Bike Forums - Campagnolo Ultra Torque Problem Uncovered?

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- - Campagnolo Ultra Torque Problem Uncovered? (https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/468937-campagnolo-ultra-torque-problem-uncovered.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahardy (Post 10377370)

a number of wrong assumptions in this post are addressed in my reply above and in the text of the original post. The ad hominem remarks will be ignored. However, as to the loctite issue: Campy's instructions call (in microscopic print) for 222, but some of the bearing cups (I used 3 different sets) come with their own locking compound (tacky yellowish bead) pre-applied. Obviously, one uses both at one's own peril, as subsequent disassembly will be difficult. As for the thoughts about grease: the bearing cups are designed to be a slip fit on the bearings, and grease has no place there and will only be displaced upon assembly. Where threads are concerned, grease is the enemy of all loctite compounds.

No offense, but you have no idea what you're talking about. Campy UT cups are pregreased and unless you like seized bearings, you WILL redistribute that grease so that it contacts the bearings. As for loctite on bearing cups. Yes they all come with loctite on them, doesn't mean that is the proper thing to use, nor the best.

Anyones who's actually wrenched on bikes that mattered would know to either use anti-seize or grease on BB cups and torque. If you had actually greased things instead of following the incorrect installation instructions you wouldn't have taken yourself on a wild goose chase.

We've installed a million UT cranks since their introduction and never had such noise problems. It's not a problem with the design, or the components. It's the mechanic.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahardy (Post 10377322)

I disagree on this issue of shims vs. wavy washer. Obviously, Campy has tested and approved the wavy washer approach. But the variation of 1mm or more in bb dimensions calls for a more exacting installation, for which shims are not a substitute but a supplement. This point is moot in my instance, however, as three different sets of cups, two sets of bearings, and the shims didn't affect the problem described.

If shims are used they should not be placed under the wave washer or as a substitute for the wave washer. The only time they are appropriate is if the BB shell width is under or near the low limit, a spacer under the left cup can be used to bring the BB width into spec, or toward the high side of the width limit.

There is the possibility of an improperly made crank and I noted how that can be identified. Use a dial indicator setup to measure the play without the wave washer to be sure that it does not exceed 2mm. The wave washer must be compressed to preload the bearings. Since it's about 3mm in height in it's free state and about .6mm thick, the 1.6mm range of acceptable BB width variation makes perfect sense.

I did my own test on the wave washer to see how much weight was required to compress it. 25 lbs will cause significant compression and 50 just about squashes the washer flat.

About greasing the cups. It sure can't hurt a thing. Dry metal to metal contact is asking for creaks. You're wrong about the grease being totally displaced - it won't be. Oil could also be used, but I'd never assemble the cups dry.