Bottom Bracket Cup Identification and Removal
 

Hi there!

I've watched all Park Tool's Youtube videos and read all Sheldon Brown's articles on bottom bracket ID and removal, but I'm still not sure what bottom bracket I have and what sort of tool I need. The diameter of the cup is 44mm. The cup on each side is individually threaded and they are not connected. The internal edge of the cup has 12 notches. The external edge of the cup is perfectly round and there are no notches.

The only discernible markings on the cup are the letters "VIA".

It's an older Schwinn road bike. Not sure of exact model, as there is a thick new coat of paint covering any markings.

Pictures are below, hope you can help! Thank you!
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...fa97ee67f4.jpg

The photo is a little blurred, but looking through the cup, it looks like an unthreaded shoulder on the other side. Except for the notched hole, it looks a lot like the old pressed-in one-piece crank BB. Can you see threads anywhere?

Have you tried a cassette removal tool in there for fit?

Can you post a photo of the cranks and spindle?

How many speeds is the bike?

My guess is it's an old FFS Front Freewheel System setup.

Google "Shimano FFS"

Might need tool #4 or equal.
Shimano Bicycle System Components (1984) page 159

Shimano FFS is likely correct. I think the Shimano TL-FW20 (#2 in the chart you cite) may be the proper tool. It's been out of production for several decades, though.

http://www.os2.dhs.org/~john/shimano-tl-fw20.jpg

You are absolutely correct, it's a Shimano FFS System!

Since the tool in the manual is out of production, do you think this FR-5 from Park Tool would do the trick? : https://www.biketiresdirect.com/prod...xoCxPIQAvD_BwE

No. The splines are wrong. The Shimano TL-FW20 is the only tool that will work. You might try Sheldon Brown's bolt method could be a work around

If the proper tool is the Shimano TL-FW20, then the repro Kengine FR-04 may work THis tool claims to "compare" to the TL-FW20 and to work on FFS. I bought one a while back for a very old (late 70s) Shimano freewheel that the typical Park tool would not fit.

There is a repro of the Shimano tool available.

Correct. The diameter is different as well:

http://www.os2.dhs.org/~john/splined-fw-tools.jpg

:thumb: That one looks right, and the price can't be beat.

Personally, first I'd get a piece of flat steel bar stock and grind until it fits in a couple of the splines and try to turn (the correct direction) the flat stock with an adjustable wrench on it.
Or maybe a cold chisel that fits and turn that.