Wobbly Crank.....
03-28-07, 07:23 PM
#1
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Location: Jacksonville Florida
Posts: 765
Bikes: Raleigh Glacier MTB/Commuter. Cannondale CAAD5, Windsor Timeline fixed gear
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Wobbly Crank.....
I bought a used Raleigh MTB a few weeks ago and just got done putting my first 100 miles on it.
Anyways, I just noticed that I can wiggle my crank/chainrings/bb.
Is this something I should try to fix myself? Or is there special tools required so that I am better off getting a shop to do it?
I am pretty mechanical by nature, just thought I would ask before I tryied it.....
IF more info is needed from me, please ask!
Thanks!
Anyways, I just noticed that I can wiggle my crank/chainrings/bb.
Is this something I should try to fix myself? Or is there special tools required so that I am better off getting a shop to do it?
I am pretty mechanical by nature, just thought I would ask before I tryied it.....
IF more info is needed from me, please ask!
Thanks!
03-28-07, 08:16 PM
#2
black betty
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: florida
Posts: 228
Bikes: custom flatlandbike, trek fuel ex8
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well it depends. try tightening the crank bolts. they hold the cranks to the bb
if that doesnt stop it it means probably one of 2 things. or if it fixes it but it goes back to wobbling soon
1. the taper in the crank arm(s) has rounded out and you need new one(s)
2. if you tighten the bb wich you need a tool for so you probably cant do it. and the bb is sealed bearings...then the your bb has gone bad
neither is horribly expensive
if that doesnt stop it it means probably one of 2 things. or if it fixes it but it goes back to wobbling soon
1. the taper in the crank arm(s) has rounded out and you need new one(s)
2. if you tighten the bb wich you need a tool for so you probably cant do it. and the bb is sealed bearings...then the your bb has gone bad
neither is horribly expensive
03-28-07, 08:21 PM
#3
Senior Member
Only one or two special tools are required for the bottom bracket and it depends on the type of bracket you have:
Most unsealed bottom brackets require a lockring spanner (you can tell because the lockring, located on the non-dive side,has notches in it) If the center portion of the non-drive side has flats use an adjustable wrench, unless you have wrench that fits. If it has two small round holes in it you will need an adjustable
pin wrench.
Just tighten up the bottom bracket (center portion) until it no longer wiggles, but still spins smoothly then firmly tighten the lockring while holding the wrench for the center portion perfectly still - you may have to repeat this a few times. A tenth of a revolution in the bottom bracket can mean the difference between loose or tight.
That should be enough to get the adjustment right.
But since you have to go this far, you might as well get a crank removal tool and take the time to overhaul/re-grease the bottom bracket. A link that convinced me it was easy (after not having done it in 18 years is: https://www.messmagazine.net/mess/ind...d=95&Itemid=60
Sealed bottom brackets: I don't have one, so someone else will have to chip in.
Most unsealed bottom brackets require a lockring spanner (you can tell because the lockring, located on the non-dive side,has notches in it) If the center portion of the non-drive side has flats use an adjustable wrench, unless you have wrench that fits. If it has two small round holes in it you will need an adjustable
pin wrench.
Just tighten up the bottom bracket (center portion) until it no longer wiggles, but still spins smoothly then firmly tighten the lockring while holding the wrench for the center portion perfectly still - you may have to repeat this a few times. A tenth of a revolution in the bottom bracket can mean the difference between loose or tight.
That should be enough to get the adjustment right.
But since you have to go this far, you might as well get a crank removal tool and take the time to overhaul/re-grease the bottom bracket. A link that convinced me it was easy (after not having done it in 18 years is: https://www.messmagazine.net/mess/ind...d=95&Itemid=60
Sealed bottom brackets: I don't have one, so someone else will have to chip in.
