Bottom bracket maintenance
 

I've got a '02 road bike that i've owned for 2 years/4000 miles. Not sure as to how many miles the first owner put on the bike, but would like to know if the bottom bracket should be serviced. There aren't any noticeable symptoms of wear, etc. Bike in question is a LeMond alp d'huez with 105 components.

Perhaps the best way to judge is to remove the crank arms and spin the bottom bracket spindle with your fingers. If the action is smooth with a little "grease drag", then you are fine. If the action is rough, or makes a dry bearing sound then it's probably time to replace. The dry bearing sound is hard to describe, unfortunately.

If it ain't broke....

Bob

True. I assume the '02 105 is an Octalink crank and bottom bracket. These are unservicable but will last for thousands and thousands of miles with no problems. If it gets noisy or noticably rough or develops play, then replace it but, otherwise, just ride.

all i can say is the same as mud pie take off your crank arms and spin the bottom bracket with your fingers if it is smooth with a little grease then it should be spot on and it should last you for a while yet but obviously keep checking it every so often just to be on the safe side as youve had your bottom bracket for so long.

Thanks for the feedback. My dad told me to take the chain off the ring and spin the crank, listening/feeling for any roughness or play. I didn't find any.