Originally Posted by
Berre
I also used to apply grease on cotters way back in the '70-ies.
One tap used to be enough to get the (greased) cotter back out. If you unscrew the nut just far enough and let it sit on the threads it will not deform nor be damaged by one (gentle) tap.
BTW do not hit the cotters without supporting the BB axl. The bearings and races do not like a violent approach.
+1. This is how I have been removing cotters the past few years - Berre's suggestion PLUS, let some penetrating lubricant like WD-40 soak around the cotter overnight or longer.
This method has been working pretty well. I have had a couple of cotters that were just welded in - wouldn't budge. The cotters got all banged up and bent, but I eventually got it off. I think in one case, I had to cut the crank arm off. Cotters do indeed suck, after all.
So, I DID grease the cotters in respect for the next guy who takes the cranks off 30+ years from now.