Help replacing crank bearings
 

I have a Scattante road bike and need to replace the crank bearings. Is there a special tool I need to get them out and what other advice can you give me as I have never done this before. Should I be purchasing any type of bearings?

Thank you,

Lee

Most likely you have a Shimano-style cartridge bottom bracket. Generally, if you think that the bearings need replacing it's new cartridge bottom bracket time. They come in different spindle lengths and crank interfaces so be sure you get one that matches.

It requires a special tool of course. Assuming you have an English threaded bottom bracket the drive side has a left hand thread. Sometimes they're a little tough to break loose. Otherwise it's a pretty routine job.

Retro Grouch is correct and it's likely you have a Shimano or ISIS cartridge-type bottom bracket. These are non-serviceable and are replaced as a unit when they go bad. Your dealer can provide or order a matching replacement.

The removal/installation tool is a Park BBT-2 or similar. You will also need a crank puller to remove the crank arms before you can get to the bottom bracket and an 8 mm hex wrench to remove the crank arm fixing bolts. Your bike shop probably has all of these tools for sale.

As noted, the drive side (the side with the chain) is left-hand threaded so you remove the cup by turning it the "wrong" (clockwise) way. These can be very tight so plan to use a lot of force but be certain you are turning the proper direction. The non-drive side has conventional right-hand threads.

Park Tool's web site (www.parktool.com) has a large section dedicated to bike maintenance and very good directions for many jobs, including crank and bottom bracket removal and replacement. Read their instructions before you go any further.