An old Gary Fisher MTN bike with a high end Deore Group showed up at the co-op this afternoon for repair of a worn bottom bracket. It was obviously shot. The BB shell was 86mm wide and had snap rings on each side of the spindle.... After removing the rings, we found no threads, pin holes, notches, etc to facilitate removal.
Is this some kind of press fit? Press in/out? Where might we go for a replacement? We can buy replacement cartridge bearings if that's inside. Just can't get there.
Thank you for your thoughts.

Welcome to Merlin Metalworks

https://www.wtb.com/blogs/wtb/154264...bottom-bracket

You've got an early press-fit bottom bracket. Gary Fisher was one of the first to use 'em, along with a few others like Klein, Fat Chance, and Ritchey. Rubato posted some great links above, especially the archived Merlin page.

You'll need 6003 (17x35x10) replacement bearings for that Gary Fisher. Phil Wood carries them as their PW003. Outside Outfitters lists them for $9.93 each. Be careful disassembling the bottom bracket because parts like clips and spacers might be a lot harder to find than the bearings.

Removing the old bearings is the easy part. But installing the new takes care to not apply pressure through the bearing, as in pressing on the inner race when setting the outer in the ID of the shell. Specific pressure disks (or washers) are used to press both the inner and outer races at the same time. I did a number of these BB servicings way back when but don't remember if Loctite was needed.


And measure the bearing's location o the axle (from both ends) and in the shell. Yes the rings should locate the bearings but measure to make sure. Andy.

Thank you all very much-this should be educational!

DIY w/o internet Q&A...

Measure ID , OD and thickness, if you cannot read the standard bearing number off the seal imprint.

that's a universal number across all bearing maker brands..



I have a snap ring BB*, there is a spacer around the axle, between the bearings..

the spindle is smooth, same OD as the ID of the bearings, and so press fit..

New Phil BB are the same sort of press fit 17mm,

so match the bearing OD to the frame, get a bearing with 17mm ID and you can use their axles

they even sell the bearings. With submersible pump water resistant seals..


* mine used a 90 era Burly Tandem rear BB shell.




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