Weird bottom bracket
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2023
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Weird bottom bracket
Hi Folks. I have a Orbit Eclipse Countryman bike that I am restoring. Having trouble removing the BB. It is a square drive with only one side (LHS) with a key way machined into the cup flange. I placed a C spanner in the only 1 slot and applied a moderate torque and bugga me it cracked the flange. Anyone know what type of BB it could be. It has no tool machining slots flats etc on the drive side but as stated a single C spanner slot on non drive. Cheers Kal.
#3
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Mid Willamette Valley, Orygun
Bikes: 87 RockHopper,2008 Specialized Globe. Both upgraded to 9 speeds. 2019 Giant Explore E+3
#4
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From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
Bill- I think soyabean meant he has seen a lot of designs but can't figure out from the OP's description which one it might be. My poor Google search for images of "Orbit Eclipse Countryman bike" didn't help me...
There's a few questions I might want answers for before I feel confident on what to do. My lacking confidence thought is that the BB outer casing has a tapered fit to the drive side and the non drive side "cup" is what both helps axially align the BB and draw it into the BB shell ID. I've worked with plastic "cartridge" BB units that have used a mix of tapers and cup/rings. Thankfully not that many...
Can the OP tell us what the broken cup flange is made of? Andy
There's a few questions I might want answers for before I feel confident on what to do. My lacking confidence thought is that the BB outer casing has a tapered fit to the drive side and the non drive side "cup" is what both helps axially align the BB and draw it into the BB shell ID. I've worked with plastic "cartridge" BB units that have used a mix of tapers and cup/rings. Thankfully not that many...
Can the OP tell us what the broken cup flange is made of? Andy
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AndrewRStewart
AndrewRStewart
#5
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From: Mid Willamette Valley, Orygun
Bikes: 87 RockHopper,2008 Specialized Globe. Both upgraded to 9 speeds. 2019 Giant Explore E+3
#6
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I've got nothing on the BB but here's a rebuild thread of an 80's countryman with a few pictures: https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/356175/ . The BB shown is not the same.
#7
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Joined: Aug 2009
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If the cup is mangled, and can't get a wrench on it, you can either back it out with a chisel, or spot weld an axle to it, and use an impact wrench, a little penetrant is a good idea. If you are going to repaint the frame the torch is your friend.
#8
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Joined: May 2023
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Thanks for replies folks. The BB appears to be steel (and rather brittle at that so definitely hardened steel). Have been soaking in good old CRC and will also use "mouses milk". I am restoring frame so will be replacing BB. Does anyone know of a great replacement BB.
Regards Kal
Regards Kal
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2021
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From: SW Florida, USA
Bikes: Yes
Hi Folks. I have a Orbit Eclipse Countryman bike that I am restoring. Having trouble removing the BB. It is a square drive with only one side (LHS) with a key way machined into the cup flange. I placed a C spanner in the only 1 slot and applied a moderate torque and bugga me it cracked the flange. Anyone know what type of BB it could be. It has no tool machining slots flats etc on the drive side but as stated a single C spanner slot on non drive. Cheers Kal.
Though you can't add pictures to your posts as a new member, you can upload photos to a personal album you create in your user profile. If you do that and then post the fact you've done so, someone here will doubtless give a "pic assist" and post them on your behalf.




