Originally Posted by
Newest Rider
So about 15 months ago I bought a road bike (aluminium frame) with a threaded bottom bracket (Shimano BB-RS500) and while they were setting up the bike at the shop, they realised the bottom bracket was put on reverse sided (left cup on right side and vice versa), then they removed it and installed it the correct way (right cup on right and left cup on left side). I asked them if that would be a problem and they said it would not. This was about 15 months ago.
Two weeks I took my bike to get serviced and I mentioned a clicking sound from bb to my mechanic (different shop and mechanic) he said he will take a look at it. When I picked up my bike, he said the right cup was way too tight to remove. So that initial reverse installation was already bothering me from day one and since I heard this tightness it started to bother me even more.
My question is if I manage to uninstall that bottom bracket, what damage may be beneath it, like would the threads on the bb be damaged or the threads in my frame would be damaged, and would replacing that initially reverse installed then correctly installed bottom bracket solve all possible problems (including that clicking sound)? What would you suggest me to do? Should I just leave it as it is or should I replace the bottom bracket (I wanted to upgrade my bb too because it came as a lower model than what was written on the product page, I'm a little perfectionist).
Thanks for your help in advance.
aluminum BB, aluminum frame... the threads will be roached on the frame and BB just about equally. IF the right cup was"too tight", it would have to be improperly threaded since the threads were already bunged up by the first incorrect install and it would also look ruined on the OUTSIDE of the cup. you never said a thing about that factor.
too many odd things mentioned or overlooked.... like the fact that you rode it messed up for over a YEAR, out of alignment and dragging badly......
putting a BB cup into opposite threads ends with the cup NOT fully installed, and it doesn't line up correctly.
installing a Hollowtech 2 crank into it would be nearly impossible, and the crank wouldn't turn well, if at all.
i've run across this a couple of times, but with steel frame and aluminum BB, or an aluminum frame and steel 5 piece BB. I've seen ONE steel/steel case of backward insy=tall..that bike went away to be made into a really cheap washing machine and two walmart steel rims.
neither one turned well.. one was WAY too loose, regarding adjustment, and the other one displayed drag,was a hassle, but came apart... the steel/steel didn't turn at all since the caged bearings got crushed, then rusted too.... i saved the ashtabula valentine crank.
either the first "shop" screwed up then lied about their mistake, and the second shop is also lying,,
,,,,, or you're the one lying.
i'm leaning towards option #2.
just my opinion.
using a BB tap set will POSSIBLY get things sorted out, or could leave too little thread to properly seat the new BB you will need to buy and try to install.
and there's a small chance that shop #1 bought you a year of riding by re-installing one cup with some evil green Bearing Retainer Locktite.... in that case, heat is your friend, but not at all friendly to paint..
Good Luck
