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Old 11-02-24 | 11:06 AM
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bulgie
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From: Seattle
Originally Posted by mpetry912
per the markings on the cup, it's Italian thread so convention RH threads. lefty loosey

my opinion is that the wrench flats are shot. Use the bolt method - it never fails.

/markp
Agreed. Just one thing to add, on the off chance that Loctite was used, you might want to try adding heat. That will complicate things, since the alu expands more than the steel, it will tighten the fit. But (just maybe) the Loctite being weakened might overcome that disadvantage.

So I'd try the Sheldon bolt first and if it doesn't come free right away, then try heat. A hair blow-dryer will suffice if you put it on high and let the heat soak in for a long time. A heat gun, typically used for shrinking heat-shrink tubing, is hotter and works faster but those can damage paint, so don't go for maximum heating. Propane blow-torch is a no-no! Rusty farm equipment yes, nice painted bike frame no.

There's always the option to just leave it in, and clean/regrease in-situ. Put off removing it, until the bearing race is pitted -- maybe by then you'll be ready for a repaint anyway, so you can even melt it out. I'm not joking, alu parts can actually be melted out of a steel frame, doesn't hurt the steel or the braze if done carefully. I've never had to do it on a BB cup though, only stems and seatposts.
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