracket when I find time.
By the way, I am planning to go on a 70-mile ride, tomorrow. Is it OK for me to go on the ride, tomorrow? Or will the bottom bracket loosen further and come off as I continue to ride without doing the proper fix?