When one needs to replace a pf30 bearings, is the whole plastic shell removed, or are just the bearings removed from its plastic carrier??

What is a PF 30 bearing?, you narrow who can answer, this Q
to only other owners of that exact part.

So, may be a long wait.

get out the camera ..

Sorry. Too much acronym use I was referring to a sram press fit 30 bottom bracket.

The whole plastic (nylon, I think) shell, which contains the cartridge bearings, is replaced. I have a bike with this type of bb, and we have quite a few of them in our shop. Shimano BB86 is similar in that the bearings are inside a nylon shell also.

Good to know well biked. So when y'all do change them, is there a way to pull/press them out or are they just hammered out? Does the shell come out with the bearing or in a seperate step?
The idea of hammering things out just bugs me... Ive seen a pic of the Park tool for the job, but it looks just like a punch that fits the bearing ID.

The installation/removal with PF30 is very similar to headset cup removal/installation. We have tools that fit the various press-in bb systems, so while it's not exactly rocket science, I wouldn't want to do it without the proper tools. You should be able to find a bike shop that has the tools, these new bb systems have become very common on higher end bikes.

Thanks well biked. Yes I probably will use one of the LBS, and hoping they will use the best tool for the job (ie ot a screwdriver and claw hammer LOL)

This is the one I was referring to-it looks like it pushes only on the bearing, but if it is completely captured in nylon cup should come out in one peice-
https://www.parktool.com/product/bott...-bb30-bbt-30-3

below is probably what you were referring to.
https://www.parktool.com/product/pres...l-set-bbt-90-3

Thoughts on one vs the other?

Thanks!

This is the one you want for PF30 removal; and with a press the installation bushing that comes with it can be used to press in the new PF30 bearings.

We've used the tool that looks like a small version of a headset cup remover to remove the nylon-encased bearings such as BB86, too.

Yea that is what I figured- the BB86 etc one would be a bit small, and the bb30 one would be more exact a fit, though only engaging the bearings ID.
Thanks again for the feedback

I'll add that all these new bb systems are enough to make your head spin (no pun intended). I see the advantages of the oversized press-in type overall, and I personally think the PF30 with BB30 sized bearings but with the nylon casing may be the best of all of them. But man, with all the special tools, compatibility issues (thank goodness for Wheels Mfg and Problem Solvers), it's a challenge to keep up with all of it.

On my new bike, I'm running FSA PF30 bearings, Wheels Mfg. adapters, and Ultegra 6700 cranks. The system works beautifully so far, but.......wow. I can think of eight different bb systems we have in the shop right now, and there are probably a couple I'm forgetting.

Hmm, well biked. You sound pretty versed in this subject so let me bounce this off of you.
The reason for my initial query about pf30 removal is I'm afraid I boogered mine up. On my new build, the dealer pressed in the pf30. I misread the cranks instructions and inadvertantly used the spring washer when I should have not, though I did have the spacers correct. But when I torqued the crank nut down the spring washer was nearly flat. I spun it on the stand a fair amount doing other drive train stuff that night, felt fine, but come morning it was bugging me so I disassembled it, only to find that the drive side bearing had ooozed much of it's white factory grease out between the seal and cover.....
The sram pf30 came with plastic seal covers, the truvativ crank came with aluminum ones. I chose to use the plastic ones as they fit snuggly on the 30mm shaft whereas the alum ones were sorta loose and didin't seem to be much of a dirt/water barrier. The plastic ones were 3mm thick total with a slight ridge on the inner surface, the alum 2.5mm with a flat inner surface. My fear is that I damaged the bearings seal on the drive side and it is doomed to an early death. I've ridden a couple hours with it assembled like this (plastic covers) but keep dewlling on the possibility I killed the BB See my sig...
Thoughts?

My advice is to treat it as you would any other cartridge bearing unit: ride it until it wears out. If you've ridden the bike and have no noise from the bb, there's not lateral play, etc. then it's functioning properly. Worst case, it wears out faster than it would have otherwise, but it's not going to work at all without symptoms if it's already ruined, so I say go ahead and use it.

Out of curiosity, what kind of bike is it?

Im going to guess a cervelo

Where you been???

Niner RDO. Yes it feels smooth and solid, and is dead quiet, thusfar, but I figured it's lifespan is likely prematurely shortened by a yet to be determined amount....
Plan is to pedal it till it sounds like there's a problemo